Since Voldemort's downfall, the Death Eaters have been either captured or have managed to escape. Those who couldn't flee claimed they were under the Imperius Curse or betrayed their fellow Death Eaters in exchange for their freedom, much like Karkaroff did. Lucius Malfoy, however, claimed he was under the Imperius Curse, a defense that, while not admirable, was somewhat more acceptable to the remaining Death Eaters. Despite their reduced numbers, the remaining Death Eaters' fanaticism for their cause did not wane. Among them was Bieber Just, a relatively new recruit who had joined the Death Eaters the year Voldemort fell. Unfortunately for him, he had not even received the Dark Mark before Voldemort's defeat. Yet, his loyalty remained unwavering, and the news of Voldemort's potential return filled him with a fervent excitement.
Bieber was part of the security team at Silver Hand Manor, a position that he believed would earn him high regard from Voldemort once he played his part in rescuing Barty Crouch Jr. This opportunity presented itself when Tang Mi, the team leader, took most of the team members away, leaving only a few behind to guard the manor. Seizing the moment, Bieber was about to send a message when he was interrupted by Lippi, a fellow security team member known to Bieber as Drogon.
Lippi, aware of Bieber's fondness for Muggle cigarettes, offered him a pack he had acquired from Knockturn Alley. As Bieber lit a cigarette, Lippi casually inquired about any potential "business" Bieber might be considering. Sensing the moment to reveal his true intentions, Bieber, with a wand discreetly aimed at Lippi, declared that the Dark Lord was returning and implied that it would be wise for Lippi to join their cause. Lippi, visibly shaken but intrigued, agreed to join after a brief moment of feigned hesitation.
Bieber had long recognized Lippi, or Drogon, as a potential ally. Despite Lippi's outward appearance as a mere smoker with grievances against the Ministry of Magic, Bieber saw in him a valuable asset for the Death Eaters. Their time together had allowed Bieber to gauge Lippi's character and potential loyalty to their cause.
As they prepared to meet with the other Death Eaters, the tranquility of the night was shattered by several explosions outside Silver Hand Manor. A group of figures, cloaked in black and wearing skull masks, appeared through Apparition. Despite the anti-apparition spells protecting the manor, the Death Eaters had managed to arrive at its doorstep.
The security team at the manor, now alerted to the presence of intruders, drew their wands and prepared for a confrontation. With only six members left to defend the manor, they faced a daunting challenge against the attacking Death Eaters. The stage was set for a clash that would determine the fate of Silver Hand Manor and potentially mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Dark Lord's resurgence. The team had just assumed a defensive stance when a sudden burst of red light illuminated the area behind them, causing both members to collapse. Emerging from the shadows, Bieber and Lippi launched an attack on the security team. "Who is he?" demanded a masked Death Eater sharply upon noticing Lippi.
Bieber's expression remained stoic as he introduced Lippi. "This is my friend, a new ally who will be joining our cause."
Despite Bieber's introduction, the Death Eaters' suspicion did not wane. One of the leaders, visibly irritated, questioned, "You've shared such critical information with an outsider?"
Lippi, slightly perturbed by the accusation, managed to maintain a calm demeanor and responded with a reassuring smile, "Gentlemen, I assure you, I am no outsider. In fact, this operation owes its inception to my involvement."
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Bieber for confirmation. With a solemn nod, Bieber vouched for Lippi, "Drogon, here, was part of the security team. Together, we neutralized the opposition. More importantly, he shares our disillusionment with the current state of the world."
It was this revelation that finally swayed the Death Eaters. Their allegiance to Voldemort was rooted in a shared belief that he alone could rectify the world's injustices. Recognizing a kindred spirit in Lippi, their demeanor softened. "Very well, we shall extend our trust," the lead Death Eater conceded, albeit with little enthusiasm, before motioning for the group to proceed towards the manor.
Bieber, feeling slighted by the lukewarm reception, clenched his fists in frustration. Despite his pivotal role, he felt undervalued. Lippi, noticing Bieber's discontent, offered a supportive pat on the shoulder as they followed the others inside.
The Silver Hand Manor's security had been effectively dismantled by their assault, leaving it defenseless. The Death Eaters entered with an air of ownership, navigating the premises with unsettling familiarity. Lippi observed the lead Death Eater's ease in moving through the garden, sparking curiosity about his possible prior attendance at one of the manor's illustrious banquets.
Dismissing his envy, Lippi smirked at the irony. These very guests, once dazzled by Johnny Silver Hand's extravagance, were now infiltrating his domain.
Their search led them to the dungeon entrance. Lippi hesitated, recalling Tang Mi's warning about the cursed nature of the place. Yet, driven by the hope of altering his destiny through this covert mission, he steeled himself and followed.
Inside the dungeon, the presence of Voldemort was confirmed by the darkening of a Death Eater's Dark Mark. Their spirits lifted, they hastened deeper into the dungeon, where they found a man, Barty Crouch Jr., in dire straits. The authenticity of his identity was unquestionable, evidenced by the Dark Mark on his arm. With a shout of "Blasting curse!" the chains binding him were shattered, and he was swiftly assisted to his feet.
However, their escape was thwarted by a sudden deluge of water, signaling a trap. John, observing the unfolding drama through a mirror in his study, remarked on the need to thin their numbers. With a snap of his fingers, the water transformed into a deadly quicksilver barrier, engulfing and vanishing one of the Death Eaters in an instant. The remaining Death Eaters, now gripped by fear, watched in horror as Bieber, in a desperate attempt to protect himself, conjured an Iron Armor Curse. The quicksilver collided with the magical barrier, forcing Bieber back.
"Blast it!" yelled a Death Eater, prompting a collective offensive aimed at the quicksilver menace. Amidst the chaos, an Explosive Curse was cast, transforming the quicksilver into a deadly rain. An unfortunate Death Eater found himself drenched, his body rapidly decaying as he desperately reached out for help. The leader of the Death Eaters, in a swift motion, severed his own cloak to avoid contact, leaving the doomed man to succumb to his fate. As the leader's mask fell away, his identity was revealed: Doug, the locksmith. John, who had previously invited Doug to a manor party despite Lucius's warnings of his Death Eater affiliations, was taken aback. Doug's loyalty to Voldemort was now undeniable.
Surrounded once more by the perilous quicksilver, Doug knew they were trapped. With only Bieber, Lippi, and two other Death Eaters by his side, he resorted to casting Fiendfyre. The spell conjured a massive, fiery bear that lunged at the quicksilver, but Doug lost control of the flames. In a desperate bid for escape, he and the others made a run for it, but Doug's foot became ensnared. His pleas for help were ignored as his companions fled, leaving him to face the encroaching flames and quicksilver alone. Without a sound, Doug was consumed.
The remaining Death Eaters reached the door only to find it locked, their attempts to unlock it futile. The situation seemed hopeless until Barty Jr., in a surprising act of bravery, leaped into the flames, causing the quicksilver and Fiendfyre to vanish upon contact. However, their relief was short-lived as they realized they were still trapped, with the security team's imminent return spelling certain doom.
In their darkest moment, the door mysteriously opened. A masked figure, recognizable by his platinum hair, gestured for them to escape. They had narrowly avoided disaster, but the identity of their savior remained a mystery.
Back in the dungeon, John surveyed the aftermath. Among the remnants, he found a severed hand, which he remarked could still be of use after a thorough cleaning. With a plan to craft another, he left the scene, the events of the night leaving a lasting impact on all involved.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge