Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows chapter 1, The Dark Lord Ascending, opens with two men suddenly appearing on a gravel lane. Not knowing who is the other, each draw their wands in defense. The two men are Death Eaters. To be precise, they are Yaxley and Snape. They converse for a moment before entering the gates to a manor house.

In the manor, they enter an elegant drawing room. There is a group of people sitting around an ornate table. An unknown human body is revolving above the table. No one’s eyes, except for a young man, dares to look above at the wretched body.

At the head of the table sits the Dark Lord, Voldemort. He rebukes the two Death Eaters for their late arrival. He commands news from two tardy wizards.

The two Death Eaters vie to tell their news first. Snape tells Voldemort and the others that Harry Potter will leave his place of safety for another. This will happen Saturday, October 30, before his birthday. The safe house is a place of the Order of the Phoenix choosing. Once Harry arrives at the secret place, he is safe from Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

No Floo Network or Apparition will be used. The information comes from the Auror, Dawlish who is Confunded. He leaks that the Order of the Phoenix believes the Ministry of Magic has been in filtrated.

Yaxley tells his news. He is so happy to share it with his master, Lord Voldemort. There is an Imperius curse on Pius Thicknesse, Head of the Department of Magical Law. Now Pius works for Lord Voldemort. The control of Rufus Scrimgeour is next.

Lord Voldemort decides he must personally kill Harry Potter. He and his Death Eaters will attack Harry and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry has lived too long. Voldemort commands Lucius Malfoy to give him his wand. Lucius is reluctant, but his wife Narcissa urges him to follow the command. Narcissa is as terrified of Voldemort as her husband. There is a discussion of the wand’s construction. Draco sits quietly beside his parents.

Of course, Bellatrix Lestrange is delighted to be in the presence of the Dark Lord. She hangs onto his every word as if they are gold galleons. Wormtail is at the table, but does not share Lestrange's happiness.

Lord Voldemort takes a moment to taunt the Malfoys and Lestrange. He congratulates them on the marriage between Tonks and Remus Lupin. Draco is asked if he will babysit the future werewolf cubs.

Lord Voldemort’s eyes move to the unknown body revolving over the table. The others do the same. Charity Burbage is above the table. She is the teacher of Muggles Studies at Hogwarts. Voldemort is displeased with the professor for teaching the students Muggles are no different from witches and wizards. Burbage pleads to Snape for help. Professor Snape coldly ignores cries for aid. Her life is ended by the Dark Lord using the Avada Kedavra curse.

Throughout the proceedings, a hissing snake slithers across the floor and rests Lord Voldemort’s shoulders. Its scaley body wraps itself around his neck. It is Nagini; she slithers away at his command.

The Harry Potter book is about love. Love in a family and most of all, love between friends. Lord Voldemort has love for no one. The second theme is we are not perfect. The realization of this is part of growing up. Look at the Malfoys' change of attitude towards Lord Voldemort. Voice your opinion in the forum.





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