The Man In Black
17
Dumbledore steepled his fingers together as he sighed and then began to speak. "I have looked more into your past. As the headmaster of this prestigious school, I do have certain responsibilities. And I am convinced that you are not who you say you are. I do not know how you managed to do what you have done, or even why you have changed your identity, but Hydrae Black, or even Westley Farmer, are not real people. And to top it off, there is something quite odd about your magic. And it seems that this peculiarity within your magic must have been caused by your having experienced death. Now, I understand that there must be extraordinary circumstances that led you to do what you have done, and for now, I can agree to keep this information just between us."
Dru raised an eyebrow but restrained any further emotional reaction. "Is that so? I really don't know what to say to your outrageous accusation."
Dumbledore shook his head. "Now my boy, we both know that something is right here. We both know that you are not who you claim to be. I do, however, believe that I have deduced who you really are. And using falsified information just so that you can avoid time in prison, such as Azkaban."
"I really do not know what you are on about professor," said Dru calmly. "I am starting to worry about you."
Dumbledore chuckled slightly at Dru's comment. "Now, my boy, there is nothing to worry about. But, perhaps I should call you by your original name, Regulus?"
Dru coughed in response to what the headmaster had just said. He then laughed quite loudly. Shaking his head, Dru replied, "You can't be serious. Regulus? You think I am Regulus Black? Wow, just wow." Dru then started to laugh even more loudly at the statement.
Albus Dumbledore continued to sit behind his desk and did not seem to respond to the outburst from the young man across from him.
Dru composed himself and just stared at the headmaster. "You really think that I am Sirius' brother, Regulus, who died at the end of the war, who was a marked Death Eater? And before you ask how I would know so much about him, Arcturus has made sure that I have learned about all of the recent family members."
Albus remained stoic in his silence as he just let Dru talk.
Dru shook his head once more and ran his hand through his hair and settled down. He stopped speaking, realising that Dumbledore would be looking for some sort of clue as to his identity in the response to this most outrageous accusation.
Dru then quickly grasped his wand, which caused Albus to flinch slightly.
"I swear on my magic that I am not and never have been Regulus Black, that I am Hydrae Arcturus Black, although my friends call me Dru," stated Dru. He then cast a very bright lumos charm on the tip of his wand. It was so bright that Albus had to shield his eyes.
"Oh, look at that, I still have my magic," stated Dru, not hiding his irritation with the situation from his voice. Before Albus could say anything else, Dru stood up and slowly began to walk around the office. "You don't like me nor do you trust me, it is clear, for you felt the need to make such a ridiculous accusation and to try and learn the secrets of my past." Dru stopped and stared at Dumbledore. "I am just who I said I am, Hydrae Arcturus, heir to the Black family, duelling master in Australia and in Europe. And you have the gall to claim I am some sort of resurrected Death Eater, yet you still offered me a teaching position at your school."
Dru sat down with a sigh.
Albus finally spoke up, "Only someone who was truly a Death Eater, such as Regulus, would have known that Sirius was innocent. How else could you have known some of the things that you know? Surely, not as some long lost child of the Black family who never stepped foot in England before last year. It seems clear to me that you are working on redeeming yourself and your family name. And I, for one, think that is a good thing."
Dru shook his head once more. "I have no idea why you would come to such an absurd conclusion. Look, I've had a really long day today. My best friend could have died. My girlfriend is stressed over everything she witnessed, my family is not happy with the events of today, that being that several individuals tried to kill me earlier. And now this, I have to listen to your amazingly absurd conclusion."
Albus closed his eyes briefly before responding. "Now, Mister Black, you must admit that your arrival here, and your history, and everything about you does make one question your past."
Dru shook his head again. "You have made it clear that for some reason you do not seem to trust me. I have met with the various departments within the Ministry of Magic here in Britain, I have met with various organisations across Europe just so I can continue my interest in duelling. But you have chosen to ignore all of that. I think, headmaster, that our meeting here is concluded."
At that point, Dru stood up and again started to walk towards the door to leave the headmaster's office. He noticed on a shelf a series of trinkets, the ones that the headmaster used to supposedly monitor Harry, or himself when he was younger. He also noted than they all seemed completely inactive. He smirked to himself and refrained from making any outward reaction to the non functional devices.
As the office door shut behind Dru, Albus thought to himself, "I don't know how he managed to make such a false statement about his identity and still retain his magic. Clearly I will need to keep an eye on him."
MiB
Dru made his way to visit Cassandra who had recently returned to her flat after visiting with Amanda Lester at St. Mungos. He knocked on the door and entered, greeting her with a quick kiss.
Cassandra's eyes lit up upon seeing him, then she took a step back. "Amanda is recovering well, they say she will need some rest after everything she went through."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Dru as he took a seat at her small dining table.
Cassandra sat down and Dru detected that she was still upset about something.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his concern evident in his tone.
Cassandra wiped a tear away. "It's this, everything that happened today, the people attacking you, Amanda getting hurt. I know the Pucey family. I know who Scabior is, or was. The one's that got away, I have some ideas of who they were. And they all are associated with my family."
Dru had a puzzled look on his face. "Yes, I know about the Yaxley family and the Pucey family."
"That's the thing, if you know about them, and you know that they do not like you, or what you are doing for the Black family, you know that they will keep coming after you," said Cassandra. "My father is not shy about sharing his views."
"Views that you do not share with him," acknowledged Dru.
Cassandra tried to smile, "No, I don't. I've been so worried you would think I do share those views. That you would somehow blame me for these things that are happening."
Dru walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. "No, never, I wouldn't think that of you. I've gotten to know you too well."
Cassandra looked up in his eyes and smiled.
"Now, I still can't fathom how Corbin Yaxley ended up with you as a daughter," admitted Dru, "but the fact that he kicked you out of his family gives you high marks in my view."
MiB
That evening Dru sat down with Arcturus.
Arcturus leaned back as he looked at his appointed heir. "So, I have not heard any announcements about a new Dark Arts professor being appointed, which makes me presume that you either did not get offered the teaching position or that you chose not to accept it."
Dru sighed heavily, "The headmaster greeted me and then explained his concerns about hiring me. He is convinced that I am somehow your grandson, Regulus, come back to life. He was more concerned about my hiding my background than about my qualifications."
Arcturus let out a loud laugh. "Well, he is right about one thing, you are hiding your background. The old fool just doesn't realise he hasn't figured out your actual background. Oh well, his loss, or a loss for the students. You would easily be the most skilled teacher they have had for that course in quite some time. I suppose we just need a different plan for your accessing the diadem. You already do have access to Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets. So, to continue your plan you will need access to the school so you can retrieve the diadem."
Dru sighed. "Yeah, and we will need to figure out a way to get from the Chamber of Secrets up to the seventh floor to access the Room of Requirements."
"You could have Sirius give you a tour of the school," suggested Arcturus.
"But he doesn't know about the room, or why I would need to go there," said Dru.
Arcturus huffed slightly, "And you probably shouldn't obliviate him afterwards if he did come with you and you retrieved the cursed diadem. You and your bloody morals and light sided rules."
Dru raised an eyebrow.
Arcturus shrugged. "Well, to be honest, there was a time that a Black wouldn't think twice about using the imperio curse on a family member to help with a specific task and then obliviate the sap afterwards, as long as it was for the advantageous for the Black family."
Dru laughed, "So now the Black family has developed morals or scruples, or perhaps even a conscience."
"No, not at all," replied Arcturus. "We just are aware of the need to do things in a certain way to help preserve the family. And to avoid the alternative, that being the destruction of this family that you saw in your time."
"Well, that's still better than using unforgivable curses and memory charms," said Dru. "Progress can be a good thing."
"Not to most pureblood families," countered Arcturus.
"So, we don't have a plan for the diadem yet," said Dru with an audible sigh.
"You have a little bit of time, but you can work on a new plan," said Arcturus. "Also, you will need to publicly deal with the events of that attack against you."
"Deal with it how?" wondered Dru out loud.
"There is an upcoming Wizengamot meeting," said Arcturus. "You will come with me and be introduced as my heir, and then you will be given the opportunity to speak. Make the most of it. Talk about the kind of change you envision for our society. I know you can do it, and put those close minded idiots in their place all at the same time."
"When is this meeting?" asked Dru.
"In two days," said Arcturus.
Before Dru could respond, Arcturus dismissed him with a wave of his hand. "It's getting late, I'm retiring to bed. You better get ready for your upcoming meeting."
MiB
Wednesday, June 18, 1986
Ministry of Magic
Wizengamot chambers
The scheduled meeting for the Wizengamot was expected to be one that was not particularly exciting. While people were still talking about the attack that had occurred at Diagon Alley the other day, most were of the impression that it would not be addressed at the meeting.
Dru had accompanied Arcturus to the meeting as he was the appointed heir to the Black family. Many of the members of the Wizengamot politely greeted him as he walked into the chambers and then took a seat next to the Lord Black.
The Chief Warlock, Robert MacMillan, banged his gavel to call the meeting to order. He looked directly at Arcturus Black and then called out. "Before we begin with our agenda, is there any introductions that need to be made?"
Arcturus Black rose slowly from his seat and waited a moment for all of the talking to subside before he spoke. "Yes, Chief Warlock," he began slowly. "Many of you have met, or at least heard of my heir, my grandson Hydrae Black, who has made quite a name for himself on the duelling circuits of late. He is here with me today to begin to learn his role as an upcoming member of this important body."
He then reached out to Dru and took his hand as he had him stand up. "I am sure that Hydrae had some words to share with this body before we begin our usual fare of discussions and arguments."
Dru stood up and bowed nodded slightly to Arcturus before turning to face the Chief Warlock and bowing slightly towards him. "Chief Warlock and esteemed members of the Wizengamot, I thank you for the opportunity to join you all today. Many of you are no doubt aware of the recent unfortunate experience I had while visiting Diagon Alley just last week."
Dru paused while various wizards began to murmur amongst themselves.
"I would like to speak briefly about those events at this time, if you do not mind," continued Dru. He did not wait for permission to keep speaking.
"It seems quite clear to me that the attack was instigated by those who may have disagreements with either myself or my grandfather, Lord Black. While I am relatively new to magical Britain, I am clearly of English and specifically, Black ancestry. I am not unawares of the recent struggles and fighting that have occurred here while my immediate family was abroad."
He paused a moment to be sure he had the attention of everyone present. "I am not here to call out anyone in particular," and as he said this he made sure his eyes lingered on both the Nott and the Pucey lords who were present. "I would like to make it clear that we need to put a stop to this bigotry that has led to the fighting. Attacking those whose ideals you disagree with is only going to destroy us. We need to be able to come together as a community based on what we have in common."
Some people commented "hear, hear" in response to his opening comments.
"Magic. Magic is what we have in common," continued Dru. "Let magic unite us, not tear us apart. There are some who are worried about influences from the muggle world. Some are worried that the muggles will learn about us and our society. Some are worried that the old traditions will be swept away. Some are worried that they will not be accepted despite their magic and their skill simply because of who their parents are."
Dru let those words sink in for a moment before he continued, "If you all keep fighting, the muggles will take notice. You cannot win in a battle with the muggles. They have too many people and too much strength at their disposal. You don't want to start a fight with them and have them think that they are well and truly threatened. They have the ability with the push of a button to wipe out an entire city, and their methods would not be stopped by your magic. Don't put them to the test. So, with those thoughts, I hope that through the efforts of this respected group, we can work towards a future of peace and prosperity and safety for everyone."
Arcturus had the faintest of smiles briefly on his face as Dru sat down. Almost immediately his face had returned to its usual impassive and unreadable mask that he was often known for, and the Wizengamot meeting continued as they once again started to debate the thickness requirements for cauldron bottoms.
Albus Dumbledore listened to the words of the Black heir and simply stroked his beard. Then he started to smile to himself quietly.
MIB
Thursday, June 19, 1986
Cantakerus Nott arrived at Corbin Yaxley's home unannounced. "Come on out you sorry excuse for a pure-blood wizard!" he called out as he stepped into the foyer of the old house.
Corbin Yaxley walked into the foyer, not hiding his sneer. "You good for nothing old coot, what to you think you're doing bringing your useless self into my house?"
Yaxley marched right up to Nott with an angry glare on his face. Then, as he stood in front of the old man, the two then began to laugh and then greeted each other with a firm handshake and large smiles.
"I noticed you kept your mouth shut yesterday at the meeting," began Nott.
"Wasn't much to say, let the young upstart have his day in the spotlight," answered Yaxley. "Nothing to be gained by speaking up yesterday. Besides, he did cast a pointed glare at you, and at Pucey."
"Too true, too true," said Nott. "And I am sure Pucey did not miss that either."
Yaxley then ushered the older man into his private office and the two sat down and Yaxley poured them each a glass of Ogden's Finest.
"So, what brings you to my door today?" asked Yaxley after taking a sip of his fire whiskey.
"Your daughter is associating herself with this upstart," Nott stated simply.
"This upstart, the one your group of thugs was unable to take down in Diagon Alley? The one who put on his little show yesterday?" queried Yaxley, not expecting an answer. "And to be more precise, she is not my daughter anymore. She has made it clear she does not accept the values of this family, and she has been cast out, which was not unexpected."
Nott nodded slightly, and then added thoughtfully, "Perhaps you were too hasty."
Yaxley sneered at the comment. "Perhaps you are going senile."
Nott laughed slightly at the comment. "Perhaps you should hear me out."
Yaxley composed himself and straightened up in his chair. "Fine, I am listening."
Nott let a smile briefly cross his face, then he began to speak. "First, let me ask you, what is your opinion of this Hydrae Black, Arcturus' long lost grandson?"
Yaxley scoffed. "You shouldn't need to ask. I've already made several comments about that poor excuse for a wizard."
Nott nodded again, showing understanding. "Then, perhaps you, or more specifically your daughter, can take care of him for us."
Yaxley paused and then shook his head slightly. "And just how would she do that," he snapped. "She is no longer my daughter in anything that matters, and she is apparently falling in love with him."
"You're a Yaxley, I know who you served during the recent conflict," stated Nott. "You can surely come up with a way to convince your daughter of what she should do. You can impress upon her the importance of what she can and should do. It could be considered unforgivable if certain measures were or were not taken."
Corbin Yaxley raised an eyebrow. He took another sip of his Ogden's. "Perhaps something can be arranged. Although I am not sure it would work. It might be too obvious."
Nott laughed quietly. "I know you have it in you to do the right thing here."
Corbin took a deep breath, and then he laughed in response. "I do believe, that you are correct my friend. Perhaps I will need to pay my estranged daughter a visit sometime soon. Very soon."
MiB
Albus Dumbledore stood in his office and walked around his desk, occasionally popping lemon drops into his mouth. He brushed his beard with his left hand as he considered what he should do next. He then started speaking out loud to himself, or perhaps he was speaking to his familiar, Fawkes.
"I wonder, perhaps if I cannot get Regulus to open up and admit who he really is, perhaps I can get his friend, Miss Lester, to become the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. It must be some sort of Black family magic that allowed him to make that oath claiming he wasn't really Regulus Black. Maybe he did some sort of ritual to change who he is," he continued to muse to himself. "Fawkes," he called out to his faithful phoenix, "could you deliver a message for me?"
Albus Dumbledore did not wait for any sort of response from the magical bird, but he just sat down and wrote out a brief note on a piece of parchment. "If you would be so kind to deliver this to a Miss Amanda Lester. I believe she recently completed a short stay at St. Mungos."
Fawkes took the parchment and then disappeared in a flash.
MiB
Friday, June 20, 1986
Just after twelve noon, Dru made his way to Diagon Alley. He looked into a couple of shops quickly before making his way to Smithson's Magic Emporium at the start of Knockturn Alley. He walked into the shop and have Cassandra a big grin.
Cassandra looked up from behind the counter and gazed at the man who had just entered her store.
"You!" she shouted at him as she quickly drew her wand and aimed it him.
AN: Another cliff hanger….whoops.
