Hey guys!
I'm a day late, whoops. I was a little behind schedule.
The Rewrites for Chapters 1-3 have been written,and while I did plan to finish Chapter Four for earlier this week, it's not as rigid of a timing structure as I hope for my new chapters to be posted in.
The Chapters 4 and 5 Rewritesshould be posted in the next two weeks.
Chapter 11 will be posted on the weekend of the 30-31st of January.
Shoutout to Udm17 for his great help.
Nothing from Rowling is mine.
Read and Review!
In response to reviews:
First off, a majority of you hate Malfoy as Heir Black, and, if I am being honest, I don't really care.
Especially because everything relevant to the agreement is in this chapter, not last chapter.
Particular comments:
The agreement they make prevents interference along the lines of killing, sabotaging, etc.etc.
House Malfoy is one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight who founded the Wizengamot it 1066, according to my story, the only French part about them is their name. The Blacks are a powerful name, nothing else by this time. And Lord Black can not simply void a binding agreement, there are agreed upon terms of dissolution.
That's it,
Cheers,
TPR
The Dark Phoenix
The past.
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
The Dark Phoenix
Hadrian pinched his nose in irritation, before hissing furiously.
"And why, exactly, did you think it was a good idea to give Draco the position as Heir Black?"
"I believe it was you, who made clear that accomplishing our goals was more important than position, after all, as you said, you are already Heir Peverell, and Heir Potter." Arcturus impatiently bit back.
"That did not mean that the position of Heir Black was something to be bandied around lightly!" Hadrian snapped, his ambient magic leaking off of him in oppressive heat. A twinge of fear entered Hadrian as his magic was overwhelmed by bitterly cold magic emanating from Arcturus. His face turned stony as he replied to Hadrian's outburst coldly.
"Do not presume to lecture me, child, I was wise before you were born. Do you not think that I, the Lord Black, understand? It is my House, my Heir. My legacy that I am sacrificing for your goals. Be silent."
Deterred by the bitter coldness of Arcturus' magic and words, Hadrian readily swallowed his interruption as his mouth sealed with an audible 'clack'.
"My life, my Father's life, and my ancestors before them were devoted entirely to House Black, do not, do not presume that I made this decision hastily. I understand what I gave away, I understand what we have lost; Do not presume that I 'bandied it around lightly'." Arcturus hissed wrathfully.
"Why then?" Hadrian asked, visibly subdued by Arcturus' anger.
Glaring down at Hadrian, Arcturus replied stiffly. "Perhaps it would be best if you saw exactly what happened, before we have this conversation."
Nodding in acceptance, Hadrian followed Arcturus quietly as they exited the library. Stalking through several corridors, Hadrian found himself irritated with the numerous overtly inquisitive portraits. Finally they halted before a deep black door, The Lord Black's Office, was printed in bold upon the door.
Throwing the door open violently, anger still apparent in his actions, Arcturus stormed towards a shelf as Hadrian quietly entered the room in his wake. Snatching a shallow basin, embossed with numerous runes, Arcturus seated himself in a recliner behind the desk, gesturing for Hadrian to do likewise.
Placing the basin between them, Arcturus inquired stiffly.
"Do you know what this is?"
"A pensive?" Hadrian inquired softly.
"Good." Arcturus replied appreciatively. "Do you know how a pensive works?"
"It shows a person the memories placed in it, I think. Other than that? No."
Humming his acknowledgement, Arcturus silently considered Hadrian, before replying.
"A pensive is an illusion, an illusion with a grounding in truth." Arcturus began lecturing.
"It is an illusion, because what it shows are memories, not things that are currently occurring. As a device to portray memories they are grounded in truth, but they are not always true. A pensive memory can be warped from the truth in two primary ways:
"First, if the person who provides the memory believes in their mind that something that is not the truth occurred, or if that person rejects the truth, and chooses to believe in something else."
"Secondly, they can be changed through pure force of will. Through great mental control, I could warp the illusion to show what I wish it to show without using the first method. It takes a great deal of skill, and no small amount of preparation."
"The first method is prone to have visible effects on the memory as it is viewed, the second method is as concealable as it is rare, very. That being said, it is primarily a device to present an illusion of that which has already occurred."
Arcturus finished, staring expectantly at Hadrian, who nodded his acknowledgement. An appreciative smirk graced Arcturus' inconspicuously drawn face.
"Good."
With a wandless flick of the wrist, a silvery-black solution materialized from Arcturus' temple and gently levitated down into the pensive.
"When you are viewing the memory, remember that you have complete control over the illusion. You can cease its progression, you can force it to replay something you already saw, you have complete control over it. Understand?"
"Yes."
"Good. To enter, simply place a finger inside the basin."
"Will you be viewing the memory with me?" Hadrian inquired.
Arcturus shot him a stern glance, his eyes narrowed, a cold glint entering the steely grey eyes.
"No."
Frowning, Hadrian hesitantly placed a finger inside the silvery-black fluid within the basin; and Arcturus watched as his face went blank. Ruthlessly ploughing forward, Arcturus followed him into the pensive.
The Dark Phoenix
A sharp tug was all Hadrian felt before he began spiralling downwards rapidly, spinning uncontrollably the downward force drove him through empty space until he slammed into the familiar space of the Lord Black's office. Groaning as he recovered from the jarring impact, Hadrian heard, rather than watched, Arcturus and Lucius enter the office.
Hadrian's eyes clenched shut as his first glimpse rendered him nauseous, as the room spun around him in his dizziness. Breathing slowly and deeply, Hadrian leaned against the bookshelf to steady himself, only for the ground to rise up to meet him as he stumbled through the bookshelf as if it was not there.
Snarling as his body thudded into the floor, Hadrian wrenched his eyes open and savagely rose, only to clutch his skull in agony as a voice violently reverberated through his mind.
"What do you want, Lucius?"
Arcturus' cold voice tore through Hadrian's mind echoing endlessly, rendering him powerless as his senses were ruthlessly overpowered. His teeth grit together, powerless. It was a feeling Hadrian hated as much as he dreaded it, even at the hands of an illusion. Hadrian's eyes snapped open; it was all an illusion. Anger contorted his face, anger with his own powerlessness, desperate fury driven by unspeakable terror.
Thrusting his furious desire to control the illusion outwards, and brazenly assuming control over the illusion, Hadrian released a sigh of relief as he stood and leaned against the solid bookshelf. A sneer formed upon his lips.
'As if an illusion could overpower-'
His triumphant thoughts were violently interrupted by the painful resonance of Lucius' smooth voice.
"To aid the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black in their time of need, of course."
Hadrian's eyes narrowed dramatically as he quelled any resistance against his control over the illusion, focusing intently on controlling the sound. A grim smile of satisfaction formed on Hadrian's face as his success was confirmed through the cold voice of Arcturus.
"Spare me. We both know you care for nothing but the prestige you wish for your son to inherit from House Black, so I ask again. What do you want? Why are you here?"
The smirk disappeared from his face as the room slowly began spiralling, and the bookshelf slowly gave way. Frowning, Hadrian closed his eyes focusing on maintaining his control over the sound within the illusion.
"What, a complete lack of decorum? Is that what you want?"
The quiet sneer of Lucius' voice mocked.
Hadrian's eyes narrowed speculatively. If the sound of the illusion stayed under his control, why then did the appearance and animation of the illusion rebel against him?
"If that is what is required in exchange for your own bluntness in this discussion, then yes."
Came the stern voice of Arcturus through his thoughts. Hadrian's eyes snapped open and formed a glare towards the illusion of Arcturus. Arcturus, the old git, had lied to him, of course he had followed - him and his damned motto of always being prepared - it was undoubtedly another one of his impromptu tests. Scowling Hadrian quickly searched for methods of forcing Arcturus out of the illusion, quickly settling on overheating the illusion Hadrian glared when nothing happened, and his frustration only rose when he realized why it failed; Arcturus was not part of the illusion, he could simply will it not to overheat him.
His next attempt yielded far greater success as he forced Arcturus to leave the memory as he separated the illusion from anything that was not itself. Smirking in satisfaction, Hadrian refocused on the memory.
"You are in desperate need of political support."
Lucius' quiet voice began, drawing Hadrian's attention back to the memory.
"In name you are one of the most powerful members of the Wizengamot, the reality of the situation is a far different matter. In name you are head of the Dark Alliance, by now you are simply another vote within the alliance; a singular vote amidst the vastness of the Wizengamot.
Your prestige will grant you votes, but you lack the necessary foundational support to attempt a movement as drastic as outvoting Dumbledore."
"Since your disappearance the Dark Alliance has, by and large, created House Malfoy as their unofficial spokesman. With my influence over the Dark alliance, and the prestige of Baron Black you should be capable of garnering enough support to challenge Dumbledore."
The cool voice of Arcturus cut in.
"I am well aware of these facts, Lucius."
"Then you acknowledge the fact that you need my support to stand against Dumbledore? Without it, none of those under my influence - the core group that would vote for you - will be asked to vote in your favor. And if none of your core supporters vote in your favor, when the time comes do you really expect the Neutrals, or the Light to vote in your favor?"
The frosty, impatient voice of Arcturus replied.
"I have acknowledged the fact that in my absence my political clout has diminished, power and influence that I am in need of at this time."
A smug grin tugged at Lucius' lips as he established his point.
"So you need my support?"
Arcturus shot Lucius a withering glare as he replied sharply.
"Yes."
A gleam entered Lucius' eyes.
"Considering the undoubtedly taxing effort involved in generously giving -"
The cold voice of Arcturus cut cleanly through Lucius meandering.
"What is it that you want Lucius?"
Stifling any visible reaction to Arcturus interruption, Lucius replied smoothly.
"Following the disappearance of the Lord Black in the turmoil of the Reformation and following the subsequent disappearance or death of each and every other member of House Black who stood between my son and the Heirship of House Black -"
"Hadrian still lived."
Came the quiet interjection from Arcturus. Lucius hesitated momentarily, before continuing carefully.
"The Potter Heir's relation to House Black was something that was easily forgotten, and in my error I assumed that Draco was the sole remaining direct descendant; nevertheless, Draco's claim - if direct descent became the method in which the Heir was chosen, in your absence - is far more stable, Potter is only related through his grandmother. As I have become accustomed to this idea over the passing of time, in exchange for support against Dumbledore in the upcoming political conflict, I would greatly appreciate Draco being named Heir Black."
A light frown formed on Hadrian's face, an uneasy feeling of doubt began forming within him.
'Had Arcturus conceded so soon? Had he even attempted anything else?"
A pent up breath that Hadrian had been unaware he was holding was released suddenly as Arcturus replied coldly.
"No."
"Excuse me?"
The slightly incredulous voice of Lucius inquired softly, to which Arcturus quirked a single brow, a stoically icy expression still looming across his face.
"No."
A frown marred Lucius' face as he began to indignantly inquire.
"Then how, exactly, do you plan on -"
A careless wave of Arcturus' hand ceased Lucius' indignant response.
"You will be giving me the necessary support regardless."
Lucius' eyes narrowed dramatically as he replied coolly.
"Oh? Tell me, how did you come to that conclusion?"
"Easily. Your interest in the current affairs of the members of House Black extend beyond that of attaining the position of Heir for your son."
"How do you figure this to be true?"
"It didn't take much Lucius. The arrangement of a reunion of sorts on the morrow, the convenient knowledge of the situation with very little to none of it being public, suggests heavy interest in the upcoming political debacle."
"Conjectures." Lucius scoffed politely. Arcturus leveled him a flat stare, before challenging him.
"In that case, there should be no issue should we agree that I make Draco Heir, in exchange for your political support, and then we cut all association with each other. Are we agreed?"
Lucius' face soured slightly, which caused Arcturus' lips to curl in satisfaction as he continued.
"Like I said, that isn't going to happen because you are further invested in House Black than you are willing to admit."
"Isn't everyone?" Lucius returned sharply, causing Hadrian to grin manically. Of course they were, and if they weren't they would be.
"One of the richest families in magical Britain, one of the oldest families in magical Britain, one of the most feared families in magical Britain and they have 'The-Boy-Who-Lived', isn't-"
A wry smirk formed on Arcturus' stern face as he cut across Lucius' tirade.
"At last the true reason surfaces from the depths, you are intrigued by the mystery surrounding The-boy-who-lived, and likely eager to boost your own public image through him."
"I am not."
Lucius replied stiffly causing Arcturus to smirk as chided Lucius mockingly.
"Come, come Lucius, we both know this is not the truth, else you would've taken the Heirship and left without another word."
"That offer was made in jest."
"Do not play dunce, Lucius, we both know if you truly wanted nothing else from me, you would've pressed the matter. You are curious about Hadrian, how he survived, who he is, and more importantly, who he will become."
Narrowed eyes were the only sign of Lucius' annoyance as he inquired smoothly.
"And you expect me to risk my prestige, my influence, and my power in exchange for bandied words about the future?"
Hadrian snorted in disbelief as Arcturus shot Lucius an exasperated glare, oaths were standard procedure in inter-House agreements, Lucius was simply stalling.
"You know as well as I that there will be several oaths sworn before we leave this room, again do not play the dunce."
"It is hardly an equal exc-"
A scoff from Arcturus ceased Lucius objections, as he replied gruffly.
"You provide your power to support House Black, House Black in return increases your power through association. Unless you don't wish to associate with the most powerful wizard in Britain?"
Hadrian could not help the satisfaction that welled up within him, even as Lucius dismissed the notion mockingly.
"The most powerful wizard in Britain? Surely you jest,, the boy is nothing but a boy."
Ruthlessly crushing his satisfaction - which had sharply become annoyance following Lucius' words - Hadrian attentively listened as Arcturus replied candidly.
"A boy who killed your Dark Lord, a boy who won a war."
A deep scowl contorted the aristocratic features of Lucius' face as he replied sharply .
"We did not lose the war."
Arcturus quirked a brow amusedly, as he proceeded to mock Lucius.
"Correct me if I have misinterpreted the situation, but, from my understanding, the Dark Lord is dead, the Death Eaters inactive, imprisoned, or hidden, and the government firmly under the thumb of Albus Dumbledore; who so happens to be one of your late Dark Lord's primary rivals. In what way did you not lose the war?"
"Spare me," Lucius sneered. "The current government is completely unstable, despite the passing of the years, purely because they were unable to remove their opponents following their … 'victory' as you say."
"I do say it was a victory." Arcturus replied smoothly.
"A victory indeed." Lucius scoffed. "A victory so precarious, so pyrrhic that the chaotic post-war allowed their enemies to escape their judgement, and, as if that isn't enough, they completely failed in controlling the rampant corruption throughout the Ministry. The order of your 'victors' is pathetic!"
"Undoubtedly." Arcturus replied with a smirk. "Unfortunately for the victors, they are temporary. They scraped through by a miracle, I - and those who share the same viewpoint as I, an unofficial faction as it were - emerged victorious, both opposing parties showed their flaws."
Lucius' eyes narrowed slightly, as both he and Hadrian processed the same thing. Arcturus had completely dissociated himself with both groups, to the point of near hostility.
"And what, in your opinion, is most likely to come to be?"
The smooth voice of the Malfoy Lord inquired softly, his previous indignance repressed and forgotten.
"That is something you may learn, through association."
The subtle jab acted as a reminder for Lucius of the original subject at hand.
"Before returning to our negotiations then, have you any insights of which you'd be willing to part with in regards to said future?"
"Insights? Many. Any that I'd be willing to part with? A whole different matter."
Arcturus replied blandly, causing Lucius to probe curiously once more..
"And of those you would be willing to part with?"
"The world is not painted in black and white, Lucius, it is a single hue - a dynamic color, never subject to stagnance - vivaciously changing as the infinite components of the hue are changed at a rate at which we can not understand. When the brightest colour becomes the dullest soon after it's onset, we are incapable of understanding why - it is, quite simply, as it is - but we are capable of understanding the balance or lack thereof that preceded this change; thus when something, begotten of light, is destroyed in the darkness and burned by the brightness from whence it came, it seeks balance. Balance, however, is not a true reality that is present in this world, rather it is the circulation around the idea of balance - which lands itself in the depths of the extreemse as the quest in search of the idea of balance continues - an idea that forever eludes our grasp."
Lucius and Hadrian's eyes narrowed at Arcturus instilled his insights into their minds.
'Cryptic old men.' Hadrian grumbled.
"Indeed. I believe, however -"
The calm voice of Lucius was interrupted as Hadrian took control of the illusion, and, bending it in line with his will, Hadrian forced it backwards.
"When the brightest colour becomes the dullest soon after it's onset, we are incapable of understanding why - it is, quite simply, as it is - but we are capable of understanding the balance or lack thereof that caused this change; thus when something, begotten of light, is destroyed in the darkness, and burned by the brightness from whence it came, it seeks balance. Balance, however, is not a true reality that is present in this world, rather it is the circulation around the idea of balance - which lands itself in the depths of the extremes as the quest in search of the idea of balance continues - an idea that forever eludes our grasp."
The words of Arcturus echoed resoundingly in Hadrian's mind - not in the painful manner with which every word had resounded under Arcturus' guidance, rather they resounded in his mind, resonating strongly as words of truth, and ideological words are wont - as they firmly implanted themselves into his mind, even as Hadrian pondered their meaning in his mind.
"Indeed. I believe, however, that prudence dictates the necessity to return to the purpose of our convening with each other, lest that purpose eludes us as we dally on inconclusive thoughts."
"Inconclusive? I think not, in fact they are absurdly conclusive, inconvenient? Perhaps."
Came the stern correction from Arcturus.
"As you say it." Lucius agreed smoothly. "Am I to assume that your standpoint on this matter is unchanged?"
"Undoubtedly."
While outwardly quiet consideration of Arcturus and his words were all that was discernible from Lucius' stoic expression, the internal conflict was certain - to choose his son as Heir, or cast his lot with The-boy-who-lived - and his reluctance to choose became more and more pronounced as time passed.
At long last, Lucius nervously wet his lips.
"If I were to choose public and private association with House Black and Heir Potter, what would the terms of our agreement be?"
A triumphant curl of Arcturus' lips formed as he replied.
"In terms of integrity, oaths of silence in regards to this matter to anyone not within this House, it would include oaths to prevent plotting the death or unprofitable action of the House or its members, and it would include oaths to prevent later attempts for your son to become Heir Black. In terms of the agreement, an oath of your complete loyalty and support in the political arena, and an oath allowing public and private meetings with Heir Potter. That is in vague terms of course."
Lucius quirked a brow as he inquired. "Escape clause?"
"Mutual consent to end our agreement."
Lucius hummed softly, before asserting authoritatively.
"My political support will not be indefinite, rather I shall swear no oath to indefinite political support, it leaves you with far too many opportunities to abuse that power."
Arcturus' hesitated briefly, before his eyes narrowed as he replied. "Yet you wish for indefinite association with Hadrian?"
Lucius scoffed delicately. "Please, you can not hide him forever."
"Five years then."
"Ludicrous" Lucius rejected instantly. "Five years is far too long. Until the debacle regarding Hadrian's guardianship is over and done."
"No." Arcturus smoothly overruled. "Indefinitely, but you may tutor Hadrian in whatever interests you and him."
Lucius' eyes narrowed, as he questioned softly. "Indefinite? Do you take me for a fool?"
Hadrian frowned in annoyance, he had missed something. Bending the illusion to his will once more Hadrian watched again.
"Escape clause?"
Lucius' smooth voice reverberated through his mind, as he unblinkingly stared at Arcturus, searching for any hint as to what or when he discovered what he wanted.
"Mutual consent to end our agreement."
"My political support will not be indefinite, rather I shall swear no oath to indefinite political support, it leaves you too many opportunities to abuse that power."
Arcturus' hesitated briefly, before his eyes narrowed as he replied.
A frown marred Hadrian's face, Arcturus had come to a conclusion in that moment - he must've - and proceeded to intentionally corner himself, but what was it? Forcing the memory back to where he had left it, Hadrian focused intently on Arcturus.
"Furthermore," Arcturus continued candidly, ignoring Lucius' indignation. "You will -"
"Enough." Lucius growled. "These terms are preposterous, if you wish for five years of political support - let alone indefinite - Draco becomes the Heir Black."
Arcturus scoffed. "There will be no such agreement, but -"
"Then there will be no agreement Lord Black." Lucius countered.
A scowl formed on Arcturus' grim face, as he presented a compromise.
"Fine, support until -"
"No agreement." Lucius cut in smoothly, rising to his feet he continued. "Good day -"
"Sit down." Arcturus snarled.
A single brow quirked in response as Lucius reseated himself.
"If Draco is to become the Heir, there will be no association with Hadrian; that was our agreement."
"No such agreement was made, it was only ever proposed." Lucius countered.
"And if it were to be proposed anon?"
"It would be rejected, I have no desire to lose either the position, nor the privilege."
Arcturus hesitated briefly before demanding.
"If I were to agree to these terms, you would provide unwavering political support for the next seven years, and you would provide any resources at your disposal for Hadrian."
"Agreed." Lucius instantly replied, missing the malicious gleam in Arcturus' eyes. Hadrian's suspicions were confirmed when Arcturus placed a previously written agreement before Lord Malfoy.
"As I saw it, there were a set number of outcomes thus I prepared an agreement for each outcome prior to the meeting. Do you deem this satisfactory?"
"Standard non-interference oaths, standard oath to ensure the upholding of the agreement, an oath for the terms of dissolving the agreement, and -" Lucius' gaze snapped up sharply.
"Oaths upon the Houses' magic." Arcturus continued unfazed, in spite of the incredulous expression on Lucius' face. "Unless you disapprove?"
"N-n-no, but-"
"Perfect."
Quelling his unease Lucius rose with Arcturus as they swore their oaths.
A stern expression on his face, Arcturus grimly asked."Do you, Lord Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Malfoy, swear that you and your family shall keep this agreement secret, to never interfere with the succession of House Black, and to never harm a member of House Black?"
"I do. Do you, Lord Arcturus Black, Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House Black, swear you and your family shall keep this agreement secret, to never interfere with the succession of House Black, and to never harm a member of House Black?"
"I do. Do you, Lord Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Malfoy, swear to provide unwavering political support and loyalty to House Black for the next seven years, and to provide any resources at your disposal for Hadrian Potter?"
"I do. Do you, Lord Arcturus Black, Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House Black, swear to name Draco Malfoy the Heir to House Black, to never rescind this position from him as long as he lives, and to always allow House Malfoy's association with Hadrian Potter?"
"I do. Do you, Lord Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Malfoy, swear to honour this agreement until mutual consent is given for it's dissolution?"
"I do. Do you, Lord Arcturus Black, Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House Black, swear to honour this agreement until mutual consent is given for it's dissolution?"
"I swear myself to these terms by the familial magic of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black that dwells within me."
"I, in turn, swear myself to these terms by the familial magic of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Malfoy that dwells within me."
The memory slowly evaporated before him, as Lucius' words echoed within his ears.
The Dark Phoenix
Hadrian quietly shifted in his seat as he reoriented himself after emerging from his sojourn into the illusion of the past. Arcturus was lounging across from him, idly sipping firewhisky from his preferred charcoal gray rummer, having not yet detected Hadrian's resurfacing from the memory.
"Are you satisfied?" Hadrian inquired sharply, immensely enjoying the startled jump Arcturus made at the sound of his voice. "The world spun around me, voices sought to burst my eardrums, and furniture disappeared from under me. Satisfied?"
An amused smirk spread across Arcturus' face. "I am, in fact, satisfied. It was immensely amusing to witness you struggling to stand."
A slight scowl formed on Hadrian's face as he grumbled. "I fail to see the purpose of it."
"You were grating on my nerves, furthermore, it was by far the simplest way to learn the parameters of your control over the memory." Arcturus replied simply.
"I fail to see how that justifies that migraine inducing chaos you created." Hadrian muttered sullenly.
"All is fair in love and war." Arcturus quipped in response, causing Hadrian to quirk a brow quizzically.
"And we are at war?"
Arcturus snorted amusedly. "Hardly, I was referring to the former."
"Love?" Hadrian inquired quizzically.
Arcturus rolled his eyes exasperatedly. "You are, for all intents and purposes, my grandson; of course love, you twit."
"I don't think that's what the expression is referring-"
Arcturus cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"Semantics."
Sighing, Hadrian ran his fingers through his hair distractedly as he stated simply.
"I fail to see why you prepared - and even sought - for the opportunity to throw the Black Heirship at Lord Malfoy."
Unfazed by the abrupt change of topic, Arcturus inquired disinterestedly.
"And what need have we of the position of Heir Black?"
"Need?" Hadrian replied sharply. "Think about the future, we need -"
"The power of House Black, not House Black itself."
Arcturus's smooth interruption raised a quizzical brow from Hadrian.
"Are they not the same thing?"
"Hardly, they are similar, but the difference is vast and leaves much to be exploited."
"I am afraid I don't follow." Hadrian muttered.
Arcturus' lips twitched amusedly at the frustrated note in Hadrian's voice. "House Black has stood as one of the irreplaceable pinnacles of society since they corroborated with the Sacred Twenty-Eight - Greengrass, Malfoy, Potter, Nott and the like - to found the Wizengamot in 1066 immediately following the Norman conquest of England."
"Amidst that group, House Black has risen to prominence time and time again. We were feared, famous, wealthy, powerful; but nothing lasts forever. The past century has seen devastating damage inflicted upon House Black; our numbers diminished, our name tarnished, our wealth stagnant, we are but a frail shadow of what once was. The power wielded by House Black is weak, the name is hated, the power forgotten, what is left lies in shambles. The time has come for them to fade into the background."
"So you surrendered House Black to Malfoy?" Hadrian demanded scathingly.
"Surrendered? Far from it, I bound it securely to us, far more securely than retaining the Heirship at least."
Confusion settled in the burning emerald orbs. "How?"
A glint entered Arcturus' eyes as he presented the idea.
"Who has the most power over House Black?"
"The … Lord Black?" Hadrian replied hesitantly.
"And what if he didn't?"
Recommended Stories:
"The Fellowship of the Potters" by Ubiquitouslyverbose
Cheers,
TPR