The headmaster and deputy headmistress stood in the Gryffindor Common Room, a silencing charm placed on the room so none of the younger students would hear the conversation.
"Never in all my years of teaching at this school have I ever seen such reckless behavior!" McGonagall yelled. The seventh years and one sixth year looked at her nervously. She knew that some of them were not in a right state of mind, and some of them were looking at her without seeming to realize it was her speaking. "I cannot be sure if students have had alcohol in past years, but not anymore. You all know the new rules. Each of you have the handbook, and I know that to be true because I handed them to you in October. Alcohol is NOT allowed here at Hogwarts. Also, the law states that no one under seventeen can have alcoholic beverages."
"That's correct," the headmaster said. "The law has been in place for nearly a century. No person under the age of seventeen can consume alcohol, at any time. Secondly, as Professor McGonagall has already stated, you all have the Hogwarts handbook. Whether you read it or not, you all know that you broke the no alcohol rule tonight. How do I know this? Because the person who reported this information to me says you are aware that you're breaking rules. Have any of you offered firewhisky to another younger student?" The students looked at each other nervously. One of the seventh years finally spoke up.
"I asked Sirius, but he declined," the student said. "Don't tell me HE was the one to tell you?"
Arcturus shook his head. "A portrait told me," he responded, not wanting Sirius to become a target within his own house. He just wasn't going to say who told Phineas. "But the fact that you offered an alcoholic beverage to a first year is even worse. I have had to put up many new wards since becoming Headmaster, but I hope I do not have to put up wards that would tell me when someone brings alcoholic beverages into the school." The students looked horrified. "If you do anything like this again, then I will be doing just that. Professor McGonagall, I'll leave these students in your capable hands, seeing as you are their Head of House. Good night." The headmaster walked out of Gryffindor Tower.
Arcturus had to admit that this school year was turning out to be the most interesting he had ever heard of. But for the time being, he had a meeting to schedule, one that he had been putting off for months.
Bellatrix Black walked through the halls of Hogwarts. She had received an official letter from Lord Black three days prior demanding to see her. She knew that this was going to be a formal meeting, so she would have to remember to call him by his proper title. She saw many Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Gryffindors walking around, and if it were any other time, she would curse them just because she felt like it, but she knew the portraits would report her to Lord Black, and even she wasn't stupid enough to get on his bad side even before she saw him.
"Equal opportunity," Bellatrix snarled at the gargoyle. She hated the password. Who in their right mind would choose such a disgusting password? She finally stood in front of the door to the headmaster's office. She knocked.
"Enter!" was the command she got. She opened the door and stood, waiting to be noticed. "Bellatrix, please sit," Lord Black finally said. Bellatrix sat in the chair across from the headmaster's desk.
"Lord Black, what can I do for you today?" she asked, hating being so formal with him. She hoped he didn't find out about the cup in her vault. If so, she would find herself like Aunt Walburga.
"I have called you here today to discuss the marriage contract between you and Rodolphus Lestrange," Lord Black began. Bellatrix mentally sighed in relief. At least he didn't know about the cup.
"I am very grateful that you are allowing me to marry such a wonderful man," Bellatrix said sweetly.
"That is why you are here today," Lord Black said, suddenly sounding angry. Bellatrix gulped. "I have heard some things about Mr. Lestrange that are quite concerning. Firstly, he has been following Voldemort ever since the war started two years ago. Voldemort is nothing more than a half-blood insane man who wants his followers to believe he is a pure-blood who wants to wipe out anyone below him. Blacks do not bow to anyone, Bellatrix, especially not a man like him. If I had known Rodolphus was going to take this path, I would have NEVER agreed to let you marry him."
"Rodolphus is great!" Bellatrix yelled. "You CANNOT be saying you're going to TERMINATE the contrast, ARE YOU?!" She quickly realized who she was talking to when Arcturus slammed his hand on the desk.
"Bellatrix Druella Black!" Lord Black growled. "You DO NOT talk to the head of the family that way! Now you will be SILENT while I explain what will happen. Yes, the marriage contract IS being terminated. I cannot allow a Black to marry someone like Rodolphus. It was already a mistake letting Orion marry Walburga. I am not making that mistake again! Also, I have wards around this castle that will tell me when someone enters the school with the Dark Mark." He stared at Bellatrix, who paled.
"You-you don't have proof!" she shrieked. The next thing she knew, Lord Black was standing in front of her, grasping her left arm. He pushed up the sleeve to show the Dark Mark.
"Now try telling me I don't have proof," he said icily. Us
Bellatrix was now shaking. She had crossed a line with Lord Black, and now she was regretting her outbursts. Lord Black's presence already demanded respect, but she was now finding out why so many people were scared of him. Even people like Dumbledore and Voldemort were scared of him, and now she knew why.
"I-I understand w-why you are terminating the c-contract," she stuttered.
"Good," Lord Black said before sitting again. "You should find yourself lucky that I am not disowning you from the family. I have half a mind to, since you have betrayed our family by following such a foolish and insane man. However, I will give you ONE chance, and one chance only. Do NOT betray the House of Black again, Bellatrix, or you will find yourself disowned. Now, GET OUT of my office and never show your presence at this school again!" Bellatrix didn't need to be told twice. She ran as fast as she could out of the school, and immediately upon reaching the gates, she Disapparated.
"That was AWESOME!" Sirius exclaimed, taking off James' cloak. "You put her in her place!"
Arcturus sighed. He hated being the bad guy, but someone had to put Bellatrix in her place. "I hope she'll learn from this," Arcturus said.
"Doubt it!" Sirius said. "But I guess we can hope. Thank you for letting me listen to the meeting."
"You are welcome," Arcturus replied. When Sirius left, he thought about what Sirius had said about his old timeline, and how the Arcturus from that timeline had just let the family destroy itself. He didn't understand why he would just sit back and allow that to happen, but that was not happening this time. He would keep the Black Family name going for many generations. He just hoped that he could save the family from ruining itself.