𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧

━ twenty-eight

PUREBLOOD POLITICS DID NOT interest Lord Demetri Belsky. He was the King's Right Hand, but that did not mean he enjoyed the stuffy meetings. No, Demetri Belsky was a fighter through and through.

The Belsky's were seasoned warriors, whike the Valkovs were the voice and reason in politics. It was why so many Belskys and Valkovs had allied.

The situation in Wizarding Brittain was certainly interesting, however, and ever since Alexei Valkov had successfully taken the throne, Demetri didn't have to do a lot of battling, besides the few times he had to join the King's Army to quell a few revolts because they had supported the previous King.

Wizarding Britain had a Dark Lord rising, and Wizarding Russia was struggling to recover from Vladmir Valkov's tyrrany.

Which was why the letter in his hands was certainty the most intriguing.

Lord Belsky,

How does Russia fare under the new King's rule? It certainly does seem like a leap from King Vladmir's rule.

But alas, as we both know, this is not a social letter. I have a proposition for you. I know the Belsky's have produced a House of warriors for a very long time, since before the time of the Valkovs had even existed.

I have been part of two rebellions, one led by fellow Slytherin Maddie Snape, whom you met as Lady Prince, and the Order of the Phoenix, led by Dumbledore. But the Slytherin's are forced to hide in the shadows because of the years of prejudice the other Houses cannot get past.

Would you consider voicing the House of Belsky on the side of the Light? The Belskys are more powerful and influential than the Valkovs in the recent years, and your alliance would be deeply valued. Please consider this thoroughly.

Sincerely,
Regulus Black
Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black

SIRIUS BLACK DIDN'T KNOW what to make of the newcomer at the table, standing next to his brother, Regulus Black, and Maddilyn Snape.

The man had visible scars over his body, and clearly was a veteran warrior, like Alastor Moody, the Auror who was training the Marauders.

Sirius had to remind himself that Dumbledore clearly trusted Regulus and Maddie enough to join the exclusive non-Slytherin rebellion. He also clearly trusted the two to vet new members.

Although Regulus and Maddie had a very public break up, the two obviously had remained close friends. And even though he had kissed Maddie on the Hogwarts Express, there was no label on their relationship, or talk about where they stood with one another.

Dumbledore's voice snapped Sirius out of his thoughts.

"Thank you all for coming today," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling like they normally did. "Before we start this meeting, as I'm sure you must have seen, this is our newest member Demetri Belsky." Whispers immediately started up. First two Slytherins, a Black and a Snape, then the Right Hand to the King of Russia?

It was clear that Maddie and Regulus had brought Belsky to the table, only Regulus would have the connections, as most people at the table were Muggle or Half-Bloods, or considered "blood-traitors".

Belsky's eyes narrowed in thought. "Thank you, Dumbledore," he said in crisp English, only a hint of his Russian roots in his words.

"As the nineteen-seventy-nine school year comes up, the amount of recruits Voldemort has gathered are rising phenomenally," Dumbledore said.

"You have to start recruiting to the Order earlier, Dumbledore," Maddie interrupted. "The Dark Lord doesn't mind making us soldiers as children, the reality is that we have to at least vet some people before you decide to ask them as they graduate."