I Am Lacerta - Reposted for the Watty Awards 2011

I Am Lacerta Chapter 25

I Am Lacerta Chapter 25

Straight after my meeting with Dumbledore, I went to report back to the Dark Lord. I managed to get rid of Crabbe once we reached Malfoy Manor, and when I apparated to my Lord, I immediately bent low onto one knee.

"Ah, back so soon from Dumbledore? You did not fall for his talk?" the Dark Lord mocked me, and I felt outraged.

"My Lord, you know I would never.. how could you think... " I stammered in an attempt to contain how astounded I was.

"What did he want?" the Dark Lord said dryly, completely ignoring the look on my face. I pulled myself together when I realised that he had deliberately said it to rile me up, and answered calmly:

"Oh he gave me the expected "choose good over evil speech". He even added a little bit of, "but we NEED you, Lacerta!"." I said mockingly, which made the Dark Lord smile maliciously. His smile fed my confidence to ask a question about an idea forming in my head.

"My lord?" I asked warily and his cold red eyes snapped to my questioning red ones. 

"What is it?" he snapped.

"I have an idea, which I think you may like to hear. I think that it would be.. prudent if you sent me up to Hogsmeade. I could keep an eye on Hogwarts and if needs be I could just put on my old school uniform and walk in, I would blend in completely and no one would even notice! I didn't have too many friends, only about five people knew I was even there in the first place. I find it better to lie low, then pounce once you have the strength rather than brag about what you don't have." I said, internally mocking Ginny Weasley and Pansy Parkinson.

I then looked up to my Lord to see what he was thinking. "So what do you say? Would it be convenient?" I asked.

"Ah, Lacerta.. you truly have your mothers brains. Yes - that would be convenient - it IS a good thing to lie low.. I did the very same thing.. when were you planning on heading up to Hogsmeade?" the Dark Lord asked and I was so surprised at how calm he was about all of this that I barely got out my answer of:

"I thought I could hitch a ride with the Hogwarts Express - it stops at Hogsmeade after Hogwarts. Does that sound alright, my Lord?" He looked satisfied so I internally grinned. I thought I would have to do some serious pleading to be placed up at Hogsmeade. 

"Yes. Prepare yourself, Lacerta. You must visit me the day before you leave - and I will not be lenient as you are asking alot of me. Go. Now." he snarled and I scrambled to my feet, and bowed low to him.

"You won't regret this my Lord!" I said beaming with happiness, and as I left in a hurry I barely heard him mutter:

"I'm regretting it already."

I ran to the balcony of the tall building and jumped, changing to a dove in midair. I flew eagerly home to pack my things - I would be returning to Hogwarts after all...