At the back of the hall, the tall, thin, long-haired Pierce shuddered involuntarily and rose awkwardly to his feet.
He had already escaped the Imperius Curse's control, but his hands were no longer clean. Never a particularly strong-willed man to begin with, he had simply become a Death Eater of his own accord.
Now that he had been singled out, everyone was looking at him.
Well, there was no washing this stain away now.
Pierce glanced at Fudge and Lucius, who sat brazenly near the front.
Ahem. Perhaps it wasn't such a big deal after all.
Pierce immediately lifted his mask with newfound resolve, stepped out, and bowed as he shouted.
"My lord!"
Shawn said coolly.
"Punish these people in the middle severely, in accordance with the law. Interrogate them immediately, then send them straight to Azkaban. If they start making wild accusations against others, you know how to handle it?"
Pierce's heart leaped with joy. The new Dark Lord was handing him credit right from the outset! He intended to groom him! Wouldn't that mean he no longer had to bow to Yaxley's whims?
He immediately dropped to one knee.
"My lord, I understand. I will punish these traitors severely and handle this matter flawlessly."
Shawn had Pierce escort away those who were already wailing for their parents, then stood up.
He had demonstrated his strength, intimidated them, and established his standing. Naturally, next came grand promises and ground rules.
Shawn's gaze grew a little more sincere, and warmth entered his voice.
"My friends, I imagine Shawn Black is both familiar and unfamiliar to you, but my views should be no mystery.
Though my own bloodline is noble, I have never discriminated against others.
Why?
You are all adults. Today, we will not discuss sentiments or ideals, only costs