He climbed the stairs while his knees protested. Out of breath, he reached Prince's room, only to watch as Regulus hugged Severus and he hugged him back. Regulus was whispering thing in his ear and called him brother.
It was more serious than he was lead to believe. How and when Regulus found out?
Having a bright lad is as much as a curse as it's a blessing. There was no doubt he had to step in and soon. If Severus died or was harmed in this civil war, Regulus would be devastated. The sibling bond between them was even stronger than what it was between Sirius and Regulus.
"where is the nearest appartaing site?" he asked from the nervous night nurse who was standing awkwardly , not used to deal with Lords like him.
"down the right corridor, sir. Your lordness? I mean my Lord?" seriously, what they taught to these generation these days?
He barked at Kreacher, and then he was half way across London, in front of a muggle restaurant.
He transfigured his robes to a dove grey suit with a flick of his wand and stepped inside.
"my lord" said Ms Skeeter.
He nodded in approval. She looked better than a hooker for hire in her silk blouse and presentable skirt. Working in Daily prophet as his spy was good on her.
"why have you not published the NEWS about Gellert and Sylwan escape?" that took her by surprise.
"I , Arcturus.."
" did you think you are my only spy?"
She only lowered her head. " no my lord. I am here to tell you that Dumbledore knows and wants to publish it later, after the Prince hearing, how much time it takes."
It was Arcturus turn to be surprised. So the shrewd man had another agenda? Surprises never cease.
Change of plans.
As of minutes ago, he wanted to force Orion to take the boy in, and if not he would do that herself. He could claim that Eileen was his goddaughter. There were always good forgers there in knockturn to make it look genuine.
But not now.
He didn't doubt that it was Gellert who managed to escape. Why he had taken Sylwan along was a mystery.
And a trouble.
He imagined if Grindelwald needed assistance, after all it was a long time he had served in prison. May be he wanted the younger man to be his helper.
How he convinced Samuel was the problem.
Arcturus only imagined it could be bad. He had a grudge against Blacks, and now Severus too. Having both Regulus and Severus in the same household meant danger for both of them. The Black manor wards were strong, but he didn't doubt anyone of Grindelwald – or Dumbledore for that- magical power could pass them with ease.
If Sylwan wanted those boys, he had the perfect opportunity now.
And Dumbledore must know this.
If Severus remained in Malfoy's care, his master Voldemort would see fit to exchange the lad with the support of Grindelwald.
Grindelwald who needed Samuel for a time, and would try to keep him happy for as long as he needed him as a minion. Sylwan who held a grudge against Severus specially, and Arcturus himself . he knew Arcturus found out about his misdeeds from Prince heir, and he knew Regulus was his favorite.
Dumbledore must have calculated it. He wasn't suggesting himself for the guardianship just for the fun of it, or even to have the next Merlin in his pocket. There was every possibility that Grindelwald wanted to use Voldemort to build his army again. Now that Voldemort had enough supporters to make the stupid ministry notice, it was his time. Not many pure-bloods supported Voldemort, but Gellert? They would all line behind him. Even half-bloods would.
Arcturus knew them better. These man never wanted the best for the wizarding world, they only wanted the best for themselves. Maybe Gellert was the better choice, but now they could never compete with airplanes and bombs and nuclear energy. Their number was low. A hundred muggles to one wizard was a very bad ratio. With the ministry not sanctioning rituals, blood magic and such which was the only strength they had, magical folk would lose.
Those fools thoughts was too old and dusty. Alphard was a muggle-loving sod, but speaking with him made Arcturus eyes open. He could consider things those two guys would never consider.
If they united, there would be blood. Their only hope remained in Severus and his powers to grow. If they had both Dumbledore and this young lad, they would have a chance.
He had to protect Severus, and make him strong enough to build his own empire. Regulus and Severus could do much, could go further than any of those ancient sods who only wanted to conquer, even if what remained was only ashes.
He was again putting more pressure on those young children shoulders, but at least he could keep them safe. When they were ready, they could even move their empire to another country. Let Gellert and Voldemort and Albus kill each other. They could then return and build Britain free from those assholes. After all, wasn't it built the first time with 4 families that extended to 28? Add Bones and Longbottoms and they could have the four stater families. There would always be muggle-borns to recruit. As long as Blacks survived, and he could protect Evelyn's line, all was well in his books.
If Britain only produced Dumbledores and Voldemorts and Sylwans, maybe its magic deserved to die.
Dumbledore no doubt wouldn't see that like him. He would go on about muggle lives and saving the world.
The world didn't consisted of Britain. Magic would find a way.
After his meeting, he side alonged with Kreacher, to see Fabian Prewatt watching Heir Prince's room.
"Lord Black"
"heir Prewatt"
"Fabian if you please."
"I might want to talk to you and Lady Prewatt"
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