Hey guys!
It's been a while since I've posted a new chapter hasn't it?
Well, I am back.
I know, I said I'd post on Christmas, but let's be real. It was Christmas, and I'm me. I don't think anyone really thought I'd post. Heh.
Upcoming Updates:
Rewriting: I will have the Rewrite of Chapters 3 and 4 Uploaded within the next week and half.
Next Chapter: The Chapter 10 will be posted on Jan 16.
I will be trying much harder to keep to schedule, I have a few plans to ensure that (along with more prewriting done now).
Shoutout to Udm17, who has been an irreplaceable aid in writing this.
Nothing you recognize from J.K Rowling is mine.
That's it guys,
Read and Review!
Cheers,
TPR
The Dark Phoenix
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
The Dark Phoenix
Arcturus scowled as he downed another large glass of firewhisky, taking no pleasure in consuming the hearty drink. Indeed, Arcturus had already drunk many - much to his regret as he felt a headache beginning to throb between his temples - but was focused enough not to care.
As the Lord Black he held enormous political clout - let alone his position as Baron Black - everyone respected him, and many would trip over their own feet to support him. The problem was voting against Dumbledore; it was risky no matter how much support Arcturus had. Arcturus was, therefore, relying heavily on the Dark Alliance established by his grandfather to pull through, and win the vote.
The problem there lay in the Lord Malfoy. Despite Lord Black being the official leader of the Dark Alliance, Lord Malfoy had gradually ascended to that position in his absence. Officially, Arcturus was the leader, but everyone now listened to Lord Malfoy because his son claimed to be heir.
Essentially, Arcturus was unsure for whom they would vote had Arcturus rejected Lord Malfoy's proposal, it was the difference between complete confidence, and a large risk.
Now, the problem was Hadrian.
Lord Malfoy could fool most, but Arcturus was not fooled; this was not about House Black - slightly, in the case of his son's chances of being Heir Black - this was about Hadrian.
Lord Malfoy was searching for answers. How did his Lord die? Was Hadrian dangerous? Should the escaped Death Eaters fear him?
The problem lay with Hadrian.
The child was far too serious for his own good, in fact so serious that Arcturus was sure his "mask" was far more real than his childish attitude. Almost by default, Hadrian spoke tonelessly, politely, and observed all niceties; whenever he acted childish, however, an underlying tension, a strain, visible effort could be seen in the depths of his eyes.
Hadrian could act - nearly - flawlessly, pretending to be like any child, but Arcturus knew that his natural attitude was the emotionless mask of indifference and anger.
Anger.
Hadrian was driven by his anger.
Anger against the world, anger against his own parents, anger against anyone who caused him pain, and anger against those who harmed his parents.
Anger, fury, and rage.
Arcturus' fear was that Hadrian would release his anger upon Lord Malfoy, seeing as he was connected to the Dark Lord, which would ruin any chances at a political agreement.
'Damn it all!' Arcturus swore, downing another glass of firewhisky.
Snapping his fingers, he summoned an elf to fetch Hadrian, groaning as he began to regret his overly generous consumption of alcohol.
The Dark Phoenix
Hadrian clenched his fists furiously.
Lord Malfoy.
Hadrian understood the need, but he was furious.
Indeed, Arcturus had drilled the reasons into Hadrian until he agreed, but still.
"You can not eat your cake and have it too." Arcturus had calmly replied.
It was true, Hadrian couldn't escape Dumbledore using the support of the Dark, whilst trying to dismantle the Dark faction. It wouldn't work, but Hadrian desperately wanted it to work.
Growling in frustration, Hadrian spun on his heel as he stormed through the castle.
It was ridiculous, completely and utterly ridiculous. Hadrian would be entertaining the presence and accepting the aid of a Death Eater.
Sneering in contempt, Hadrian stormed into his office and flung himself onto his chair. The air had grown hot and stifling as his magic permeated the room, making known his anger.
Fuming in anger, Hadrian ignored it, until eventually Hadrian sighed in annoyance before breathing deeply, and calmly until his ambient magic subsided, and the air cooled; it would not do to burn something again, Arcturus had been furious the last time it had happened.
'Sometimes a battle must be lost to win the war.' Hadrian thought grimly.
Resigning himself to the fact that Hadrian had to, temporarily, side with a group that was indirectly - in one case directly - correlated with his past Hadrian began searching for methods in which he could take advantage of the situation.
The simplest method was simply using the Malfoys as long as he could, before leaving them to rot. They would, likely, wait hand and foot on him just to gain his favor, the easiest advantage to expose.
You eat your cake and have it too, but you can have your cake then eat it too.
Suddenly, Hadrian's head snapped up, narrowed in concentration.
A sinister smirk crossed his face, as he bolted - in the most dignified manner possible- across the castle to find Arcturus.
If you can't eat it and have it, why not have it then eat it?
The Dark Phoenix
Gracefully swirling the deep amber liquid in it's tumbler, whilst grey eyes darted nervously as they stared through the large, simple, and beautiful windows overlooking the grounds. Absentmindedly taking a swig, Lucius sighed in satisfaction; if there was one thing muggles had right - although he would never admit such a thing - it was alcohol. Hell, the Irish muggles invented whisky, granted they failed to invent anything else for three-hundred years as a result, but it was whisky, where else would firewhisky have come from?
Yet, in spite of whisky, Lucius could not help but feel the tremor of anxiety settling deep within him, as his meeting with Heir Potter and Lord Black loomed over the horizon. If he botched the meeting, his son's future would be diminished, and his own would be far more grim. Lucius was confident, Lord Black needed political support, but that did nothing to prevent his growing anxiety.
Summoning an elf, he sent the pitiful creature in search of his son. Settling himself in his chair, it was unbecoming of a Lord to pace, Lucius awaited his son's arrival. Everything needed to be perfect.
A knock reverberated through Lucius' office, causing Lucius' resurface to the present.
"Enter."
The door opened smoothly, revealing the diminutive but confident figure of his son, Draco. A hint of a smile tugged at Lucius' lips as he gestured for Draco to seat himself in the chair opposite him.
"Son, the Lord Black and I will be convening on the morrow to discuss the future of House Black, as you likey have heard from your mother." A look of guilty surprise formed on Draco's face, causing Lucius to smirk as he continued. " Furthermore, I am inclined to believe that it would be beneficial if you attended this gathering."
"Why is that, Father?"
Lucius stared deep into the eyes of his son, internally debating how much his son deserved to know, and after a moment of deliberation replied.
"The Potter boy is, as you know, with the Lord Black; he is a public figure who is shrouded in mystery as little is known about him, nor about his triumph over the Dark Lord. Consequently, I believe it would be wise, as a family that is resurging through the chaos of the war, to befriend Potter."
Lucius watched his son's eyes furrow, as he hesitantly asked.
"You want me to befriend Potter - a half-blood - to benefit House Malfoy politically?"
Lucius' lips twitched at the underlying disgust in Draco's voice, before responding.
"Essentially, yes. Furthermore, I want you to uncover as many of his .. beliefs, views, and political leanings as you possibly can without raising suspicion."
A taciturn nod, was the only response he received.
"Sometimes, son, you must lose a battle to win the war." Lucius sighed, receiving only narrowed eyes in response. "You may go."
An annoyed, but not quite angry, Draco arose and began leaving the room, pausing as Lucius called after him.
"Good luck, Draco."
"Thank you, father."
And the door swung shut.
Dark Phoenix
The unfamiliar dizzying effect of floo travel rendered Hadrian nauseous and unable to fully appreciate his first sight of Black Manor's interior. Smooth, extravagant perfection. Deep silver and black, opposed by the smooth shining white of the marble floor tiles. Glancing around Hadrian noticed Arcturus marching across the hall, and bemusedly followed the impatient old wizard.
Hadrian followed Arcturus through hallways with a constant theme of silver and black, idly wondering where Arcturus was leading him. At long last, Hadrian resented his short stature because it made these distances feel much larger than they were, Arcturus halted before two large double doors. Throwing them open, Arcturus entered the room with Hadrian once more following behind in his wake.
A grand hall stood before them with a finely crafted table extending across it's length, a crest of House Black embossed upon its center. The dining hall. The walls were bare, as opposed to the countless portraits in the hallways, but the ceiling emitted an ethereal glow as it stared down upon them. There were no lights suspended from the ceiling, indeed the ceiling itself was a beautiful light glowing down upon the room. A hum of approval sounded from Acturus.
"All seems to be in order. Now, I must find those elves and inform them of the upcoming meals. Would you like to accompany me?"
Hadrian's lips curled in distaste at the thought, and Arcturus continued with a smirk. " I thought not. Feel free to explore the manor as you will."
Without another word Arcturus strode out of the hall, robes billowing behind him. A tinge of annoyance grew within Hadrian, he could have at least told him where the library was!
Stepping out into the hallway, Hadrian glanced in both directions, frustrated at his helpless ignorance in finding his way around.
"The Library is to your left Hadrian!" Arcturus' voice called out from afar.
Hadrian sighed in annoyance and exasperation, of course, Arcturus was playing with him.
But that didn't stop him from immediately walking in the direction of the library.
The Dark Phoenix
Draco Malfoy, Heir of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Malfoy, was one of the richest children living in magical Britain; nevertheless, that did nothing to prevent the tinge of envy that welled within him upon his arrival into the entrance hall of Black Manor. Quelling his jealousy, Draco listened to the elf, who had appeared before his father.
Dressed in a black uniform, not clothes but not quite a pillowcase, the elf spoke with authority unbefitting a creature of it's status. Draco scoffed, an authoritative elf, ludicrous.
"Welcome to Black Manor, home of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black. The Lord Black is currently in the library -"
"Tell Lord Black that we have arrived." Lucius ordered sharply, interrupting the elf.
"The Lord Black wishes for you to meet him in the library." The elf continued sternly.
Lucius grimaced in distaste, where was the respect? The library? An elf commanding him? Lucius sneered in contempt at the creature, before commanding mockingly. "Well? Lead the way then, little elf."
A vindictive smirk formed on Draco's face as the elf turned sharply about and began leading them across the hall briskly, very briskly. Draco's smirk was soon replaced with a scowl as he was nearly forced to jog in order to keep pace with the devilish creature; His mood was further worsened by the apparent amusement on his fathers face, as he enjoyed Draco's predicament. Alas for fathers, entertainment they soon arrived at the library, and the elf popped away saying.
"The Lord Black awaits your arrival."
Incorrigible elf. Smoothing out his robes, Lucius glanced down towards his son and gave an encouraging nod, before opening the doors and entering. The first thing that struck the pair, was the openness; where conventional libraries had narrow rows of bookshelves with odd corners left untouched by the shelves, for reading purposes, the Black family library deviated from this custom, between two shelves were scattered tables, sofas, and divans in the place of a third shelf. The odd custom, interfering with the standard order, lacked the expected chaos; in fact it was implemented with such precision to create a feeling of greater order.
Seated at one such table, the Lord Black and Heir Potter appeared to be enjoying a game of wizards chess. Affronted, Draco huffed silently, but approached quietly with his father. Lucius Malfoy was irked, the disrespect being given him was concerning him, but his interest was piqued at the sight of Baron Black and Heir Potter playing chess; Chess is a game of the mind, and Lucius enjoyed the thought that he was talented and knowledgeable in its subtleties.
"Bishop to d3." Arcturus commanded, steadfastly ignoring Lucius' presence.
"Rook h to g8." Hadrian quietly replied after a moment's consideration, causing Lucius to wince; it was not the worst possible move, in fact it seemed logical, but it was a damning move for sure.
"Bishop takes on g6. Check." Arcturus replied almost instantly, a note of triumph in his voice. Hadrian too winced, realizing his folly.
A sullen note had entered Hadrian's voice as he replied. "King to f8."
"Queen to f4. Check."
"Bishop to f5." Hadrian sighed.
"Queen takes on f5. Check."
"King to g7."
"Rook to h7. Checkmate." Arcturus responded triumphantly.
Quiet clapping called their attention. "Well played Lord Black."
Nodding his head in acknowledgement of the praise, Arcturus replied.
"Greetings Lord Malfoy, Heir Malfoy. Welcome to Black Manor."
"Thank you for welcoming us into your abode." Draco replied smoothly, unfazed by the delayed occurrence of the niceties.
Lord Malfoy responded, lips twitching at the absurd tardiness of the welcome. "To business, I suppose -"
"Business can be taken elsewhere, Lord Malfoy." Arcturus interjected, who was now standing across from Lucius. "There is no need to tire such young ears with the ceaseless disagreements of the old."
Having expected the turn of events, neither Heir visibly reacted to the decision, as Lucius responded silkily. "Perhaps you are correct, Lord Black."
Arcturus, without further ado, swept from the room gesturing to Lucius. "This way, if you will."
The grand doors of the library swung shut, and Draco turned to see Hadrian seated across from him, observing him. The silence was broken by the quiet voice of his counterpart.
"Heir Malfoy, please, be seated." Hadrian requested graciously.
Acquiescing graciously, Draco sat across from him, slightly disconcerted by the constant stare he was receiving from the smaller boy. Staring down at the chess set, to avoid the unnerving stare, the growing tension was cut by Hadrian.
"You seem to be quite interested in the chess set." Hadrian stated, an underlying tone of amusement in his voice. "Perhaps you would like to play a game?"
"I- I would like that." Draco replied hesitantly, and watched as the shattered precious metals reformed into beautiful pieces, as Hadrian waved his hand over the board saying. "Wizards chess."
"Would you like to play white?" Hadrian, ever the gracious host, asked politely.
"I would." Draco replied.
A wry smirk formed on Hadrian's face. "Your move."
"Pawn to e4." The opulently designed pawn, crowned in a white diamond, moved forward of its own accord.
"Pawn to c6." Hadrian replied calmly.
"Pawn to d4." Draco replied candidly, searching desperately for an opportunity to engage his opponent in conversation, he had a mission after all.
"Pawn to d5." Was the ready reply.
After a moment's thought, Draco replied. "Knight to c3."
Interrupting Hadrian's thought, Draco asked casually. "Of which matters do you think they are discussing, Heir Potter?"
Looking up sharply, Hadrian stared into his eyes momentarily before chastising quietly. "You know as well as I what they are discussing, Heir Malfoy."
Flushing slightly, Draco responded. "I do, but I've found it is far more interesting to hear the thoughts of others."
Hadrian hummed quietly in agreement, keeping to himself that 'informative' seemed a more suited adjective, while ordering.
"Pawn takes on e4."
The white pawn, diamond, marble and silver, shattered as the black pawn struck it down from the board, and unceremoniously swiped the remains away.
When no response to his question was immediately forthcoming, Draco returned his focus to the game. "Bishop to c4."
A slight raising of Hadrian's eyebrow was the only indication that he disapproved of the move, replying instantly. "Bishop to f5."
"Pawn to f3."
"Knight to f6." Came Hadrian's confident reply.
Draco's thoughts were interrupted as Hadrian expressed his thoughts. "They are negotiating; Negotiating the future of House Black."
"That much was fairly evident." Draco commented. "Queen to e2."
"Pawn takes on f3." Hadrian replied, noncommittally; Ignoring the spectacular destruction of another one of Draco's pawns as he chose instead to reply.
"Well," Hadrian drawled. "The subject will likely also revolve around the Heirship of House Black, and the upcoming spectacle in the Wizengamot."
"Knight takes on f3." Draco answered.
"Pawn to e6." Hadrian responded, preventing any other response from Draco.
Narrowing his eyes in concentration, Draco commanded his pieces. "Kingside Castle."
Before asking. "And what are your thoughts on those subjects?"
"The Heirship of House Black is a matter that should be left solely in the hands of the Lord Black, I have no thoughts on the matter." Hadrian murmured diplomatically, before ordering.
"Pawn to b5."
Glaring down at the board, Draco thought furiously. 'Trading the Knight allows for a direct assault on the king, at the cost of two pawns for a knight.' Weighing the odds, Draco grimaced and instructed. "Bishop to b3." Choosing the passive, and seemingly safer route.
"Knight b to d7." Hadrian directed.
"A diplomatic response if anything." Draco remarked.
Nodding in acknowledgement, Hadrian replied. "Any other reply would create unnecessary controversy, after all."
Nodding, Draco conducted his Bishop to f4.
"Any thoughts on the matter of the upcoming Wizengamot then?" Draco queried.
Developing his bishop to e7, Hadrian smirked as he replied. "Many."
"Yes, because I was searching for the quantity rather than the quality of them." Draco commented scathingly, as he directed his knight to e5.
"Manners, Heir Malfoy, manners." Hadrian chided amusedly, before instructing his pieces.
"Kingside Castle."
Wincing as he realized his mistake, Hadrian heaved a silent sigh of relief as Draco failed to notice Hadrian's blunder, as Draco, instead, offered. "Draco. Please, my name is Draco. Rook a to e1."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Draco. My name is Hadrian. "
"A pleasure, Hadrian." Draco replied cordially.
Nodding silently as they agreed at the usage of each other's names, Hadrian guided his piece to amend his unnoticed error. "Rook to c8."
Taking a gamble, Draco commanded hesitantly. "Knight takes on f6."
Hadrian frowned in confusion, before directing. "Rook takes on f6."
Still agitated by the unwarranted agression of his opponent's move - in spite of the picturesque shattering of the knight at the hands of his rook - Hadrian left Draco to continue the conversation.
"Bishop takes on e6." Draco murmured hesitantly, before asking. "Would you care to disclose any of those many thoughts you have on the matter?"
Ignoring Draco in favor of the game, Hadrian conducted his own bishop to take on e6, before replying with a question, lips twitching in amusement.
"All of them? Or just some? Or perhaps, many of them but not quite all?"
Sighing in exasperation, Draco ordered his Queen to take on e6, before giving another withering response.
"In that case, since you clearly can not provide any meaningful response to open ended questions, what is your opinion on Dumbledore?"
Draco winced as he realized the undbouted sensitivity surrounding the comment he had rashly thrown into the conversation.
A frosty note entered Hadrian's voice as he ordered his Queen to f8, before replying.
"I have many opinions of the old man, am I to assume that you wish for those specifically on the topic of the upcoming Wizengamot meeting?"
Struggling to contain any reaction he may have had to Hadrian's response, Draco opted to nod in agreement to avoid betraying anything through his voice. Internally, Draco was still wincing at the poor choice of topic, while simultaneously smirking in satisfaction at the evident distaste for the 'Old man'.
"He deserves whatever misfortune comes his way." Hadrian continued coldly.
When no further response was forthcoming, Draco directed his piece quietly. "Bishop to g5."
"Pawn to h6." Hadrian ordered in turn, before hesitantly continuing.
"Dumbledore, despite all his accomplishments, does not deserve the extreme power he has been given over magical Britain. With no intention of appearing egoistical, I must say that his guardianship" Having started quietly, Hadrian's voice had become colder as he sneered at the thought of Dumbledore. "Of wizarding Britain's most prominent celebrity, was nothing short of despicable, and I shudder to think of any other errors of a similar nature he may make."
"Bishop takes on h6." Draco commanded, before replying. "I am inclined to agree with you."
"Pawn takes on h6." Hadrian directed in response.
"Rook to e3."
"King to h7."
"Queen to f5, check."
"King to h8."
"Rook to h3." Draco directed before breaking the steadfast focus on the game. "And what, do you think, are our chances of success?"
"In the wizengamot?" Hadrian questioned. "My, my Draco, our? I'm glad I have your full approval already."
Smirking at the slight flush that grew on Draco's face, Hadrian continued.
"Assuming Lord Malfoy and Baron Black arrange an agreement, Dumbledore is unlikely to succeed. Nearly the entirety of the Dark faction will side with us, especially if both the Blacks and Malfoys are in agreement, and many of the Neutrals and Light members will likely support us in spite of Dumbledore's prestige. Pawn to c5."
"Knight to e2." Draco sighed, before remarking interestedly. "You seem unconcerned about Dumbledore's prestige, and political support."
"Pawn takes on d4. Dumbledore's most devoted supporters are nearly countered evenly by the entirety of the Dark Alliance, the less staunch of his admirers and supporters should be just as likely to abandon him in the face of the evidence as they will be to support him; The Neutrals, however, will by in large - according to Baron Black - side with us, considering the circumstances."
Nodding Draco's acceptance of the reasoning, he bid his Knight take the pawn on d4.
"Rook to c5." Hadrian responded.
"Queen to g6."
"Rook to h7."
A glimmer of hope appeared in Draco's eyes as he ordered. "Knight to e6."
Hadrian's eyes narrowed as he searched for an escape from the double attack. "Queen to f7."
Scowling as any possible chance at victory slipped through his hands, slowly, before his eyes. Internally accepting his imminent defeat, Draco ordered. "Queen takes on f7."
The breathtakingly beautiful Black queen, crowned in nine tahitian pearls, shining in all its darkness and glory shattered spectacularly. The once picturesque piece, the opulent display of beauty, disintegrated before their eyes, pearls crushed, marble fractured, and silver lining fragmented as the golden sword of the White queen swept through it.
Draco's victory was short-lived, however, as Hadrian replied in kind, his Rook taking on f7, rending the spectacular White Queen dust upon the board.
"Knight takes on c5." Draco ordered.
"Bishop takes on c5, check." Hadrian replied unshaken at the loss of a rook.
"King to h1." Draco grimaced, his position was poor and he was outstripped in material.
"King to h7." Hadrian directed, limiting any offensive from Draco.
"Pawn to g4." Draco ushered, determined not to be forced onto the defensive.
"Rook to g7." Hadrian replied, further restricting Draco's offensive efforts.
"I fear my position is unsalvageable." Draco commented despondently. "Rook to e1."
"I would be inclined to agree." Hadrian replied with a smirk. "Knight takes on g4."
Scathing sarcasm lined Draco's voice as he responded. "Your comforting words warm my heart Hadrian. Rook to e6."
"Alas, there are many victories worse than defeat." Hadrian quoted amusedly. "Knight to f2, checkmate."
"Merlin help me if there is a victory worse than defeat, I never want to experience it." Draco muttered.
"Now, now, Draco, one mustn't be too discouraged." Hadrian comforted mockingly.
Draco harrumphed and marched away in search of a book as he sniffed in response. "I turn in search of the company of the many tomes that fill this library, in the hope that they are less infuriating than you."
An amused smile tugged at Hadrian's lips as replied. "Don't be too disappointed when they mock your hopelessness, and incomprehension."
"Spare me." Groaned Draco.
Hadrian's response was interrupted by the opening of the library doors.
"Heir Potter, son." Lucius greeted, a satisfied smile resting across the regal face of the Noble Lord.
"Lord Malfoy." Hadrian politely replied, rising from his seat in accordance with the respect due a Noble Lord.
"Please, call me Lucius, Heir Potter. It would be untoward if we were to maintain such formalities considering our newly established alliance." He replied softly, his eyes glimmering.
"Then I must, in turn, request that you call me Hadrian." Hadrian courteously responded.
Satisfied, Lucius turned to Arcturus. "I am afraid this is when we must take our leave, we shall return for dinner at…"
"4 in the afternoon, tomorrow." Arcturus replied.
"Until then Arcturus, good evening Hadrian. Come Draco."
"Goodbye, Hadrian."
"To you as well, Draco."
When the door had clicked shut, Hadrian turned sharply to Arcturus.
"Did you succeed?"
"I could ask the same of you." Arcturus returned amusedly.
"Draco is clueless, and suspects nothing. Now, what of the agreement?" Hadrian asked impatiently.
"Well" Arcturus replied in deliberate slowness, enjoying the annoyance of his ward. "Done."
"Arcturus!" Hadrian snapped.
Rolling his eyes, Arcturus answered. "Nothing is amiss, the plan should progress smoothly, so long as you refrain from interfering or blundering."
"I would do no such thing." Hadrian replied, affronted at the idea of blundering. "What of Heir Black?"
Arcturus grimaced. "It served more purpose to ensure the necessary than cling to the position."
Hadrian's eyes clenched shut as Acturus continued. "It seemed prudent to sacrifice the position, in favor of our more pressing requirements."
Draco was Heir Black.
Recommended Stories:
Serpentine Advice by ubiquitouslyverbose
A Flower for the Soul by The Black's Resurgence
Cheers,
TPR
P.S If you all want responses from your reviews, do you want them at the start of the next chapter posted? Or at the end of the next one? I don't really know, but I do want to respond to reviews.