How to Spin a Web [Lucius/Invite]

[Sylvan Thails]

*Sylvan had sent her beloved Minerva Owl ahead with a package to Lucius Malfoy. Within the package was a letter and an elegant silver key wrapped in satin. The letter informed Lucius that the key was a Port Key to her home in Greece where she invited him to visit.*

*It was left quite vague, to make sure not to put Lucius in pinch should anyone be keeping track of such things. They were known as friends publicly, of course, so it was not so strange.*

*Sylvan was currently seated in one of two large wing back chairs in the expansive sitting room. The heart itself was large enough for five or so people to stand in comfortably and edged in polished silver. The room itself seemed to favor darker hued reds with silver finishing and to say it was elegant was something of an understatement. The Thails family was of vast wealth and even more precious, incredible standing.*

*A withered corpse stood in the corner, dead eyes staring and awaiting any command to be given to it. Sylvan ignored it easily enough. House Elves were not used in Thails Manor, nor had they ever been used. Instead the ritual to create Inferi was passed down from parent to child for generations. Vile creatures, yes, but since they could not think for themselves there was no risk of betraying ancient secrets found within the Manor or of it's occupants.*

*This Ineferius was her father's Favourite, an old rival from childhood that had crossed Graven Thails once too often. It delighted her father to see his rival's corpse serving him so.*

*Sipping from a silver goblet of rich wine, Sylvan's eyes were trained on a Warstones board. The game was quite old and was a test of misleading moves, deception and pure strategy. Where sometimes a brave move could cost someone the whole game. It rewarded underhandedness not bravery for strategy.*

[Lucius Malfoy]

*He had received an unexpected invitation to Thails Manor. One that he was honoured to accept. Throughout his time knowing Sylvan, he had yet to travel to her home. He had even been absent when the other Death Eaters had their competition on her grounds. The ready made Portkey allowed extremely simple travel to the location, and once he was ready, he made his way there.*

*He found himself in a beautiful lounge, in which Sylvan was waiting for him. He bowed his head gracefully with a warm smile and strode to meet her. He took her hand and kissed it, but as he walked, out of the corner of his eye he noticed something that almost ruined the splendor of the room. A half dead corpse stood by a wall staring into nothingness. It made him feel a little sick, but his time around Dementors and the like in Azkaban had eased his discomfort around such dark creatures.*

Sylvan, my lady. To what do I owe the pleasure?

[Sylvan Thails]

*Sylvan's head turned when she heard the arrival of Lucius and stood. Smiling warmly and approaching him to accept the greeting of the kiss on her hand. Noting his glance to the Inferius, she chuckled softly.*

Forgive, Inferi have been the servants in this Manor for a very, very long time.

*Turning her head to one side and saying a single word in Greek, the Inferius twitched before leaving the room entirely.*

I am glad you could come, I apologize for the vague letter but with this business going on about this...Von Heap fellow, I assumed you would appreciate not being put in any sort of position that could compromise you. Please, have a seat. I was just enjoying some wine and musing my next move in my father and I's game of Warstones.

*Gesturing to the twin of the large wing back chair in front of the fire before she moved to pour out another goblet of wine and place it beside him. Silently assuming Lucius would not appreciate an Inferius pouring his wine.*

*She sat, then and relaxed some into her chair, looking very much at home in the gothic castle.*

First, to inform you I've spoken with my father and that, considering your rather precarious position, you are to be invited to use my home for meetings with Death Eaters or for anything you like. Greece is not bound by the Wizarding Laws of the Dark Arts. The Ministry of Magic cannot observe my home as it can others, and it's not as if the serving staff are capable of remembering faces or names.

Though, secondly...I've something of a favor to ask of you. The Dark Lord has instucted me to fetch Crabbe and Goyle from the Ministry's dungeons. I've only been to the Ministry but once and that was to kill one of the Auror's and cast doubt on a branch of the Ministry itself. I'm not familiar with where they would hold two Death Eaters...regardless of how ineffectual they seem. And to know what sort of anti magic spells there are, so I can best plan the escape once they're free.

*She looked to him for a moment before offering him a smile like silk.*

And before you can grow concerned, do not worry. I am not asking for you aide in the matter directly. I have a great deal of respect for the fact that your position requires a great deal of careful steps and words. I would not wish to put you or the name Malfoy at risk.

Really, I think the best course of action is one of simple stealth, and a few Polyjuice potions for them as well as a few dead Auror Guards.

*She looked at the Warstones board for a long moment before gesturing her hand and moving three of the blue colored stones across the board.*

[Lucius Malfoy]

You have heard about Von Heap too then?

*It seemed everyone he spoke to lately had either had some run in with him or had at least spoken to someone who had. It was a wonder he believed that he could work as a spy, what with everyone and their brother knowing his name. He did not want to waste any more time on the subject though.*

So, you are to rescue Crabbe and Goyle?

*It had not been all that long ago that the Dark Lord had instructed him that he cared not for their fates. This must be some sort of test for Sylvan.*

If it is information you seek, then I am quite willing to give it.

*As one of the trusted Key Guardians of the Ministry, he was in a position of some knowledge in this matter.*

There will be a few obstacles for you to overcome. The first will be the initial gaining entry to the Ministry.

Security levels have been raised of late, following a series of breaches. There are a number of Aurors and Hitwizards on patrol as well as the usual Watch-wizards.
You will have to have your wand checked on entry. It is impossible that they will allow anyone that they do not recognise through without doing so first.

Next you will need to make your way to the detention level. It is the lowest level in the building. If anyone sees you making your way there it may be treated as suspicious. Only authorised people may go into the cell blocks. Simply making sure the lift that you choose is empty should suffice.

Next, there will likely be more guards on patrol at the lift exit, though this is not always the case, depending on rotations and duties.

However along the corridor before you reach the cell blocks, there will be two dragon guards, no matter what time of day it is.

Staff get around this by using the access tunnel which bypasses them. But only Key Guardians carry the keys necessary to open the doors.

Finally, you will need a Key Guardians key to unlock the cells themselves.

[Sylvan Thails]

*Sylvan listened carefully to the information given to her. The Ministry of Magic was not to be underestimated by any means and she had no delusions that this would be a simple thing. Though, As Lucius finished his description of the process, she smiled slightly.*

This could be advantageous for both of us, then. How many Key Guardians are there and what are their names? I will certainly need one of them, by some means, and I'm almost certain that there are one or two that may have crossed you in the past and you would like to see humiliated?

From there, it's a matter of an Imperius Curse and me using my status in Greece to have a tour set up for myself. Have them lead me to Crabbe and Goyle and then making sure that Key Guardian casts the proper spells to get them back to the Dark Lord. I remain behind, attacked and injured in some sinister plot.

My wand will be set with a flood of innocent, day to day spells after the Imperius is cast. They do all of the suspicious spells. Then are raked across the coals beyond repairing their sullied names and disposed of.

[Lucius Malfoy]

*Her plan was sound. His initial idea had been much more complicated, involving polyjuice, kidnapping, memory charms, theft and so on. Likely leaving a lot more mess behind than hers to boot. Her question about key guardians and whether he had any whom he had particular disagreements with. There were quite a few high ranking officials who had access to the cells, but none of which he had any particular gripe with. Nonetheless he would have to give her some names.*

Gawain Robards, the Head Auror should have a key, so too should the various other heads of the Law Department. The other Key Guardians are the Minister and his Advisors. Myself included, but I shouldn't like to have my name sullied.

*He gave her a smile, knowing she would never have chosen him whether she knew or not.*

[Sylvan Thails]

*Sylvan nods, considering the short list for a few moments before taking a sip of wine.*

Framing an Auror, due to their training, would be close to impossible. That being said, should one come under question it would rock the incredible faith for the Aurors to the core. Tricky, very tricky.

This could serve more than one purpose, Lucius. Of course, if I am successful you will be allowed to stand beside me when we inform the Dark Lord of the plan. I know you are still on shaky ground with his favor.

Of course, to do that I would need to be able to get Robards away from the Aurors. I would need to be able to have the chance to cast the Imperius Curse without suspicion. Perhaps it is time I open my vault and choose one of the items within. I could hand deliver it to him and press that the nature of the object has come under question as where I found it being of...sensitive nature. A private meeting.

*Sylvan taps her lips with her finger for a moment before nodding.*

It's settled, then.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Robards has a private office, though it is within the Law Department. Seeing him alone will technically be no problem, but the area will be full of enforcers.

Your caution is well advised.

*He took a small drink from his goblet.*

I appreciate your concern for my standing with the Dark Lord, it is well recieved.

[Sylvan Thails]

Your standing with the Dark Lord is something I keep a keen eye on. It is because of you that I wear a Dark Mark at all. I owe you considerable gratitude and I do not forget those who have helped me along the way.

*She offered him a smile and gestured a light toast with her goblet before taking a sip.*

I am not in the habit of underestimating people. It leads to foolish mistakes and I am not fond of making any sort of mistake, let alone a foolish one.

*He was the head Auror and she would have to assume that he will be on guard. She will have to have some sort of distraction to be able to draw her wand.*

I think I have just the item that may do this for me.

*Her smile was wicked as she thought of the mirror she had in her vault. When peered into, it showed the illicit image of a nymph dancing. It was one of the safer ways to view such a thing, but it still had a soft entrancement to it. It should be enough to distract any man from someone drawing a wand.*

[Lucius Malfoy]

*Lucius knew that Sylvan was something of a collector of rare and powerful items. No doubt she had something of interest that she could use in a situation like this. Her closed lips may mean that she did not wish to speak of what exactly she was planning. Anyhow maybe the less he knew, the better.*

Should I be of any more service?

[Sylvan Thails]

*She looked to him and smiled warmly, setting her drink to one side.*

No, Lucius, though it would be very rude of me to send you home so soon. This is your first time in Greece, is it not? Come, I will show you the view of my childhood, then.

*She smiles and rises from her seat, her arm held out for him to take so she can lead him through the twisting halls of the Manor. It could be confusing to newcomers, but Sylvan had grown up knowing these paths. There were glimpses of Inferi, if he was looking. Though they kept their distance.*

*She lead him to a different sitting room that had two massive glass doors and she opened them. The breeze was a bit chill and the sound of the ocean crashing against rocks below offered some hint to what the view would be like. The manor was perched high on a cliff. The sky was steel gray and the water was particularly turbulent. The scent of the sea and cool air were refreshing as the breeze itself.*

We're in Patras, Greece, so you know. This is the Eastern side of the manor, the southern side looks much the same as this. The western grounds are a hedge maze and the Labyrinth below. The northern grounds are the entrance into the manor itself. It has been here for more than three centuries and every stone seems to have some memories.

*Smiling and with no little amount of pride. She loved her home.*

[Lucius Malfoy]

*He took her arm and followed quite happily her guidance. He did notice several Inferi as they walked, but certain that they must be under control he felt no fear. Though at no point did he think he would prefer their servitude over his house elves. His servants may be bumbling and stupid, but at least they did not somewhat ruin the decor with their presence.*

You have a marvelous home indeed. It is a wonder you ever leave at all.

[Sylvan Thails]

One cannot become great by remaining within their own home. I've spent enough time in these halls to want to be elsewhere.

*Her eyes cast over the rolling waves of the seas.*

If you listen closely, you can hear the songs of the Mer beneath the waves. It was impossible to keep me out of the water once I learned how to speak their language when I was young.

[Lucius Malfoy]

*He stayed silent listening to the sounds of the sea, chancing to hear the Mer songs and breathing in the air. It was wonderful. A world away from the constant concern of war he lived in.*

Simply marvelous.

[Sylvan Thails]

You pay me high honor with your words, Lucius. As I said, you are free to come here when it please you. All I ask is that you do not disturb my father. He is a secluded man in his old age, so it shall not be difficult.

If you need anything, the Inferi will aid you. They may look distasteful, but they are loyal in a way even House Elves cannot be.

*She looks over the balcony and smiles softly.*

Even if you wish to bring Narcissa or Draco here, you are free to. Indeed, there is a rather expansive guest house. If Draco wished to host a party in a more unique location for his friends, he would be welcome to. All I ask is that I be given a week to prepare everything for him. I'll assume he will want to use House Elves rather than Inferi...unless he's curious of such Dark Arts?

*Looking to Lucius curiously herself to see if Draco was so inclined.*