Dead of Night

Benji apparated into the clearing. He quickly flipped his hood back on. Perhaps this would be a much more productive meeting.

Voldemort stepped out from the shadows. "It has become a challenge to meet up with you alone, it seems. But of course, it is by respect and loyalty you are here, not by fear I hope," he said, his eyes glowing from under his hood. "What news do you bring of me from the school?"

Benji bent his head respectfully. "Of course my Lord. It's never fear. " He raised his head, but averted his eyes. "No news comes from the school. The term hasn't starte but I met the Snape girl. She seems as loyal as her father."

Voldemort's eyes shifted dangerously. "Did I inquire her loyalty? As similar as she is to her father, that believes me to think she cannot be trusted," he said thoughtfully. "But she can be used, just as her father was." He waved his hand dismissively. "Regardless of where she stands, I will be expecting several updates on the school. Especially Dumbledore," he spat.

Benji nodded. "No you didn't. I was just...." He stopped, it probably wasn't best to tell Voldemort what he thought. "Of course, the term begins soon. I should be meeting Dumbledore soon."

"Of course, he takes his time, My Lord. He acts as though being a professor comes before serving you," Edie sneered, stepping out from behind a tree.

"Oh you again. Greaaat." Ben mumbled angrily under his breath.

Edie glared at Ben. "It's true, My Lord. He hasn't truly straightened out his priorities yet," she hissed.

Ben shot a death glare at Edie. "Believe me my Lord, she is wrong. Nothing comes before serving you." He muttered between clenched teeth.

Edie took a step towards Ben, seething with anger. "Lies," she snapped. "He lies to you, My Lord!"

Voldemort raised a hand, demanding silence. "I will always know if somebody is lying to me or not, Edith. But, being my most loyal vampire, Benjamin wouldn't dare defy me. Would you, Benjamin?" he said, his eyes staring intently into Ben's.

Ben flinched at the use of his full name. His gaze flickered from the Dark Lord to the ground. "...No. Of course not my Lord." As soon as he said that, Ben mentally hit himself. Dammit, he had paused for too long.

Voldemort stepped towards Benjamin slowly. "We both share one thing in common, Benjamin; we don't love to hear our real names. But this...fickle attitude you are portraying is starting to put me on edge. Do you want me on edge?" he said coolly.

Ben resisted the urge to take a step back. "No, I do not mean to offend you my Lord. Forgive me if I have." He said quickly and quietly. Ben inclined his head before giving a angry glare to Edie.

Edie returned Ben's glare with a satisfied smirk. "He seeks forgiveness, my Lord," she said in a low whisper, grinning.

Voldemort's eyes glinted dangerously. "Forgiveness? That is something I have yet to accomplish," he said, seething. "There must be something you can do besides requesting the impossible. Perhaps keeping an eye on you is required," he said, leering at Ben.

Ben felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance. "I assure you that isn't necessary."