Chapter XVI The ninth circle of Hell is reserved for Traitors

A/N: This chapter was originally going to have an entirely different composition, specifically the second part, but looking at my plot line plan, I moved a certain scene forward and other scenes back in the timeline. I hope it all fits well.

We are now approaching the culminating point of the first book, as the chapter plan has only 24 chapters. However it initially only held 20, but as I started writing and added subplots, had to resolve them later on, it grew and grew and grew. However, the end is in sight; the plot is moving towards a grander scale and maybe some more light is she for different characters in the next chapters. Wait and see…

As always, reviewing is good for the soul.

A stormy winter day swept Diagon Alley of most of its shoppers, herding them towards the comfort of the numerous pubs and ale houses, much to the chagrin of merchants and shopkeepers. In contrast, Palace Alley swarmed with attention, crammed with reporters and government officials, all trying to get as close to the steps as the cordon of the First Regiment Auror Guards had created to maintain easy access into The Lords and Commons Palace. Alpheus Clark, senior reporter of the politics section of The Daily Prophet muscled his way across the crowd, swearing in his mind at the ICW decision which liberalised press access throughout the old world. It seemed as half of the newspapers of the seven countries had decided to send a reporter to Diagon Alley to steal his proper spot. Such an agglomeration of wizards meant that owls were flying in circles above, with some of the older ones perching on the portico of the Palace. While the charms present on the building ensured bird dropping simply glanced off, some of the members in the crowd were not so lucky. Establishing eye contact with one of the Aurors whom he paid particular attention to at Christmas, Alpheus was quickly escorted by the Auror through the crowd, near to the entrance of the Palace. There Alpheus took one glance around and began dictating.

'The constitutional crisis that we find ourselves now in is unprecedented,' said Alpheus Clark, 'not since the time of Grindewald have we seen the splintering of a political party in a time of martial law. 'Political Commentators to the Prophet have suggested that such an action would only hurt election standings for Nobilitas and Aliquanta, following the resignation of certain key members in the Dominions.' Alpheus' train of thoughts interrupted as his young aide's attention skipped from recording his notes to the young Lords entering the Palace behind him. He swore that these Hogwarts graduates became more useless every year.

'Rita, am I keeping you from something,' snapped Alpheus, causing the blonde to jump startled.

'Of course not, sir,' replied Rita, a sickeningly sweet smile on her face, 'I was merely on the lookout for someone important for you to interview.'

'Anyone important is highly unlikely to be under forty, Rita,' said Alpheus, 'kindly pay attention if you will.'

'Of course, sir,' replied Rita, as her hands returned to grasp the speed quill by which Alpheus insisted all his notes should be kept. In her mind the man's eccentricities were getting too much to bear. Who the hell dictated notes anymore, since Amanuensis came out with self writing quills a decade ago? Alpheus was so last century. Still, he seemed to ignore her feminine charms, so Rita needed another method to use for advancement with him. Actually, she should look more closely into the reason he was ignoring her feminine guiles. Filing away the thought for future consideration, she returned her attention to recording the words that Alpheus dictated in monotone.

'The recent escalation of the crisis in Ireland has led to the Novus Veneficus requesting the establishment of a special commission to investigate the performance of the current Minister of Magic. Current owl opinion polls say that confidence in the Minister is at an all time low, with much of the public calling for a vote of no confidence. On another note, the seven dead Aurors in the recent patrol are being repatriated today, a fact which will weigh heavily on the voters' and the lords' minds as they are voting on the commission. Contacted by the Daily Prophet, the leaders of the Nobilitas Party have refused to comment on the string of inefficient Ministers of Magic that have occupied the seat of government in recent years. Considering the majority that the Nobilitas holds in the House of Lords by virtue of birth, our readers would be forgiven if they considered the matter a foregone conclusion. However, the Daily Prophet wishes to remind its faithful readers of the rumours of fractures within the Nobilitas Party, culminating with the vote on the posting of the late Mr. Orion Black as Governor of Magical Ireland. The anti-war faction within the Nobilitas could potentially stand to destabilize today's vote, although our sources within the Nobilitas party assured us the party speaks with one voice, as always.'

'Have you finished writing?' asked Alpheus

'Just one second,' said Rita, her quill scribing furiously across the page, 'There'

Alpheus diagonally scanned the parchment, satisfied with the lack of errors, then extended his arm signalling one of the Daily Prophet owls to descend. Instantly a massive owl with grey plumage dived from the portico, landing on Alpheus' outstretched arm, causing the wizard to buckle slightly with the effort. Tying the parchment to the owl's leg, Alpheus catapulted the heavy owl which beat its powerful wings quickly, heading for the Daily Prophet offices on Diagon Alley. With luck, and a lack of sabotage from jealous rivals, the article would make it into a special lunchtime edition of the Prophet.

Meanwhile in the House of Lords…

Albus Dumbledore sat gravely in the high-back throne-like chair reserved for the Chairman of the House, the murmur of the crowd gradually quieting down, as everyone anxiously awaited the words of the Chairman which would detail the business of the day. Dumbledore took advantage of the silence to scan the crowd, asserting his importance as Chairman in an attempt to humble some of the more arrogant Lords.

The action seemed to infuriate some and humour others, although the triumvirs of the Nobilitas Party remained unimpressed, Abraxas Malfoy even turning to whisper something to his friend Cygnus.

'Has the date for the wedding been set yet? I am leaving for an International Confederacy of Wizards conference that I need to name a replacement for if I can't attend.'

'Due to Orion's death, as a sign of respect, it's been postponed for a year, much to Bella's displeasure,' replied Cygnus, 'so you may go without worry.'

'Lords of the realm,' spoke Dumbledore, his ocular tour of the chamber complete, 'I have in front of me a resolution proposed by Lord Potter on behalf of the Novus Veneficus, that is signed by a large proportion of the Aliquanta as well. It proposes the creation of a special commission, composed of representatives from the three political parties for the investigation of the "poor" performance of the current Minister of Magic. Unless there are any objections, I will proceed to read the contents of the proposal.' Surprisingly opposition to the resolution seemed to await a better channel, as the House remained silent.

The Occupation of Ireland has been mishandled by the current administration. Our Aurors are currently taking large casualties in patrols that serve little point beyo. As soon as the Aurors leave the area, malcontent returns. We do not have the resources to enforce an Auror State in Magical Ireland, nor do we (Novus Veneficus) consider this to be an appropriate, moral course of action.

The Anti-War Coalition in this House addresses that now more than ever we need a strong leader, someone who could reassert the pride in our great state which is much denied the ability and one with the diplomatic skill needed to handle such a delicate problem.

We of the Novus Veneficus can no longer sit by and abide the succession of administrations with little independent action or thought. The House of Lords is not here to govern the realm. The division of power is clear Judicial, Legislative, and Executive – Wizengamot, Houses of Lords and Commons, Ministry of Magic. The increasing blurring of the last two in the categories is the result of the lack of assertiveness of the position of Minister of Magic.

Our state used to be at the forefront of civilization in Europe and yet with each passing year we seem to sink furthermore into barbarism and tyranny. Part of the problem identified lies in the persona of the Minister of Magic, Millicent Bagnold. Therefore, in the interests of justice in this realm and unhindered by anyone, we of independent will and action propose the following to the House of Lords:

The creation of a Special Commission of two representatives of each group, elected by inner-party ballot or whichever decision is deemed appropriate;

The Special Commission to investigate the Minister's performance and produce a Special Report for this House to aid in the decision of future matters;

Signed, on behalf of the Novus Veneficus, certain Aliquanta Members as well as delegates which adhere as independents in the presence of the Chairman of the House.'

The House had remained quiet throughout much of the resolution, which had been fairly civil in its assessments. After all, public opinion had shifted a great deal against Millicent Bagnold, causing even leading members of the Aliquanta to distance themselves away from the ineffective Ministry of Magic. One announcement however, read by Dumbledore in the same grandfatherly voice he used to speak to the students at Hogwarts caused a murmur to break through the chamber.

'Independents,' puffed Lord Lestrange, 'The old man has clearly lost his mind. There haven't been any independents in the House of Lords since the time Novus Veneficus broke from the Aliquanta in the 1920s'

'I fear the implications of this announcement,' said Abraxas, a slight sheen of perspiration matting his forehead, although his expression remained unchanged. 'Cygnus, you were at the party conference before this session. Any unusual aspects?'

'A few absences,' replied Cygnus, willing himself to not turn around and stare his fellow party members into obedience, 'mostly from the younger lordships, but that is nothing out of the ordinary, considering it was Monday morning.'

'What about your spy, Roberto,' asked Abraxas, 'has he informed you of any unusual developments?'

'Roberto has been rather scarce of late;' replied Cygnus, 'but no news worth mentioning has reached my ears.'

'It must mean the Aliquanta,' laughed Lord Lestrange, 'Lord MacMillan has maybe lost the reins over his sheep;'

'Let us pray it is so,' replied Abraxas, as the murmurs were dying down and the chamber had once again come to order. To allay some of the three's fears, Lord MacMillan seemed far more worried than any of them, whispering to his closest advisers well after the rest of the chamber had quieted down, earning a few gavel hits and a reproving look from Dumbledore.

'Those wishing to speak in favour of the resolution may approach the podium,' said Dumbledore, opening the floor for discussion. Richard Potter approached the podium, smilingly confidently.

'My Lords, the resolution presented in front of you is mercifully short, as I realise it is a Monday,' said Lord Potter, eliciting some laughs from the audience, 'but it is nonetheless extremely important. The Minister of Magic has committed some grave errors of judgement, errors which put the stability and safety of our Republic to the test, as well as cause much misery and malcontent in Ireland. As you are aware, my colleagues and I have opposed this action from the very beginning, but we wish to do the best we can under the circumstances. That no longer involves sitting by and accepting the leadership of Minister Bagnold. We believe that the actions the Ministry has taken as of late no longer represent the welfare of the people we represent. As such we wish to institute a commission, with two members from each group in the House to analyse the Minister's performance and decide on whether the Lords should pursue a vote of no confidence against the Minister,' Lord Potter paused a second to dredge his voice before continuing with renewed vigour, 'I know that some elements of this House support Millicent Bagnold and that is undoubtedly their right. However, I call upon you to demonstrate a chivalrous behaviour and support the motion.'

'Appealing to the Aliquanta is he?' asked Lord Lestrange, deriding the opposition with a sweep of his hand. 'Even Lord MacMillan is unlikely to pull the rug from underneath his candidate.'

'Matters are moving too quickly, my friends,' replied Abraxas. 'The Minister is indeed appalling. We must not be seen to stubbornly support a candidate, one which is even not of our own party. I say we welcome this commission and simply make sure that its' report distances us from the failures of the previous administration. Surely we can influence at least that outcome successfully.'

'Agreed,' replied Cygnus, both of them turning towards Lestrange, who took only a little bit more convincing. Seeing that the triumvirs were in approval, Abraxas tapped the parchment sitting in front of his chair twice in his wand, then withdrew an ornate quill made from a Phoenix feather and proceeded to write.

The Official Party Line supports the Institution of this Special Commission. The vote is classed as importance A, with all party members expected to adhere to the official party line.

Simultaneously, Abraxas' elegant scroll appeared on every single piece of parchment of the Nobilitas, even the rear rows of the younger lordships. While some had feared a rupture of the Nobilitas party following the thirty-one members not supporting Orion Black's nomination, the triumvirs had shown clemency, claiming that the vote had been classed as importance B, with every member allowed to vote according to his heart and mind, thus not warranting an exclusion from the party. Thus, nominally at least the Nobilitas maintained its one hundred and thirty strong majority in the House.

'The floor is now opened to any who wish to speak against this motion,' said Dumbledore after Lord Potter had resumed his seat. A shaken Lord MacMillan rose, even though his aides had tried to contain him.

'The chair recognises Lord MacMillan of the Aliquanta,' replied Dumbledore, graciously extending his arm to the leader of the moderates in the house.

'The resolution proposed does nothing but waste the time of this government,' said Lord MacMillan furiously, 'and this is not a time to waste on such trifles. If Lord Potter is considering our Minister's performance to be inadequate he should call for a vote of no confidence, not go through a diplomatic back door. My part opposes the creation of this Special Commission and will not send any representatives to it, even if the resolution passes.'

'Thank you Lord MacMillan,' said Dumbledore, 'Do you wish to propose any amendments to the resolution that would make it more suitable to your party's liking?'

'No, Chairman,' replied Lord MacMillan, 'Our party considers the entire resolution to be inappropriate and as such rejects it in its entirety.'

'Very well,' said Dumbledore, taking a few notes on his parchments, 'if we may proceed to voting. I invite the Nobilitas party to step forward.'

Lord Malfoy stepped out from the first row, the rest of the Nobilitas filling in behind him. The majority seemed to expect a refusal of the commission by the Nobilitas and yet Abraxas surprised them all by touching his wand ever so slightly to the white globe. As the rest of the Nobilitas touched down, the magical globes began tallying up the votes. By the time the Chairman of the House called forth the Novus Veneficus to vote, the one hundred and thirty Nobilitas had adhered to the inexplicable party lines and voted in favour. The political commentators bobbed their heads in satisfaction, numerous analyses throughout the realm citing the Nobilitas party's strengths as consistent voting.

Predictably, the Novus Veneficus supported their party's line, due to their smaller numbers and fiercer dedication. The Aliquanta however caused the most grief to Lord MacMillan. As the Aliquanta stepped up to the ball and voted differently according to their own convictions, only the more conservative of them, headed by Lord MacMillan voting against, while the radically inclined, headed by Lord Longbottom supported the motion. Some Aliquanta, however, remained seated, causing quite a stir.

'I wish to remind the members of the Aliquanta that are still seated, that even if they abstain, they must come forth and express that option,' said Dumbledore, motioning for them to come forward.

'We will of course like to represent our opinion, Mr. Chairman,' spoke one of the twenty-five Lords that usually swung which way popular opinion cajoled them, but we are not Aliquanta. Following the misdemeanour of this party and Minister we have decided to form an independent group in the House.' Lord MacMillan's face drained of blood as shock, fury and sadness seemed to try to dominate his facial expression all at once.

'That is of course your prerogative,' said Dumbledore uneasily, 'please step forward and express your choice. After the last independent Lord voted in favour of the commission, the golden letters showed the final result.

'The resolution to institute a Special Commission for the Investigation of the Minister of Magic's performance has passed, one hundred and seventy to thirty votes,' said Dumbledore, 'let this be inscribed in the Book of Motions. This Special Commission will operate for one month, producing a report to be circulated and read out loud to this house and will dissolve itself after this task is completed. The nominations of two Lords from each party, as well as two Lords from the independent group are to be submitted by owl to the Office of the Chairman. This session is over.' Dumbledore slashed his wand across the voting podium, the voting globes retreating to their secured location underneath the presidium, as the great doors to the hall were opened by guards from the other side.

The reporters rushed in for an interview, but got scantily few quotes as the Lords marched out of the House concerned with their own thoughts and problems.

Meanwhile at Gamp Castle…

Igor Karkaroff bowed his head as he passed some of the smaller doors of the ancient parts of Gamp Castle. The doorways here were ancient and musty from the humid weather, and he would not want to sully his ermine fur hat. The guide for the quintessentially dressed wizard had proclaimed that ermine hats were in fashion this season and that the only possible source suitable for them was Nevsky's Fur House in Magical Sankt Petersburg. The current hostility between Magical Britannia and Ireland made importing luxury goods somewhat difficult due to stringent border controls, but Igor Karkaroff had applied his master's teachings well enough. Igor smiled as he remembered the scene, proud in his abilities.

'Mr. Karkaruf,' said the customs' wizard.

'Karkaroff,' interrupted Igor, annoyed, 'Igor Karkaroff.'

'Of course, sir' said the customs' wizard unperturbed, 'however, I am afraid that you simply cannot take possession of this package at this time. According to House of Commons Act 45, considering the recent hostility of Magical Britannia, all packages outside the Seven Tribes union are subject to three weeks quarantine. I am sorry Mr. Karkaruf, but I don't make the rules, I merely enforce them.'

'Surely you can make an exception,' replied Igor testily, annoyed at his name being mispronounced again, 'you see ermine furs are quite the rage this season, and I have an incoming trip to a colder location that simply requires them as an accessory. I know the times are hard with the Ministry slashing expenses from other departments, if I were to pay an urgency fee of sorts?'

'And break my oath to the Customs' Department, Mr. Karkaruf?' replied the wizard hotly, 'I am afraid that is not how we do things around here.'

'Imperio!' said Igor, having had enough, 'I command you to hand me over that package and to forego all customs' duty on it.'

'Of course, Mr. Karkaruf,' replied the customs' wizard, in a trance.

'Karkaroff!' shouted Igor.

'Karkaruf, of course' replied the customs agent.

Igor looked ready to apply even more of his master's teachings, but decided he had obtained what he wished and disapparated, package in hand back to Gamp Castle.

Igor's reverie of memories was interrupted by the sight of the solid oak door that barred the way to his master's study. As he knocked, and received permission to enter, he was surprised to see that his master was entertaining Antonin Dolohov, who sat drinking wine with Lord Voldemort.

'My Lord,' bowed Igor, his long grey fur robes trailing the dust on the floor, 'all the necessary travel arrangements are made. I have also packed and am ready to go whenever you find suitable.'

The stern atmosphere was broken by Lord Voldemort laughing politely.

'Igor, Igor,' said Lord Voldemort, 'you misunderstood me. When I said you should arrange travel arrangements for two persons you automatically included yourself. It was my error,' said Voldemort with fake modesty, 'I should have specified that Dolohov here is joining me. Surely you understand…'

Igor's face fell, as Antonin was smiling triumphantly from behind the Dark Lord. His mind reeled against the injustice of it. He had been there with the Dark Lord since the beginning; he should be the most favoured. Dolohov would pay for this, surely it was his fault.

'Of course, my lord,' replied Igor, not trusting his voice to say more, as he exited the chamber, leaving the travel arrangements on parchment on a side table.

'Apologies for the interruption Antonin,' said Lord Voldemort, putting his wine glass down on the table, replacing it with the travel parchments. 'Igor has been of invaluable help but he can get ahead of himself sometimes.'

'Of course, my lord,' said Antonin.

'Our movement, like any movement, Antonin,' drawled Lord Voldemort 'relies on one limit hampering our actions. Tell me Antonin, do you know what that element is?'

'Numbers, my lord?' inquired Antonin.

'Numbers are useful, Antonin,' said Lord Voldemort, 'but they are not everything; and what I speak for can bring far more than numbers and that included. Galleons, Antonin, galleons are what any movement of any sort needs; Galleons provide power; power provides influence; influence attracts numbers, Antonin. So you see, it all comes down to galleons.'

'How do you propose we should obtain them, my lord?' asked Antonin, 'do you wish us to appropriate a few funds?'

'No, Antonin,' said Lord Voldemort, 'while that may be enough for the day to day business what I speak of requires far more than some upstarts' fortune. Mr. Gant has served us well enough until now, but I am afraid that his assets are somewhat diminishing. A small price to pay, I am sure he'd agree.'

'Come Antonin, we must depart if we are to not be late for our hosts,' said Lord Voldemort, draping a black cloak over his shoulder. Antonin followed Lord Voldemort to the outside of Castle Gamp, then took a hold of the portkey that had been especially tailored to pass through the magical wards that had been lifted around Britannia for the duration of the hostilities.

Antonin spun round the atmosphere at insane speeds, feeling a slight queasiness as they passed through the wards, saw Lutetia for a second and was then deposited in a little shaded area on the banks of Lac Leman.

'Geneva, my lord,' said Antonin, shaking his head to clear the dizziness of portkey travel, 'to what purpose?'

'The greatest purpose of them all, Antonin, the greatest purpose of them all,' said Lord Voldemort gathering his cloak and walking towards the Pont du Mont-Blanc on the Quai Wilson. Antonin was puzzled, but had learned through careful observation that sometimes one merely had to accept the oddities of his lord; at least if he wished to advance in the vigilante organisation that had so many different names in the papers.

The regular genevois crowd noticed two men wearing long black robes that trailed on the pavement behind them, but in a city so used to international crowds and diplomatic strangeness, no one gave them a second glance. When they reached the base of the Pont du Mont-Blanc Voldemort withdrew his wand and, looking around whispered a few choice words in Latin. Suddenly the pavement spread apart and became a gilded staircase descending into the quay. Antonin followed Lord Voldemort and the entrance sealed magically behind them.

Inside, the city was more wondrous than Antonin had ever seen. The underground warren of Geneva, housing one of the greatest cities of the Magical Kingdom of Helvetia, was a city trapped in between water and cave.

The buildings were faced with white stone and adorned with statues of magical creatures and wizards. The city was arranged against a vast underground cave, with the other side being the Leman Lake. Ancient goblin wards kept the water, fish and divers away from the city, but allowed the image to shift through. Sunlight filtered through the shield, surrounding the stone clad buildings in a golden glow, softening their appearance. Antonin was wide eyed, but he pretended not to be, as he followed Lord Voldemort.

The Dark Lord was making his way to a great building that stood closest to the underground cave's walls. Unlike the others, it was not faced with white stones, but with the dark grey stone of the underground cave itself. Its sole adornments were two golden dragon statues sitting face to face in front of the vast entrance.

Two goblins in full armour decorated with scenes from goblin mythology stood at the entrance, halberds crossed to bar passage to any intruders.

'I am Lord Voldemort,' said the Dark Lord imperiously, 'here to see Barbegazi.' The two goblins analysed him and his follower, and then inexplicably pulled back the halberds, all without saying a word. Lord Voldemort entered into the great hall of the Goblin Bank of Helvetia, a hall adorned with statues of the tribes' meeting of goblins in the Bernardus Pass.

Two gilded doors with a dragon motif guarded the entrance to the office of Barbegazi, the chief goblin of the bank. Lord Voldemort strode in confidently, followed by a less confident Antonin. Barbegazi motioned for Lord Voldemort to sit down, and then waited for introductions.

'I am Lord Voldemort, formerly of the Knights of Walpurgis, here to discuss the possibility of financing for my operation in Britannia. We met during my tenure as a Knight of Walpurgis.'

'I am afraid I do not recall,' replied Barbegazi, 'although you do come quite recommended,' looking through the thick parchment of notes that appeared when he snapped his fingers. 'Knight of Walpurgis, freelancer and now running an organisation set to restore the grandeur of Magical Britannia… Now that is a very deceiving word, Mr…'

'Lord Voldemort,' the Dark Lord reminded him, his posture tester.

'Ah yes, of course, my apologies,' replied Barbegazi, 'a mere oversight of our records, bound to be corrected soon enough. You know of how paperwork is. Now I confess to not remembering you, but we have heard of your exploits even in faraway Geneva. Interesting, although your objectives are not clear… grandeur, now that is an interesting objective, although it means so many different things to different people. That is not uncommon in our clients, however. I also understand you need us to extend you an open line of credit. Bank policy generally only allows those for the wealthiest of clients. I am sure you would benefit from our help, but I am not quite sure how the bank would benefit from it. You must understand, organisations such as yours do not have the best track record in consequent financial payback, something the bank needs.'

'I understand, Barbegazi,' said Lord Voldemort, 'however I believe I have a more tempting proposition. You see, a simple repayment would indeed earn a considerable interest on the credit you would extend my organisation, but the repayment I have in mind would potentially earn you a far larger reward.'

'A larger reward, Lord Voldemort,' said Barbegazi, rubbing his hands with glee, 'I daresay you are well versed in the goblin tongue.'

'The current financial administration of Britannia is divided between the Ministry and the Goblins of Gringotts, is that correct?' asked Lord Voldemort.

'Of course, Lord Voldemort,' said Barbegazi, we are aware of the unique system your country chose for its banking system.'

'Such uniqueness is what I seek to remedy,' said Lord Voldemort, 'Under the agreement discussed beforehand, I would be willing to hand complete control of the banking system to you, rather than our former associates at Gringotts. I am afraid they have proven rather unsatisfactory, what with the rebellions and what not. I am sure the Bank of Helvetia would make for far more suitable financial partners.'

'Bankers,' my lord, interrupted Barbegazi, 'not partners. The arrangement in Helvetia gives us full control over the financial system of the kingdom.'

'Of course, Barbegazi,' I spoke out of turn. Considering the fiscal administration of Helvetia, I daresay that it would be beneficial for all actors involved.'

'Lord Voldemort, what you propose carries a great deal of risk,' said Barbegazi, 'but the Bank of Helvetia did not make its fortune on safe investments.' A click of his fingers caused one of the elaborate wooden panels to open revealing a passageway to a secretary's room. Two goblins were writing a contract on thick parchment paper, while a third was enchanting the necessary spells used in such a situation. Barbegazi extended his hand, one secretary bringing the parchment for signing.

'All we have discussed, Lord Voldemort,' said Barbegazi, 'about to be made into a contract. Barbegazi signed with a flourish, handing the same barbarically carved quill to Voldemort, who signed it without much other thought.

'The small matter of funds transfer remains, Lord Voldemort, but if you or one of our representatives approach Geneva, you will be able to obtain whatever funds necessary,' said Barbegazi, filling the contract away under "loans, long-term". 'We will require the names of those authorized within a month. Naturally, you may withdraw any names from that list as matters become more complicated.'

'Naturally,' replied Lord Voldemort, 'I wish for Antonin here to be my first approval. If you please Antonin…'

'Thank you for the honour, my lord,' said Antonin, making a small bow as he signed the list appearing in thin air.'

Lord Voldemort and Antonin left Geneva by the same portkey through which they arrived, the inhabitants of Geneva filing the disturbance away under "rich foreigners" category. Back at Gaunt Castle the tense atmosphere that seemed to have developed dispelled and Dolohov felt more at liberty to comment.

'My Lord,' said Antonin, 'I fear the Goblins may have larger plans than we understand. I have the strange impression that we may have signed on to more than we know.'

'Galleons, Antonin,' said Lord Voldemort, hesitating for a moment, 'and other… things. All will be revealed in good time, Antonin. For now, let us remain assured in the advantage we have gained. Contact Roberto. It is long time that we handled the Irish situation more carefully.'

-To be continued-