I love that he's both peeved and relieved that everyone has arranged not to leave him alone with Riddle. I also love how he's maneuvered into learning so much information about himself and the family and general situation. He was actually given a fairly graceful way to find out a lot of things he gave the impression of already knowing.

Poor stupid Lucius better wait to come home until after Riddle leaves.Poor stupid Severus acting all cool as though he has all the answers and then paying the price when there's an answer he can't give.

You manage to make Riddle so ominous, even when he's relatively benign. I wonder if Sirius is just too bold though, and if he's courting trouble by trying to slight Riddle.There's so much magic about, and yet very little wand waving.Great stuff!!

Great chapter. Playing catch-up again here and enjoying every minute.Another thing I love about this is how you keep lines of communication open, and not just through minds, but through Phineas Black, and ethel's fireplace.Off to read the next.

Ah, the relationship between Narcissa and Severus is clearly a long and storied one, based upon the canon. There must have been much that went on between them for her to feel she can ask for the Unbreakable Vow he makes in HBP.But back to this story. You have such an effortless way of pulling us to the edge of our seat, even if we've read this before! I'm not sure I realized that it tends to be the women who save the day in this story. Not unlike Goethe with the Eternal Feminine. It might have been Lucius's idea, and of course Snape would feel better to think of it that way, but the whole thing now rests upon Narcissa.

I hope Lucretia will accept going to Ethel, she is a wise woman and maybe the first woman Lucretia meets, she will be the first to talk to I think. What an awful life, 30 years of abuse and to top it being in a dungeon. As I told you before I enjoy reading your story here although I am tempted to go and read on at occlumency, but then the story would end to soon

Such a brilliant chapter! So many fascinating stories simultaneously being woven in the background... I do have a question, though: is Narcissa actually younger than Severus? I could be wrong, but I had always been under the impression that as Lucius was several years older than Snape, then so too was Narcissa, as I'd always assumed they (Narcissa and Lucius) were in the same year while in Hogwarts...Either way, I adore how you portrayed the youngest Black sister in this chapter! Incidentally, how old is Snape during this chapter?

This older generation of Death Eaters is a group of vile people. Perhaps their excesses and brutal treatment of the younger ones is due to having a relationship with Tom Riddle that they don't want, but it's amazing the younger ones can even tie their shoes in the morning.  Poor Lucretia and her story.  At least she has a chance at a decent life, now, as do Lucius and Narcissa.

There must have been a time when Riddle could be put on the wrong foot, when he had to backpeddle and rethink his strategy.  I love the way you capture that in this chapter. We only see him full of power in the canon and it's fun and informative to see him having to reach for it, here.

The plot thickens!

wondering if Abrahax was murdered, not unlikely - and if Lucius will be forced back and if he can throw Riddle out, not likely

It's natural that Lucius and Sirius would need to squabble a bit to sort things out under the circumstances. That potion of Snape's seems a bit dangerous but useful. Too bad about the addiction, though.

it is great that they get somewhat closer, they need eachother. I still can't understand why grown men submit to a clearly madman. I know you cannot just quit the job. They are scum all of them though, raping eachoters sons!

Another wonderful update! I love the burgeoning camaraderie between the three unlikely friends, especially between Black and Snape. Also, your portrayal of the depth of madness that grips Riddle is profoundly chilling. I cannot wait for the next chapter!

Severus hasn't experienced Ethyl's ways long enough to realize that she's still very much connected to her husband and brother, although Dumbledore alluded to it.Poor guy, he feels so much but doesn't want to ruin things, but that will ruin it, too.Looking forward to what happens next.

Poor Severus- its going to be torture living with Andromeda and watching her have another man's child. I felt a chill when Dumbledore reminded Severus Ethel is a Slytherin and to be careful. I can't wait to see where Ethel's loyalties lie.

I love your Tom Riddle too. I love this description---I think it was then that I realised just how much Lucius resented being under any man’s control, especially a half-blooded beggar-on-horseback as powerful as Riddle had become.Lucius would resent that with his own superiority attitude. I never understood how wizards like Malfoy were willing to kowtow to Voldemort. Malfoy doesn't seem the type to play second fiddle to anyone.Another great chapter!!

Ah, I suspect you would make a most outstanding Slytherin in the way you craft this tale.... You have a fine hand with all the twists and turns - and your Tom is perfection...

The fascination and horror, all intertwined so that he's not sure which is which.  Surely that's how many nascent Death Eaters felt at the beginning.I've always loved how richly you paint the picture of what's happening, and how you make us feel every nuance.  This chapter, right to the end and the surprising last guest, gives us all that.

The fascination and horror, all intertwined so that he's not sure which is which.  Surely that's how many nascent Death Eaters felt at the beginning.I've always loved how richly you paint the picture of what's happening, and how you make us feel every nuance.  This chapter, right to the end and the surprising last guest, gives us all that.

Oh, that was creepy, that he would use Andromeda that way. It looks like everyone is in position for the last bit, even the ghosts.

It is so dark now, allmost unbearable. I love the book, it seems to be against Riddle. Hopefully they can kill him before Harry is born, but I don't think that will happen, to easy.

I love when you make it creepy, but I'm worried about what Riddle's going to do when Harry is born.

Every time Riddle calls the stakes are upped.It's becoming a dangerous game.

Oh, good. I hope he kills them all too.