"I'd be happy to." Will nodded. He had no reason to refuse.
"Excellent, Mr. Behrens. Excellent." Rock Rowle had mixed feelings about Will. The boy wasn't of noble birth, yet few among the Death Eaters outranked him now.
The Dark Lord had even personally chosen Will to rule over the Muggle-born wizards.
Rowle glanced at Snape, who stood nearby with his usual dead-eyed stare and stony face. Rowle said nothing more. Snape had already earned his standing among the Death Eaters through his ability and cruelty during the previous war.
A few minutes later, they left the Great Hall and entered Rowle's office.
Rock Rowle scooped up a handful of glittering silver Floo Powder from a bowl beside the fireplace.
"Malfoy Manor," Rock Rowle said, tossing the Floo Powder into the flames.
Snape caught Will by the arm. "I'll go first."
"Of course, Professor. After you." Will stepped aside.
Snape took a handful of Floo Powder and looked Will in the eye. His lips moved without a sound, but Will understood him perfectly: Be careful.
Then Snape turned and called out, "Malfoy Manor!"
Once the flames that had carried Snape away died down, Will grabbed a handful of Floo Powder too. "Malfoy Manor!"
Green light flashed. After the familiar tugging sensation, Will found himself standing in an ornate but chilly entrance hall.
A starry sky was painted across the high ceiling, and the marble floor gleamed like a mirror. Snape and Rowle were already waiting for him, with Lucius beside them.
"This way, Mr. Behrens," Lucius said, a touch more deference in his voice. "The Master is waiting for you in the study. Severus, we'll have to wait a little longer."
They walked down a long corridor, their footsteps echoing through the empty space. Though it was summer and the