Of Frogs and Secret Societies {Trix, Regulus}

[severussnape]

Severus paced uneasily around the Common Room. He was nervous, but excited all the same. He kept close watch of the clock above the fireplace, the flames themselves crackling so merrily it was almost like laughter. Laughter - yes - how they had laughed at the fools like Iresol and Potter; waving their wands like muggles, frantically trying to make a stab at valour. As if, when the ministry's best were out, desperately trying to stem the flow of the dark arts now trickling all over the world, a group of teenagers could really make a difference. Now, Severus understood their reasoning, they were hungry for revenge - or scared of their feelings of inadequacy. But, they were fools all the same, too full of their own self-importance to recognise the glaring hole in the plan. There could be no victory over the new power that was rising. Only the strong, the shrewd and the pure would survive. Others, he believed, would not be so lucky.

So, half in mockery of their much disliked classmates, half in sincerity to the cause, a handful of Slytherins made their own society. They didn't hold much with flashes and bangs, but in secrecy, and intelligence. Much like a softly bubbling potion in a cauldron, calm, collected, but deadly. They would never seek to be so crass as to name themselves like FFF, but to instead hide their cause completely. They settled on 'The Society of Avid Frog-Lovers' after they had seen an advertisement for such a thing in the Daily Prophet. For they made their group for much of the same reasons as Alanah and her friends - only those with their eyes closed and their fingers stuffed in their ears could fail to notice what was happening. The Dark Lord, an advocate of purity, power and the Dark Arts was gaining popularity with all manner of wizarding folk. The 'Death Eaters', his followers, were growing larger in number all the time.

Now of-age, Severus and his friends sought to join the host of Death Eaters. They decided to meet, in secret, at the height of the Witching Hour. There they could talk openly of their plans, and exchange news of others, loyal to the cause, up and down the country. Their number was still few, hindered by desire for secrecy, but no matter - soon, most of their older housemates, would be desperate to join too. For the moment, only himself, Bellatrix and Regulus were due to meet in a few minutes time. Still pacing the room, Sev smirked with a vindictive pleasure. The pleasure, the excitement of getting back at Dumbledore and his pathetic followers right under their noses.

Hogwarts had been as a home to him, when his other home had badly disappointed. But he had never been truly happy here. Induction into the world of 'good' had meant heartbreak and despair. It was their fault, they had driven him away. And now, he would get his revenge.

The porthole creaked, someone was coming in.

[brett]

Each of Regulus' steps echoed down the hall of the dungeons as he made his way back to the commonroom. Much of his day had been spent in the quiet of the library as well as sometime by the lake, so there really had been no need for the silencing charm that usually muffled his footsteps. He was regretting that decision as paranoia was slowly seeping in. He looked behind him every three steps only to find an empty hallway. He really had no reason to worry, he was simply making his way to an innocent meeting of the Avid Frog Lovers Society...Or the society for the Avid Lovers of Frogs...or Kermit the Frog fanclub, ugh he couldn't even remember the name of the stupid club.

Perhaps the reason was that despite the groups name...whatever it was...Regulus doubted the topics of frogs, or any other amphibians for that matter would ever actually be brought up. The name was a clever facade to cover up the true purpose, of discussing the rise of the Dark Lord and the Dark arts in general. Regulus was certain other students knew this was the true reason behind the group, but due to the clubs secrecy, their claims were speculation at best. Yes, they were cunning snakes indeed.

Finally at the end of what seemed an epic journey Regulus pushed open the porthole emerging in the commoroom to see that only one of the two other members of the group thus far was present. "Hello Severus," Reg said greeting him with a smirk. Reg and Sev had more in common than just their house and names that sort of rhymed. They both enjoyed and understood the art of potions, both were exceptional students, somewhat loners, and of course they both shared a hatred for the Marauders, specifically James Potter. Of course Reg wasn't picked on by the group as much as Sev whether that was out of his brother's request or out of respect for Regulus' short temper and knowledge of hexes he couldn't be sure.

[bellatrix]

"You seem downright giddy tonight Severus" Bellatrix smiled, teeth and all, as she entered their common room late into the night. Of course he was, as were they all. Not too long ago the idea sprung into their minds to have a secret society; and society that would have one sole purpose and one purpose only: the dark Lord. To follow in his steps, feed off of new news, and to do what they could to rise to his exceedingly high expectations. They name they have chosen was completely ridiculous and idiotic, which was the beauty of the plan. It was just suspicious enough; having people of prestige families in a frog loving group, that other slytherins would poke their noses around, but at the same time, it would be nearly impossible for authority to prove they were learning about anything besides slimy amphibians.

The beauty of their plan was almost too easy, too simple. Their numbers were small, but that was only because they wanted to work out the details first, before inviting others. Of course Narcissa would be part of it soon enough, as well as the Lestranges and Lucius. But for now, mum was the word, and they told no one. She had dropped several hints to Cissy over the past few weeks, but seeing as they had both been preoccupied, and Trix had been giving quite the cold shoulder, she might not have noticed. Trix definitely had some news she needed to share with Sev and Regulus, and now she could finally let it out. You see, they were all doing this to prepare to join the death eaters, since they were now old enough to do so. However, Bellatrix had already taken a step further, and was the first ever female to be a part of it.

After entering the room, and locking the common room door behind them, she sat down promptly on one of the couches. "I assume you've already put silencing charms up, am I correct?" She had no doubt Severus would have already thought of this, he was a genius in his own right, and wouldn't forget something so trivial. "Well. I think we're all here and accounted for" She smirked, leaning back on the sofa, running long fingers through the strands of her jet black hair. "Evening Regulus, cousin dear." She was perfectly civial to him, as she had no idea that he was spending an atrocious amount of time around Gryffindors. "Let's get this frog lovers' meeting started with then."

[severussnape]

ooc: Sorry for the delay, I'm pretty bad at keeping up with threads on sites I own :/

Brett, I've just been reading through Deathly Hallows and I found a bit of canon that's pretty important to this plotline. Apparently Regulus became one of Voldemort's Death Eaters around 1977 at the age of sixteen. So, round about now. Bellatrix and Sev joined up shortly after they left, reading 'The Prince's Tale' it was clear this was their aim even in their fifth year.

In reality, Regulus was uncomfortable with the reality of life as a Death Eater - that's why he eventually sacrificed his own life to stop him. But of course, that is his nature coming through much later on. For now, he is very much attracted to the power being a Death Eater could bring.

So, I think we should approach this a different way. The group have been discussing Old Voldy for years, but the creation of Frog-Lovers marks a change. I'm thinking - Regulus being that change. I know you're playing Reg as a pretty nice character, house-mixer, ladies man, not the typical Slytherin; but I think it would be pretty fun if now, things started to dramatically change.

Taking all that into account, I think that all Sev and Trixs' attention should be on Reg. I also think he should be bringing them a piece of information that will really bring matters to a head. Perhaps even the fact that he is soon to swear his oath to Voldemort.

I'm trying to work with the canon we have, but if you have any other ideas - just through them out there.))

bic: "Hello Severus."

"You seem downright giddy tonight, Severus"


The greetings came floating towards his ears, but the heat and dark of the dimly lit common room caused their meaning to be processed more slowly through his mind. The gist, however, was pretty clear. Severus smiled at his fellows, a nervousness still playing on his lips. He had long since been a hider of his emotion, believing those who wore their heart on their sleeves nothing but fools; but for once his cold black eyes were lit up with a kind of feverish excitement. He'd been waiting for this meeting all week, and he sincerely hoped that he wouldn't be disappointed. However, Sev was not a man of surprises, and quickly returned to cool and collected exterior that more befitted his reputation.

"Giddy?" he repeated. "Hmm, I wouldn't go so far as that my dear Bellatrix. But I cannot pretend I've haven't regarded this meeting with a certain..." he paused, smirking slightly. "...anticipation."

At the word he turned to Regulus, who was hardly visible in the gloom. He looked so much like his brother that Sev found it hard to suppress a flicker of loathing. Luckily, such betraying emotion didn't reveal itself in his expression, and he simply smiled. Yes, now he looked at it, Reg and Sirius had many differences. Reg was skinnier and less thick-set, which in Severus' opinion saved him the pain of looking like a troll wearing make-up; which of course was the effect created by his altogether less intelligent sibling. His hair was the same colour, but wasn't floppy and ridiculously girly like his older brother's. Plus, Regulus had been sorted into Slytherin - and that had to count for something.

Turning back to Bellatrix, he started to feel that small wisp of excitement again. Now Bellatrix was a girl who knew what she wanted. She was as ambitious as him - perhaps even more so. The glint in her eyes when they discussed their plans was almost manical; he did not doubt that she would leave school and fulfil every one. He gazed around the room, nearly as if the spells he had cast were visible, as he answered her question. "Nothing too major, but you were right to expect caution on my part. I'm not stupid, I know that not all in our house would be sympathetic to the cause." He looked back at his fellows. "Just the usual tonight, muffliatio and little charm to stifle curiosity - we should be quite safe."

"Anyway, we surely haven't gathered here to talk about protective spells," He quickly glanced around, almost as if somebody might have been listening. "Any new developments?" He looked at both of them as he spoke, but they both knew to whom the question was really directed.

[/color]

[brett]

((yea I knew Reg joined at 16 and I've kinda been making him more hesitant than he probably should be right now, but I've kinda been trying to work out that the dark lord has been in communication with young Regulus who is indeed tempted by the amount of power the dark lord is promising, I've kinda been referencing it to like Anakin Skywalkers relationship with the Emporeor in the third star wars movie. Although Reg didn't even start out all that nice.

Anyway I was intending upon his actual oath taking place just after the ball, once his heart is ripped out by the discovery that Indigo has feelings for Ethan still. Indi having been the one bright spot in his life that may have convinced him to change his path, her being gone now makes Reg virtually heartless out for revenge on the entire world really, making him a fitting apprentice to the Dark Lord.

Does that sound ok?))

"Evening Regulus, cousin dear."
"Bellatrix," Regulus nodded politely greeting his cousin. He had surprisingly few encounters with his eldest cousin, outside of quidditch and these meetings. Of course that was do in large part to the fact that he had been spending a rather large amount of time around a certain Gryffindor girl named Indigo Grace. For a moment Reg pondered how Bella would react if she knew the company he had been keeping. While it was hard to pinpoint exactly Regulus to knew it would not be good.

What about Severus tough? Would he understand? After all he had seemed to take a liking to at least one of the Gryffindor girls, and a mud blood at that. Surely he could understand that love does not recognize house colors. Perhaps it was foolish to call what Reg shared with Indigo love, but what else could you call it when a girl could tie your stomach in knots just by looking at her? When you suddenly became happy whenever she was near? If that wasn't love what was it?

His mind had drifted for far too long and he caught Severus gaze. On the inside he panicked, had he been asked something? He recalled the final word spoken, anticipation, apparently his ears had been hearing even while his mind was unfocused. Yes this meeting certainly held his anticipation for all three members. Though the anticipation had come and gone over the week as Reg distracted himself with other things, it had seemed that the early hours of this day could not pass by quick enough for him. To report back to his cohorts the experience he'd had.

"I met with the Dark Lord in the forest," Regulus announced finding no need to keep his voice low. After all Severus was more than capable at casting Muffilato and he took no shame in the action. "I was not told much, but he is pleased with our efforts to gain support for him within the walls of Hogwarts." The Dark Lord was cunning, but he was no fool. He could not set foot in Hogwarts, he was unable to mold the young minds into serving his cause, so that task had been passed to them. "He also eluded to a plot for which our help may be required...he gave no further detail," Regulus said recalling the Dark Lords low hissing voice. Now that Regulus considered perhaps it had not been the forest where the Dark Lord was, but in his dreams, it was getting difficult to tell one from the other.

[bellatrix]

ooc: yeah that sounds like a good idea to me, and Regulus does need to have some kind of a 360 turn around from where he is now.

"In other words, you're giddy." She smirked, not wanting to be proved wrong. It was a long shot to call Severus anything that involved over-joyous behavior to be sure, when he was generally a very calm and collected person. All Slytherins were meant to be that way, even if some of the less worthy ones weren't. Always keep a cool mind and a collected attitude, unless an opportunity presents its self to strike. A snake was the perfect symbol for there house, there was just nothing else that could quite cut it so perfectly. She greatly appreciated Severus's sense of ambition, she certainly knew he was one of the smartest Slytherins, if not the smartest, in the school. Bellatrix herself had to learn to control her fierce and alltogether vile temper. Normally she could pull it off quite nicely, because what she put out was just the tip of the ice berg. Still, there were times when she slipped up, and......accidents followed. It was only natural for a person with such power to sometimes make an error and go overboard on the matter. If people weren't so damn foolish, there wouldn't be as many encounters.

"Very good. I hardly find a slytherin or two listening in on our plans would be such a trouble anyway. If they did have the backbone to try and report us to quote unquote authority, they'd have me to deal with me. And really, I think they would find that it isn't in their best personal interest." Now she went after fluffing her already overly puffy hair, as if to see how high she could make the black abyss tower. Her slitted little eys observed Regulus, who sould really be the speaker of tonight. Of course she wasn't going to just hand him the microphone and let him 'take it away', but he did need to pipe up eventually. Many things were on his mind, more than she cared to know. Oh, and how dreadfully antsy he was looking, as if he were a child about to get caught with his hand in the cookie jar. My my. Bellatrix propped her feet up on the couch and rested her head back against the pillow, fingering the black jewel necklace hanging down around her neck.

Completely at ease. I met with the Dark Lord in the forest. She shot up from her lax position as she heard these words, as if his very name was enough to be given proper posture. "Wonderful!" She clapped once, hand tightly connected to her necklace now in anticipation as well. A plot as well was waiting for them, and Trix hadn't felt this excited in weeks. Everything had been dreadfully dull up until this point, and she was thirsting for some news from her hero, in a word. "Of course we can do much better on this stance, and it's fortunate for us that he's pleased. On this subject for example, our little society is going to have to drastically increase in numbers." It seemed that was all the news the Dark Lord had given to Regulus, and Bellatrix had to keep herself from being disappointed. He must have a reason for this, he always had a reason for everything he did.