章 69: The Blacks' reception. Part Three
"What are we to do, Abraxas?" Nathan Nott addressed his former classmate and friend, a man who had once been fortunate enough to bear a stylish tattoo adorning his forearm. Despite his feeble attempts at appearing nonchalant, his anxiety was evident, and Malfoy, despite his own near-hysteria on the verge of collapse, might even have been jesting with his friend if not for the impending dread of what awaited them both.
"I do not know, Nathan," Abraxas replied, his own emotions still uncontrolled. His wife, standing beside him, remained in a state of profound shock and horror, having only recently realised the gravity of her actions.
Naturally, the discourse transpired under the cloak of a diversionary shield that enveloped the space with an aura of auditory attenuation, effectively muffling all vocalizations and preventing them from permeating the confines of the chamber. Moreover, this enchantment cast an optical distortion over the surroundings, rendering lip-reading of their conversation virtually impossible, should any arcane practitioners manage to breach the shield of inattention.
Where on earth had Voldemort come from? What are we supposed to do now, then? You must realise that at the time, Tom Riddle enjoyed the support of the majority of the aristocracy, for he had no clear and equal alternative. That man was a charming scoundrel in those days, wielding authority because he was related to the founder of Hogwarts, and he even dared to claim the title of Heir of Salazar Slytherin without any magical repercussions, as he was at the very heart of Salazar's power — Hogwarts.
Voldemort did not face any retribution only because Salazar, in his mind, occasionally referred to Voldemort by this title, recalling memories from the past. Although he did not make Voldemort an heir, and Voldemort did not gain access to Slytherin's magic, this spared him from punishment.
And now, where are we?? Nathan continued his indictment, "A mad sorcerer, whose very presence sends shivers down my spine, has emerged from the depths of dark magic. When it became clear to all (meaning those of us who are sober-minded members of the Walpurgis Knighthood, who view reality with clarity and realism), that we had committed a grave error, Nigelus made his appearance!
Nathan continued, "A lord, recognized by the magic community, who has forged an alliance with the Church — I cannot believe he has betrayed us. It is not about the Black faction, as you well know. The Black faction cannot be bought. Everyone knows this. And now, this rebellious anachronism is using our 'lord' as a stepping stone to wipe the cobblestones in front of his own house clean. How long do you suppose it will be before the majority of our erstwhile allies, who have not been branded yet but have a clear understanding of our lord's nature, fall under Phineas's influence?"
And as you gaze about the room, taking in the expressions on the faces of those assembled here, Malfoy gestured towards the guests. "What do you observe? I apologise, but you are not a particularly adept physiognomist."
Abraxas, having regained his composure, began to analyse the situation once again with a cool and detached mind. "None of those who witnessed the exchange were unaffected. The majority of them displayed feelings of delight, admiration, excitement, shock, and even awe. Even some supporters and sympathisers of our cause are now gazing upon Black with unconcealed adoration.
You know how wizards have a predilection for power, and are often willing to pursue those with superior intellect. There is even a scientific rationale behind it, that the magic of lesser wizards is attracted to those of greater strength when they exhibit their dominance. I fear that very soon, under our Lord's guidance, only those who have already been marked and have no other options will remain!"
"Hah… Perhaps I am not as adept at reading people as you, my dear friend," Nathan said with a hint of sadness, "but I am a far better judge of women than you, and look how she gazes upon Black," whose illusion Mary had projected to the guests, whose illusion she now, with a subtle wave of her hand, had set in motion, causing the broken cobblestones of the battlefield to rearrange themselves, returning them to their proper places, restoring the surroundings to their pristine state, repairing what had been shattered.
"That is how a hunting hound regards its prey. He is a lord, and he is unmarried! Were you concerned that there might be an armed confrontation between Gont and Dumbledore due to their inability to reach an agreement on most matters discussed in the House of Lords? Alas, England is about to face difficult times and bloodshed, but not for this reason. It is to decide who will become Lady Black!"
"Oh, bloody hell!" Malfoy only now realises the magnitude of the impending catastrophe, for judging by Phineas' appearance, he has now reached the adolescent stage corresponding to the age range of twenty-five to thirty years, which means he is at his peak physical and magical prowess, making him the most desirable catch among the aristocratic circles in both England and Europe.
Moreover, even if he were to marry, his allure would not diminish in the eyes of the ton at the marriage mart, as his progeny would immediately become the subject of intense interest, with suitors lining up to secure an unbreakable betrothal agreement immediately after the arrival of Phineus' children. Furthermore, there are already pre-selected young ladies who have expressed their interest, but have yet to receive official recognition from Malfoy and Lestrange in the form of an engagement or even a prenuptial agreement. It is an absolute catastrophe!
The recent fiasco involving Maria, stemming from the impetuous nature of her wife, has led to their current predicament, with the addition of a negatively-inclined Archmage. Maria's status as an Archmage has been officially recognized and documented by the esteemed Roman College of Mages. This event is but one of several calamities that have befallen their kin in such a short span of time.
Furthermore, amidst the existing curse that was recently brought to light in England, there lies another challenge that poses even greater difficulties for them. Three centuries ago, their ancestor allegedly caused some form of harm to Salazar Slytherin, who has now resurfaced, making it nearly impossible to find a suitable bride for their heir. Regardless of the number of half-bloods or, worse still, mud-blooded individuals available for selection, the task becomes increasingly daunting.. But that is not the most perplexing and daunting challenge, which will prove exceedingly difficult to surmount, for he will literally be called to account by the wrathful deity on a daily basis, and his primary objective over the coming days is to maintain his composure and sanity in the face of it.
"Look at Travis, Lestrange. He's on the verge of collapse. Observe how pallid he is; you can even see him trembling from here. Lestrange, on the other hand, is holding up quite well.
Even in such a predicament, when his own person was not in any illusion of imminent danger of being disembowelled, despite his station and purity, Nathan found the fortitude to survey the situation around and, noting the state of those sharing in their collective misfortune, did not fail to induct his «brothers» into the combat fraternity of the Walpurgis Knights into the fray.
As a fraternity of knights, an homage to Arthur and his Round Table Knights, its progenitor and master, even then still Thomas Riddle, now Gaunt, conceived their coterie for the ascendancy of pure-bloods.
Nathan Nott sought to appear more honorable in his own estimation than the craven Travis."
"You are mistaken," Nathan declared to Abraxas. "It is Lestrange who is the most frightened among them all. I knew Randol in school, and when he is petrified, he reminds me of a possum in a situation beyond his control. The scent of fried food freezes his thoughts, and he becomes a convincing corpse. His face is devoid of expression, and he shows no reaction to the events around him. To the uninitiated, Randol appears to be made of steel, unconcerned by any horrors or catastrophes."
Abraxas let out an unrefined chuckle at the end of Nathan's description of Lord Lestrange. Nathan decided to inquire about Abraxas's plans, as he was the intellectual leader in their partnership, and for the past four generations, the Nott and Malfoy families had maintained an equal alliance with Nathan's lineage taking the lead and Abraxas serving as the head.
"First and foremost, we must endeavor to depart this hospitable abode in one piece, and only then can we contemplate our plans," Lord Malfoy responded brusquely as soon as Phineas materialized in the hall. His gaze swept over the pair, then settled on Lestrange and Travis, who were the sole remaining members of Gaunt's party bearing the mark on their arms.
*** Phineas Nigelus Black.
Upon receiving an order from my master to allow the individual in question to depart, I was compelled to proceed with deliberate sluggishness in his direction, granting him the opportunity to reach an object that appeared to be a portkey concealed within the inner pocket of his coat.
As soon as this hybrid of necromancy and demonology vacated the square, I swiftly restored the surroundings to their pre-destruction state, securing a substantial quantity of the creature's blood in the process. It is evident that once my adversary has regained even a minimal level of strength, they will immediately initiate a ritual involving decapitation, rendering the blood useless for any further use. However, if I were to utilize this blood as the foundation for creating a tracking artifact and adequately shielding it from external influences, it would prevent the blood from deteriorating, providing me with a compass that would consistently guide me towards the location of this aberration.. It is imperative that we take immediate action to create a tool that will be of great assistance in the realm of economics, one that will always point me towards my bloodsuckers, and the individual who has chosen to curse my entire family cannot be anything other than that to me and deserves no other treatment.
I have cleaned up the mess and erased all traces, ensuring that the Ministry cannot hold me accountable. My actions were justified, of course...
The faint presence of Lord Salazar, which I had been granted, has shifted beyond this realm. He has conveyed that he is temporarily departing from our home, but I am certain it will not be for an extended period. By nightfall, my entire clan will be under his control, and I have no doubt that he will return to our house on Grimma tonight.
"Well, it's time to return to the house," I said, dropping my words like boulders off my shoulders. With all my tension, I held with my own magic the effect of the curse imprisoned in the mummified head of the infant. My magic kept the curse from breaking out of its ritualistic hiding place.
The container that had previously held the curse in and kept it at bay had been damaged, and now I was required to use my own magic to bind the curse. The curse itself did not even have a clear, unambiguous form, and in its essence was only intent on harm and perversion.. And while one aspect of my power, my magic, was maintaining the curse, another aspect was engaged in restoring the container — or rather, the runes inscribed on the infant's skull. Only when the container had been re-established as a secure repository capable of containing the curse did I allow myself to relax.
A somewhat unhinged, yet deeply deranged laugh escaped my lips as I contemplated how I must appear to the outside observer. The nature of my innate magic, my unique abilities, and the influence of Salazar's intervention upon my resurrection, imbuing me with the power of the Punishing Eye — all these factors combined to significantly alter my appearance. When I employed my ordinary spiritual vision, my eyes underwent a transformation, taking on a form that could be described as truly fearsome.. The eyeballs themselves began to emit a luminous, blinding snow-white light, which pierced through my skull as if it were made of paper. However, my head's circulatory system filled with radiant darkness, creating a stark contrast with the white glow, making the entire scene appear repulsive and even repugnant.
Considering that I held the mummified child's skull in my outstretched hand by its short hairs, enveloping my own hand with necros to protect myself from the curse, as my hair began to flutter as if caught in a fierce gust of wind, I must have appeared like some sort of infernal being!
Fuhhhhhhhh... Stop laughing, Phineas. This is not what you are thinking. I must hasten to the guests, for they must have noted my prolonged absence and are unlikely to overlook this fact. They will realize that something extraordinary and grave has transpired since my presence was needed. Thus, we must move swiftly!
And as I returned to the hall, where all our guests had gathered, I was suddenly confronted with a curious scene. Literally, every eye was fixed on me, as if I weren't Phineas Nigellus Black, the most notorious Headmaster of Hogwarts, known for his recklessness throughout my uninterrupted first life. Rather, I appeared to be the second coming of some mythical figure, like Merlin or Godric Gryffindor, who had overcome adversaries such as Mordred or another goblin clan.
Hm… Well, I'll have to think about it later, but for now, I truly wish to speak with those four individuals who turned out to be spotters for the entity that attempted to curse my clan. There is no escape from me now, for when the necrophiliac demon vomited a ritual curse upon my family, I was able to discern and memorize the communication patterns leading to the signaling objects. Once I was in my home, where everything was imbued with my clan's magic, it was a simple matter to track down and find the culprits who had served as beacons for our clan's curse.
My anger was immense, to say the least, when I recognized Lord Malfoy, Lord Nott, Lord Travis, and Lord Lestrange as these despicable individuals. I had encountered them during my visit to the reception, and to discover that these four, among the most influential and wealthy families, as well as ancient and esteemed houses, were complicit in such an act was a shocking revelation.. I was incredulous that my clan had been targeted for retribution through the agency of their hired hands.
From the outset of our encounter, I sensed a palpable animosity emanating from the creature towards my home and kin, making it clear that the attack was purely the result of its own volition. Moreover, neither Notta, Lestrange, Malfoy nor Travis had any personal grievance against my family. On the contrary, they had been actively pursuing an alliance with the Black family through the engagement of their daughters, seeking to forge a bond of kinship that would strengthen our ties.
And perhaps I would have assumed that they were mere pawns in a sinister scheme, having no involvement in the assault themselves? When Malfoy's gaze met mine, a sense of impending doom and terror washed over me, and I knew that the other four lords shared my sentiments. If this were the case, I was about to engage in a most difficult conversation with these fools who had the audacity to intrude upon my home with such ill intent.
*******
"Now that we are alone, I would like to hear your defense," I said, breaking the tense silence that had fallen over the room after my words to the Four Lords, whose arms still bore the scent of the creature with which I had just clashed.
It took me but a moment to approach Malfoy, Nott, Travis, and Lestrange, inviting them to a private discussion. Malfoy took the lead, speaking for himself and Nott, with no regard for Travis or Lestrange. "We had no choice," he said, "and you will not hear another explanation from Lord Black." He gestured towards my forearm, where the magic of the strange creature — demon or undead — still lingered, despite the passage of less than half an hour.
«Well, had I been persistent in my pursuit of answers regarding your health and well-being, there would have been no hiding from me, nor would any oaths have been of any use to you. I would have extracted the truth from you, even if it meant taking your life. With your soul in my grasp, I would continue the interrogation, for I possess the ability to strip away from your spiritual essence all the vows and oaths you have taken in life, preventing you from shielding me from the truth I seek.»
The fear emanating from them was so palpable, so visceral, that I could have left the room without airing it, as they would have crumbled in terror.
"Do not be alarmed, you shall depart from here in one piece and with your life intact," I said. "But tell your master, should this creature ever approach my home again or seek retribution against my kin, I will find it and scatter not only its physical form across the cosmos, but also its very essence. Now, leave my house, for you are no longer welcome here."
With those words, the enchantment of the house expelled the intruder from my dwelling. Once I had finished speaking, I could focus on my guests and attempt to understand why their perception of me had so abruptly shifted. I took a generous sip of a centuries-old fiery whiskey and transcended space, appearing among my guests, near the only true allies of my family, the Greengrass clan.
"Henry, Rosalia, my apologies for not having more time to spare earlier. How are you this evening?"
"I found the entertainment program you prepared for tonight's festivities to be quite enjoyable," remarked Lord Greengrass, addressing Phineas. However, observing a lack of comprehension in the latter's gaze, he decided to first clarify and then explain his point.
"The encounter that transpired between yourself, Lord Black, and the 'unknown' in the plaza before your residence was not merely an illusion or figment of imagination, but rather a reality?" he continued. "Then, why are you so surprised? The gifted elite of Britain have just learned that your family's founder was the Light Lord, and it appears that you, too, possess equal proficiency in both light and dark magic, enabling you to perceive it in all its splendor and might. Naturally, the overwhelming impact of these revelations on your guests is now evident."
"And on my own part," said Rosalia, "be wary in the presence of unwed ladies, and take great care with what you imbibe and ingest, lest they bestow upon you amortization, and you wake the morrow as a wedded man!"
Nigelus cast about him in a peculiar manner, and it was only then that he began to comprehend.
"Do you see my plight?" he inquired. Upon receiving a nod, he exclaimed, "And I sought to accomplish all in silence..." Nigelus lamented his fate in a hushed voice, but his words were not lost on those around.
It would seem that my Lord deemed it more advantageous and valuable to his designs to announce your return to the realm of the living in this manner.
Lady Greengrass surveyed the room, contemplating the situation. "And why should you concern yourself with this, Nigelus?" she asked. "After what you have demonstrated today, no one would ever consider testing your patience or engaging in lengthy, intricate games with you."
Even those ladies eager to share your bed (not in the literal sense, but in the magical one, where wedding vows appear as radiant bracelets upon your wrists), will not dare resort to such, Merlin forgive me, despicable methods. There are no potions, aphrodisiacs, or even harmless, non-magical enhancers in the form of food or drink additives. While there is always the possibility of encountering a desperate, desperate lady, it remains minuscule. No one in their right mind would attempt to engage in underhanded tactics against you.. The performance you delivered to the esteemed audience today was nothing short of extraordinary. In the absence of your presence, I overheard several conversations in which you were already hailed as the most powerful mage on the islands. The overwhelming advantage you have demonstrated against the "unknown" — yes, the unknown! — is truly remarkable. Anyone who is familiar with the true nature of events unfolding in England fully comprehends the magnitude of the challenge Phineas faces today.
The only challenge you face in this instance is navigating through the plethora of offers for alliances and cooperation agreements, including matrimonial contracts, that will be made in your name and that of all unwed members of the Black family. Your value to the family has been elevated overnight.
Rosalie Greengrass had laid out her case for the gentlemen, and Nigelus now gazed at her with an intensity that would have set hearts ablaze in animated reality.
"Henry, you have my utmost admiration and unadulterated envy! You are a lucky man indeed to have such a wife. She is a wonder." Nigelus's previous marriage to Ursula Flint had been a blessed one, characterized by honesty, thriftiness, loving motherhood, and devotion. However, she lacked intellectual brilliance and did not actively participate in her husband's political endeavors.
"Oh, praise me, Nigelus, I rarely receive compliments from my husband," Lady Greengrass said, her blush genuine. Her playful jab at her husband was easily understood by both parties.
"Rosalia, I have not yet fully grasped the intricacies of this genealogy, but might I inquire if you have an unwed sister who possesses the same beauty and intelligence as yourself? As I stand at the dawn of my life, without a beloved by my side, I require a strong female presence in the family, one who can oversee the household and beyond."
Phineas let out a slight sigh, recalling the foolish Walburga, whose posterior had already received more than a hundred swats since his resurrection.
Alas, it seems that there is no eligible suitor among my closest kin for you. And why should you feel disheartened by this? As far as I am aware, you will be receiving a visit from a potentate today. Is it not his responsibility to find a suitable partner for his important and unmarried subject?
But if I were in your shoes, I would approach this matter with greater subtlety. Our acquaintance with you is renowned not only for your skill as a master alchemist and curse-breaker, but also for your expertise in rituals and, consequently, numerology. You could approach him with a request to perform a numerological calculation to determine the ideal candidate for a spouse, ensuring that both you and your family thrive, and that any children you have are healthy and robust. Then, my lord would take an active interest in this matter and contribute to its resolution.
Once again, Lady Greengrass demonstrated her finest qualities, which further deepened the admiration and reverence in the eyes of the two gentlemen beside her, with the exception of her husband, whose gaze remained ablaze with an ocean of desire. Henry felt light-headed with the realisation of his own good fortune, knowing that such bliss, such a precious gem, belonged solely to him!
Once again, you have demonstrated your charm in the company of a delightful woman, proving that you are not merely intelligent and attractive but also wise beyond measure. In response to Lady Greengrass's advice, Phineas executed a profound and affectionate bow, accompanied by the kiss of her hand, an act that did not go unnoticed by the guests.
The guests had long observed and discussed the ease and familiarity with which Lord and Lady Greengrass conversed with Lord Black. Prior to this evening, Phineus had never exhibited such attentiveness towards anyone at a social gathering, merely acknowledging the presence of the guests and displaying the bare minimum of respect required to avoid offense or insult. However, those with keen insight and a propensity for drawing hasty conclusions could discern that Lord Black's display of strength towards Greengrass was not a momentous revelation or surprise, implying that they possessed knowledge beyond the reach of the other guests, having enjoyed the privilege of prior acquaintance with Lord Black before the reception.. The fact that both the daughter of the Black family and the heiress of the Greengrass are apprentices to the same sorcerer, who appeared at the reception today accompanied by Maria Badoer, can only suggest one thing: a new alliance is being formed in England.
The Blacks have long been considered the flag bearers of the radical faction in the House of Lords, irrespective of the era or government. It seemed as though they deliberately chose to align themselves with the most aggressive faction, where they could indulge in their destructive impulses and engage in violent conflicts.
On the other hand, the Greengrass family has for generations led those who oppose any escalation and strive to achieve consensus through peaceful means, without the need for bloodshed or the spilling of magical blood like Merlin.
"Tell me, Francis, is it a normal occurrence for you, and for us now as well, to feel the brunt of Lord Flint's vitriolic gaze throughout the evening?" Henry posed the question that had been weighing on his mind. With his disposition, he was well-suited for the role of leader of the neutral faction he now occupied, for he was not one to harbor internal conflicts or take pleasure in violence. Indeed, he did not shun radical solutions, even resorting to the services of assassins when necessary, yet he did not find solace in such methods. Now, suddenly, he found himself at the epicenter of a vortex of unadulterated hatred and fury, which could not possibly bring him joy.
Henry lacked his daughter's innate capacity for empathy, yet due to his nature and inner essence, he was acutely aware of emotional shifts and unconsciously sought to avoid situations that caused him discomfort. In this moment, he found himself surrounded by his beloved companion and Lord Black, yet simultaneously, he sensed a palpable animosity whose source he could easily discern.
"Ah, so this is Francis, the younger sibling of my late spouse, Ursula, whom I once gave a sound thrashing and only spared his life due to my wife's intercession. This fool has come to me with an offer to marry my youngest daughter, Belvina, who is his own niece. He appears to be quite insensible to the implications of such a proposal. My efforts to reason with him have proven futile, and the matter has ultimately escalated to a duel."
"It was fortunate for the heir to the Flint fortune that Nigelus was not in a favorable mood that evening and Lady Black intervened to prevent Phineas from taking drastic action against the young man."
"Pay him no heed," said Phineas, "and judging by the fact that he is still Lord Flint, he is an imbecile without any sense of propriety. Therefore, he is of no consequence to our plans; there is no room for such dross."
What does Phineas imply by this revelation? The point is that no rational Lord, desiring the peace and prosperity of his family, would leave the choice of the next Lord to chance. In such a case, having an appointed, legitimate, and certified heir prior to the family's magical transition is not a guarantee that he will smoothly assume the role of head of the clan, as the logic of family magic is beyond human comprehension. There have been precedents, and they are not uncommon. Once, even bastards have managed to challenge the rights of an heir appointed by a late Lord to become the next head of the clan.
Therefore, in order to prevent such a scenario, many Lords do not wait for natural causes to replace the head of their clan and take matters into their own hands, appointing a successor who has been personally chosen.. Such an unspoken convention, dictated by reason, has long been in place and is considered the proper course of action. In England, reaching the age of one hundred marks the apex of one's life, beyond which it is deemed prudent to step down from active leadership, provided there is a competent and prepared successor ready to take over. This year, Francis would have turned one hundred, yet there was no indication of any progress in determining his successor within the family, nor any news of it circulating. Phineas was particularly interested in the matter, as it concerned the family of his late wife, and he naturally desired to be apprised of the current state of affairs.
"Mordred is with me," Nigelus gestured to Francis and his family with a wave of his hand, as if it were a regrettable and absurd circumstance. "By the by, tomorrow is Saturday, and I am going to pay a visit to Hogwarts on my school day off. I wish to see what has changed during my absence, and how. Since the Greengrasses and Blacks are members of the school's governing body, we can surprise Albus' domain. We can meet our girls, see your heiress, and I will meet the young lady who has brought our family into his notice!"
"Why not? I accept your invitation with pleasure," Henry said, happy to join the fun. Nigelus is now the most influential person in magical Britain, and the more he is seen in his company, the more political capital and influence he will gain. He enjoys the character and personality of both the former Headmaster of Hogwarts and the present Lord Black. He will get to see the little one of his blood.
"I shall accompany you, then. I believe the school authorities will have no objections or reservations regarding my presence in your company," Lady Greengrass resolved, not willing to remain aloof. Despite her status as a member of the pinnacle of Homo sapiens evolution, she remained a mother, and the urge to witness firsthand her beloved's establishment there proved irresistible.
"I wondered if there was anyone within the confines of Hogwarts who would have the audacity to challenge me!" Lord Black unleashed his power with a menacing glare. Regardless of how capable and talented Svyatozar might be, he could not replicate the entire mechanism of reincarnation, which was intended to alleviate the burden of one's spiritual shells.
Considering that Phineas had endured more than forty years of suffering, experiencing nothing but pain and anger during this time, it is remarkable that he has managed to recover to a certain extent. This is largely due to the knowledge, skills, and strength that were invested in him, enabling him to cope with sudden mood swings. It is only thanks to Lord Black's generosity that the poor quality of Phineas' past life has been somewhat mitigated in this present one, where his spiritual shells continue to haunt him in the form of flashbacks. As clichéd as it may seem.
But all that is required for Phineas to restore order to his life is time. Time is his remedy, and with each passing day as he leads a meaningful existence, the essence of his being unwinds, releasing the strain.
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