Rock Bottom

Thaor apparated to Malfoy D'eath Manor, still weak from the previous night's events, he limped up the walkway and to the front doors. His body too weak to knock the large brass knocker, he pulled out his wand, and magically knocked it. He had heard through the grapevine that Aaron was the new Dark Lord, and he was hoping he would be just what the group needed, to return them to their former glory.

Thaor put his wand away, praying this didn't end in a duel, and waited for Aaron.

Aaron sensed a presence he thought had been long gone. When the knock came at the door, Aaron decided to answer it instead of the house elves. If the feeling was right, Aaron would be face to face with a ghost. The last he had heard was that Thaor had died. Aaron had always had mixed feelings about Thaor. On one hand he was a great wizard who could benefit the Death Eaters greatly, but on the other he had a mind of his own and did not seem to take to orders very well, a trait that Aaron did not tolerate.

He opened the door and his suspicions were confirmed. Standing before him was Thaor. Aaron stared at him for a few moments before he finally spoke. "Not even death can trump the mighty Thaor Elldir I see." Aaron stood in place for a few seconds, staring at Thaor, before moving to the side and allowing passage into the manor. "Come in, make yourself at home, I owe you at least that much before I decide on whether or not you can stay."

Thaor stood motionless as Aaron opened the door. Death, is only but the next great adventure, my lord he said, showing a small smile. Thaor entered the Manor and immediately noticed the new decor. I do like what you've done with the place, much more, suiting, I should think. He said, heading into the first living room, and sat down.

I've come here to barter, I wish that your presumtion, of me being dead, would remain everyone's. I have an offer for you, which, should you chose to accept, I believe would benefit both you, and your death eaters. Thaor said, pausing to see if Aaron had anything to say about it.

The small talk began and Aaron went into listening mode. He was not one for small talk but it seemed like everywhere he went he had talk about this and that. He walked over to the wine cabinet and pulled out a bottle and two glasses. Aaron did not much care for wine, but it was a custom for him, he felt like it made his Death Eaters more at home. Plus it gave of a sense of power with him offering them drinks in the building.

"Lorcan D'Eath is responsible for the new decor. I, personally, could care less what the place looks like as long as business is taken care of." He set the glass down on a smaller end table in the living area and he poured two glasses. Aaron sat down on the chair next to the couch and he motioned for Thaor to sit on the chair across from him. "Have a seat."

He took a sip from his glass and he looked across at Thaor. He seemed to be genuine coming here with his offer, but whether or not it was had yet to be seen. "Well, what do you want to barter with me?"

Thaor took a seat as Aaron motioned to him, took a deep breath, and began speaking once more. I know that my, loyalties, have been in question as of late. Not only with the Death Eaters, but with the Lupins, and Ministry as well. However, I just ask you to hear me out. Thaor said, taking a brief pause to collect his thoughts.

I was poisoned about three months ago, I believe it was one of the Lupins doings. I know that you don't trust me, as you shouldn't. However, I ask this of you, I will stay here, and do your bidding behind closed doors, killing, and torture are one of my, oh, fortes. In exchange for that, keep my existence totally unknown, not even death eaters may know I am alive. Thaor said, taking a moment to judge Aaron's reaction.

Aaron listened to Thaor with great interest. He remembered when he had first joined the Death Eaters, Thaor had recently been the leader of the group, at least from what he could tell. The man's skill with a wand could not be questioned, he would be a valuable asset to have, but his loyalties were still in question. Whether or not Aaron could trust him was the big issue, so he had an idea.

"I have heard many tales about you Thaor, some good, others bad. The Death Eaters are divided in their opinions of you. But, it just so happens, I could find use for you." He stopped himself and he took a drink from his glass. He clinked the ice around for a few seconds, letting the slight noise fill the room. It reminded him of his childhood, he would be in the living room while his father would drink firewhiskey. The clinking of the glass had become somewhat soothing to him.

"There is a catch. I will not be betrayed by you. My existence as a Death Eater is my largest secret. I have too good a name around the wizarding world to have it soiled by someone trying to stab me in the back. You are a secretive man, so I am sure you understand where I am coming from. That being said, I will need to perform Legilimacy on you. I want to know everything about you. You trust me and then I will give you a place to earn your worth again. I know why you are here tonight. You are at the bottom and you want to make it back to the top. To do that you are going to have to trust me, so I ask you, will you open up yourself to me?"

The prospect of having ones mind examined was a tough one. A persons secrets could be more valuable to them than anything else and having someone forcefully pry into your mind to see them was never an entertaining thing, but Aaron had to be sure that he could trust Thaor.

Thaor smiled, obviously Aaron didn't know he was a skilled occlumens, as well as legilimens. Aaron was making this all too easy for him, after taking a deep breath, Thaor took a drink, he loved the warm burning sensation that came after taking a drink of firewhisky he exhaled, then cleared his throat.

I will allow you into my mind, but I must tell you, occlumency is one of my greatest skills, I want you to trust me, but it would be all too easy for me to block something out without you knowing it. Lets make an unbreakable vow, you may fully know I have made one before, and gotten out of it, but I had time to seek help, if we make the vow now, and you enter my mind right after, there is no way for me to cheat you. Thaor said, taking another long drink.

Thaor looked out the window, there was a weeping willow, bright with blossom directly outside the window, he had a hard time looking away from it. But finally he spoke again, It'll also probably please you to know I've recently emptied my pensive, putting all the memories back in my mind, there is absolutely nothing I can hide. Thaor said, refilling his glass.