Orion took the Heir seat next to his father and braced himself for what was to come.
His eyes flickered over Hespera's relaxed stance and pride filled his heart.
The last couple of weeks were gruelling for the amazing young woman. She had to learn as much as was achievable about the Wizengamot regulations, the old families, The Sacred Twenty Eight and the Three Factions.
As Lady Peverell, failure or ignorance were not an option.
They understood that the moment her identity was revealed, all the predators lurking in the shadows would pounce looking for a weakness.
Her lone figure stood proudly facing the three occupants of the higher dais and Orion's eyes flew to the man sitting next to Minister Tuft.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore; the man who would ruin many lives and many Noble Houses, going as far as making someextinct.
His silver-grey eyes hardened with alertness as he noticed the way he was looking at Hespera, no wonder trying to grasp something, anything about the young woman who dared interrupt the session.
Orion knew that since they stepped into the Ministry building, people didn't stop glancing at her furtively. But they weren't as daring as Dumbledore, they passed them without breaking pace.
No British wizard well educated in their ways had the temerity to ogle a woman declared under the protection of House Black, and a Lady at that, it was a severe breach of manners and a travesty, maybe more considering that it slightedhis Houseandhis future wife.
But Dumbledore was no gentleman and no staunch follower of their Ways. He ignored their traditions and laughed in Mother Magic's face with every choice he made.
He was familiar with the schemes he used to prey upon the unwary, the efficient tactics he plied to get what he wanted and rob whoever he considered a hindrance of their integrity, sometimes theirvery life.
The memories Hespera gifted him cemented that belief and invigorated him to fight harder against the hazardous man.
Gradually, he became aware of the cold that seeped through his veins due to his turbulent thoughts.
Something about it caused a warning prickle along his spine, and without losing another moment, he slid his hands into his pockets.
His claws pricked painfully under his skin and the beast thrashed and howled, looking for an outlet.
Orion closed his eyes and checked on his mental shields. They were as perfect as ever.
The Dark Magic he inherited from his ancestors hummed with excitement, sadly it was the wrong time to explore what was going on with him more thoroughly.
He distinguished how his beast became closer to the surface since Hespera landed in his room a few weeks ago.
He was of the mind that the two matters were somehow connected. However, he didn't get enough free time to ponder over the puzzle.
As expected, Hespera made her move.
Swiftly, she addressed the Minister, ignoring Dumbledore, and handed her the Gringotts' identity papers.
He barely heard his father's covered-up snort when the name that was lost for centuries was pronounced.
"Lady Peverell."
Relying on instinct, and years of training, Orion kept his expression as bored as ever while his sharp eyes studied the audience.
Some gave muffled gasps of surprise and staggered back, mainly Dumbledore's entrenched followers with the ingrained belief that the emergence of a Peverell was an omen of Death, considering the legends they were tied to.
Lord Harfang Longbottom looked at his blood brother.
Fleamont Potter smirked and Harfang shook his head exasperatedly and leaned back on his chair, looking more at ease. He was his aunt Callidora's husband, and a close friend to his father, but everyone knew where his true loyalty lay.
The Longbottoms were inherently Light, and the sworn blood brothers of the Potters.
Lord Robert Bones' nostrils flared, but he remained still waiting for the outcome of this thunderbolt.
He wasn't surprised when Lord Caldwell Diggory's eyes narrowed. Everyone knew how close he was with Dumbledore along with the Diggles, the Fenwicks and the Dearborns.
Thankfully, most of them belonged to minor families and Noble Houses. However, that didn't make their threat any less.
His father had a meeting with his closest allies before this session, so he wasn't astounded when Lord Burke, Lord Greengrass and Lord Avery didn't seem startled by the revelation.
Lord Tiberius Nott, on the other hand, whipped his head around looking for Lord Bulstrode, Lord Crabbe and Lord Goyle.
He was a despicable old coot with a nasty temper and Arcturus Black flattered no one, nor could he stand 'primps' like he liked to call whoever he scorned, hence the bad blood between the two families.
Corvus was whispering something to Lord Fulcran Lestrange and the older man nodded.
The Lestranges were the craftiest bastards he knew of, no wonder they would look for a stronger ally.
Before he could carry on with his observations, unease crawled over his body and he sensed the shift in the air.
He stopped to read through the faces and looked up.
Peering through his spectacles, Dumbledore's body language changed quickly from nonplussed to…greedy and maybe a bit angry.
He leaned closer and pored over the papers offered to Minister Tuft.
He recognized the moment he figured out the truth, that he was indeed in the presence of the last descendant of House Peverell.
Orion waited to see what would happen and wasn't disappointed when Dumbledore delivered.
Before Hespera could join them and take her seat, the bloody fool opened his mouth and asked about her whereabouts.
"Merlin's Mercy, the man has no tact," Arcturus murmured under his breath and he agreed wholeheartedly.
Personal information was… was an unwritten rule to never pry when you were not wanted.
It was basic human etiquette to never explain personal matters to outsiders. It misled them into thinking they were entitled to know everything which was unthinkable.
Every House, minor be it or Sacred was accredited its secrets and private affairs.
Dumbledore fumbled for a witty rejoinder, but none worked with his girl.
Pride filled his very being and he was at a loss to comprehend why this young woman, in her intelligent prickly innocence, had captivated him so thoroughly.
All he knew was a fierce longing to reach something in her, to strip away all her defences and engulf her with the burning flames licking at his skin.
His throat cinched around a thick breath and without asking for his Lord's permission, he stood and joined her.
He knew that she was infallible, and most definitely did not need his help, but the sight of Fleamont Potter standing by her side stirred something in him.
"Heir Black, what are you doing here?" Lord Fawley snapped.
Orion identified himself as Hespera's betrothed and enjoyed the second blow Dumbledore was dealt.
The man should think twice before challenging a Lady of the Sacred Twenty Eight with two Ancient Houses backing her publicly.
To his amazement, the fool refused to hand over the heirloom.
Dumbledore was as sly as they came and understood very well what Hespera was playing at.
It was beyond question that the Elder Wand was an invaluable magical artifact, but to confess theft in the presence of the peerage was suicide.
He knew what Hespera was about to do even before she raised her hand.
Silence descended on the colossal chambers when the Death Stick floated toward its rightful owner.
The echoes of the audience's gasps died away and he turned subtly to view the results of Hespera's act of defiance.
Dumbledore almost toppled over with a gurgling noise, His face was ashen pale, but his eyes were as sharp as ever.
"Lady Peverell, give me my wand back," the brazen man extended his hand, waiting.
"What's going on here?" Minister Tuft finally stood. It seemed she understood the flagrant violation of the law they were dealing with.
"Mr Dumbledore kept, illegally, a family heirloom for his personal use, despite being warned by the goblins," Hespera explained calmly.
"What!" shouts of outrage filled the room.
"This is unacceptable…"
"Such blatant disregard of the laws…"
"She's lying! Dumbledore would never do something so dreadful." Orion recognized Diggory's voice and was hardly taken aback.
"Diggory is right, we don't know this girl. To dare and accuse Dumbledore…" another joined in.
"Silence!" Lord Fawley shouted. ''Whoever interrupts again will have to leave at once.''
The protesting voices seemed to melt away in the silence that followed like a ghost.
Dumbledore's face dripped resignation as he took a step forward and asked again. "My wand, Lady Peverell. I won it fair and square."
Fleamont Potter mumbled under his breath. "What a nuisance, I believe I'll miss dinner tonight."
Minister Tuft Peered down at them with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. "We have to get to the bottom of this. Lady Peverell, would you explain first?"
Hespera nodded and her grip became like iron around the wand. "As you know, we Peverells like our privacy. Whenever one of us is born, the family keeps the news under wraps. Only a few of us remained and we privileged our safety over mingling with our peers, hence our disappearance," she gave a sardonic smile before she added. "Peverells are a greedy bunch, our secrets areoursalone and even death can't pry an answer out of our lips when we say no. My life before today is no one's business, what matters is that I'm among you now, to take my rightful place and add my voice to my fellow Lords and Ladies."
Many jaws went slack at Hespera's heated speech.
She confirmed some of the legends pertaining the Peverells and subtly, warned anyone who wanted to venture into unauthorized territories.
Orion smothered his smirk when more than a witness paled drastically.
To bracket the Peverells and death in one sentence never sat well with most.
Hespera grasped the one-of-a-kind handle of her wand, and it emitted dark sparks.
"This wand is my birthright, passed down into our family for generations. When we opted to stay away from the spotlight, we trusted the goblins with guarding our possessions. My ancestors' wand was sadly stolen until it landed in Grindelwand's hands. When Dumbledore won the famous duel, it changed its allegiancetemporarilyand he thought that he earned it truly. Director Ragnok asked for it because he knew that we'll come back eventually and seek it, yet he refused. Tell me, Minister, isn't this a blatant breach of our sacred laws?"
"Lady Peverell, we heard your complaint," the Minister said gruffly, her eyes shooting daggers at Dumbledore before she motioned for him to answer.
Dumbledore's eyes burned with blue fire, all the years of fooling Wizarding Britain dropping away to reveal his true self.
Orion hovered over Hespera's shoulder, eyeing the man carefully.
He knew that he wasn't a fool to threaten or attack her publicly, but he would never leave something as precious as her safety to chance.
It seemed Fleamont was of a similar mind. He got closer to her and his hazel eyes darkened to deep brown.
Dumbledore's face wreathed in surprise at the stance they took, it was so telling.
"As Lady Peverell mentioned, I won that wand in my duel against Grindelwald fairly. The wand became mine and I seldom touched the one I purchased when I received my Hogwarts letter. I believe that everyone knows this bit about Wandlore, wands are temperamental artifacts, they don't follow the laws of possession as we know them. The Peverells' wand is the fiercest, only those who won her allegiance in a fight can control it. Director Ragnok asked for it but I refused to hand it over. It's a crime to let such fabulous creation wither at the bottom of Gringotts when no one but me can control it. No one knew if a Peverell would emerge again. And even if they did, the wand's fealty is to me."
Merlin's Mercy, was this man for real? Orion wondered exasperatedly.
"Of course, Mr Dumbledore would defend his actions. But tell me, Minister, won't his act of defiance set a bad example? How can we guard our family heirlooms if any outsider can claim them by the right of conquest?" Fleamont Potter said sharply.
"I second my blood brother," Harfang Longbottom stood.
"I said…" Lord Fawley snapped.
"Where the Potter goes the Longbottom follows, no one can stop me from backing up Fleamont," Harfang shrugged, but Orion discerned his pursued lips.
"And I agree. We cannot accept this claim. Dumbledore's argument is inadmissible," Abraxas Malfoy finally stood and reproved the Minister lazily.
He was his old housemate and one he thought he could one day consider a close friend, yet the interference of Tom Riddle changed many a thing.
Abraxas was ambitious, like every Malfoy worthy of his name. After his father's death, the man he believed was capable of kindness, became cynical and sometimes, cruel.
At first, he related that to his grieving. Malfoys never showed weakness, it was an unbreakable rule, but then he noticed the amount of time he spent with Riddle and Nott.
Hespera's memories confirmed his suspicions. The proud man fell into Voldemort's trap and lost what little goodness had remained despite his harsh upbringing and cunning nature.
But to take their side now of all times was a declaration of a possible future alliance.
He wondered if Hespera's impromptu appearance would change more events and steer the future in a completely different direction.
What mattered to him was that he would protect the Blacks at all costs, their safety was his priority.
"Nonsense," Diggory interrupted firmly. ''The right of contest is as old as time itself. Can you tell me where were the Peverells when we were fighting Grindelwald? Where was Lady Hespera Peverell and her parents when we buried our fathers and comforted our kids? Where were they when Dumbledore duelled Grindelwald bravely and almost lost his life?"
"Caldwell…enough," Dumbledore murmured and shook his head.
He turned toward Hespera. "Lady Peverell, I meant no harm and I'm not thief. I'm a wizard who used something he won in a fight witnessed by many. I cannot be held accountable when I didn't even know of your existence," his smile was the enchanting one he hated with a passion.
Hespera surprised him when she handed him the Death Stick.
"Hespera…" Orion hissed.
Dumbledore seemed startled as well, but he took the wand nevertheless.
The moment he did, he winced and Hespera's lips lifted.
"You never won its allegiance. This wand will always look for its true Master. You can try any spell you want, it won't work anymore.''
Dumbledore's mouth pulled into a bitter smile and he conceded.
He bowed respectfully and gave the wand back.
Hespera waved her hand, erecting a privacy ward and drawled. ''You would do well to stop chasing what was never yours. Try to concentrate on your work and the betterment of our world. Don't forget Gellert's fate and how he fared after pursuing an impossible dream for years. I'm sure he's not enjoying his time in Nurmengard."
Her hand lowered but Orion was sure that Dumbledore's ribs cut through his inwards like sharpened daggers with the intensity of the gasp he emitted.
"You…" he breathed.
"...Are not someone you want to trifle with. Be careful and remember, Death does not discriminate," Hespera said, her silky voice colder than a Dementor's hug.
It was the absence of feeling that chilled Orion to the bone.
The staggering man facing them slighted Hespera beyond reason and ruined whatever little dreams the love-starved orphan in her had.
Minister Tuft cleared her throat. "I think that everything is in order." She glared at Dumbledore who dragged his rigid body up and took his place.
"We recognize that Dumbledore, even unintentionally, took possession of a family heirloom and used it illegally for years." Minister Tuft announced and Lord Fawley nodded.
Any protest was halted as the Minister raised her wand. "Albus Dumbledore, you were considered Wizarding Britain's Champion for years and I admit that I was disappointed in you while hearing what you did. Considering that this is your first transgression, and I like to believe like everyone in the room that it was unintended, you will apologize to Lady Peverell officially and pay a fine of one thousand Mote Be It."
"She can't be serious," Fleamont Potter hissed and Orion gave him a hard smile.
"What did you expect? He's Dumbledore," he whispered flatly.
"I don't want his apology, not when I know that he doesn't mean it," Hespera's face was expressionless as she kept her eyes on Dumbledore.
"Let's take our seats," Orion offered.
She nodded and followed him.
Fleamont went back to the right, next to Harfang who seemed eager to hear more about any details he might have missed.
Orion walked by her side and he perceived the moment she smiled provocatively.
He stepped away, giving her all the time she needed and she didn't keep him waiting.
She glanced over her shoulder at Dumbledore first, then at the audience sitting close by and waiting for her next move eagerly, admiring and fearing such ruthlessness at once.
His father lifted an eyebrow when she sat to his left and remarked ironically. "Welcome to the Dark Lady Peverell."
A feral grin played about her mouth as she breathed. "Of course Death is dark, it's where souls fade without a trace."
Orion swore that a chilling undertone laced her words.
All Credits Go To: NinaMaya-AO3