*Sev will remember this place, there's a road ahead leading slowly down to a cliff edge, and once they get there, there's a path down to the sea shore. They have to walk along the shore, and there's a stone path up to a portcullis entrance. It's very dark and cold.*

Remus: *wraps his cloak tightly around himself and follows the path to the entrance*

Severus: *walks along the path quickly, not looking around him*

*there's no light, and the portcullis leads through into the castle. The path twists this way and that and finally there's an open space surrounded by stone walls, and ahead of them and slightly to the left there's a light in one of the rooms*

Remus: *glances over at Sev and keeps pace with him, heading to the lighted room*

Severus: *breathes in deeply and follows the path toward the light, entering the room*

*The room has been redecorated - again - since Sev last saw it.*

Remus: *looks around the room, taking in the details*

*LV goes in for long drapes, and this is no exception. This time they are dark red, and cover all the windows. It's much lighter than you would have expected. It looks like the light you could see must be the other side of the drapes*

Severus: *glances around at the decor, looking around the room and purposely not at Remus*

*LV is there on a shatteringly ugly dark wood throne*

Severus: *inclines his head toward LV* My lord.

Remus: *also inclines his head to LV, but doesn't say anything.*

Lord Voldemort: LV: "Welcome, my friends." *looks at Remus* "And particularly you, Mr Lupin. I have long wanted to meet you."

Remus: *looks back at LV steadily* I'm honoured.

Lord Voldemort: "I trust my little hideaway was not too difficult for you to find?"

Severus: *watches the exchange between Remus and LV* No, my lord. Not at all.

Lord Voldemort: "Good, good."

Lord Voldemort: "I'm sorry to call you at such an inconvenient time, Mr Lupin. Perhaps you would care for some refreshment?"

Remus: *smiles politely* No, thank you.

Severus: *watches Remus closely, his expression unchanging*

Lord Voldemort: "Are you sure? I can't imagine that Dumbledore will keep dinner for you."

Remus: I will manage on my own, without his scraps.

Lord Voldemort: "A very laudable position. But one, I'd imagine, which leaves you rather hungry."

Lord Voldemort: "Tell me about life at the school."

Remus: What do you wish to know?

Lord Voldemort: "Severus keeps me informed, of course. But I'm interested in hearing about...everyone...from your point of view."

Severus: *looks back and forth between them, remaining entirely still and silent*

Remus: The point of view of a pariah may be of little use, but I make my own observations.

Lord Voldemort: "How about Dumbledore? What observations have you made of him?"

Remus: Aside from the fact that he is both hypocritical and ineffectual, you mean?

Lord Voldemort: "Hypocritical and ineffectual. That is harsh, what made you draw those conclusions?"

Remus: He pretends acceptance and tolerance, but he is just as prejudiced as everyone else towards me and my kind.

Lord Voldemort: "And ineffectual?"

Remus: I should not have to provide evidence of his ineffectualness to you, of all people.

Lord Voldemort: *Smiles, which is truly horrible to see* "I see your point."

Remus: *inclines his head briefly in acknowledgment*

Lord Voldemort: "Tell me about Mr Potter - and Mrs Potter since you are such close friends."

Remus: Harry is young, idealistic and inexperienced. Hermione is the chink in his armor.

Lord Voldemort: "In what way?"

Remus: His love for her.

Lord Voldemort: "So you think we could use her against him?"

Remus: *nods* Most definitely.

Lord Voldemort: "Good, good." *turns to Snape* "And what do you think, Severus?"

Severus: *looks to LV* I agree wholly. His wife is his clearest weakness.

Lord Voldemort: *turns back to Remus* "What sort of person is Mrs Potter?"

Remus: Very intelligent and practical. A very sensible young woman.

Lord Voldemort: "So likely to behave sensibly in a crisis?"

Remus: Very likely. She has always shown herself to manage quite well in a crisis. She does not lose her head.

Lord Voldemort: "We can use that against her."

Remus: Of course.

Severus: *nods in agreement, saying nothing*

Lord Voldemort: "What else is happening at the school that I should know about?"

Remus: I do not know how to answer that question, as I do not know what kinds of things you would wish to know about.

Lord Voldemort: "Are there any interesting visitors? Has he made any staff changes? I am always interested in Dumbledore's doings, you never know quite what he has up those sleeves of his."

Remus: There have been no changes in the staff, other than Harry taking over as Flying Instructor, and several new teaching assistants. There have been no interesting visitors that I know of.

Lord Voldemort: *smiles* "Perhaps we have different ideas of what constitutes interesting."

Remus: Perhaps. What -- or whom --would you consider interesting?

Lord Voldemort: "Anyone from the Ministry, for example. Severus may have told you that I am always suspicious when my enemies conspire."

Severus: *nods slightly, remaining silent, unmoving, expressionless*

Lord Voldemort: "I think anyone would be."

Remus: In that case, yes, there has been an interesting visitor from the Ministry. Mundungus Fletcher.

Lord Voldemort: *curious* "What did he want?"

Remus: All I know is that he spoke with Albus.

Lord Voldemort: "Birds of a feather, I suppose. Each being as mad as the other." *thinks for a few moments* "Tell me, Mr Lupin, why are you prepared to join us after so long?"

Remus: I have grown weary of battling the hypocrisy and prejudice. I have grown weary of supporting those who regard me and my kind with contempt, fear, and loathing. I am ready for change.

Lord Voldemort: "And you think I can give you that change? Why?"

Remus: I do not necessarily think you can give me that particular change. I am simply ready for a change -- for the sanctimonious hypocrites to be removed from power.

Lord Voldemort: "And you don't entirely trust me, either, do you?"

Remus: No more than I imagine you entirely trust me.

Lord Voldemort: "You are at least an intelligent man, Mr Lupin. I think we understand each other on this matter very well."

Remus: *nods* I believe we do.

Lord Voldemort: "In that case, I will make you a proposal."

Remus: Very well.

Lord Voldemort: "There are some matters which need to be taken care of, but which few of my followers are in a position to carry out. You may well be handily placed for them."

Remus: What would those matters be?

Severus: *watches them closely through this conversation*

Lord Voldemort: "I will not give you details now, but they will be risky, and unpleasant. If you are caught, they may be dangerous. If you carry them out successfully I will make you one of my followers. If you do not want any part of this say so now, and I will say no more."

Remus: *firmly* I agree to your proposal. I will take the risks, whatever they may be.

Lord Voldemort: "Good. I will contact you again when the time is right."

Remus: I will await your instructions.

Lord Voldemort: "Excellent. Please wait outside. Severus, remain."

Remus: *nods and immediately leaves the room*

Severus: *nods and remains still*

Lord Voldemort: "Thank you for bringing him, Severus. I am grateful, he will be useful to us."

Severus: *nods* You are most welcome, my lord. I agree that he is a valuable asset.

Lord Voldemort: "I will contact you both shortly with the task I want him to undertake. I am making you responsible for seeing he carries it out successfully."

Severus: I have no doubts as to his willingness or skill. I will, however, oversee the process closely.

Lord Voldemort: "I know I can trust you, Severus."

Severus: Thank you, my lord. You honour me.

Lord Voldemort: "I am sure you are anxious to get back to the school. Go now."

Severus: *bows his head* Thank you. Goodnight, my lord. *turns to leave*

Lord Voldemort: *Watches him go.*