The Contract

Chapter 127

Corvus Lestrange wasn't using the formal dining room for Rabastan and Harry's engagement party. The plans had been changed after the direct threat to not only Harry but his son's life. Only a fool would not take such threats seriously. The fact they didn't know who it was or what he was capable of, left them nigh on alert. His first instinct had been to cancel it, regardless of what people thought. However, Harry would not hear of it, he pushed for it to go ahead. He was not going to stop living his life and hide away in the shadows. If someone wanted to get to them, then let them try.

Corvus stalked into the ballroom, which had more security ward wise. The wards on this part of the property were older and far more lethal if activated. If anyone was foolish enough to come in uninvited? Well, they would be cut to ribbons.

The dais was already set up with instruments, gold and silver balloons and streamers decorated the room, set in the most aesthetically pleasing manner. The silver was from one of the Lestrange colours and the gold from Potter naturally.

Observing the house-elves were giving the dozen or so chandeliers one last polish and adding their decoration to it. At either side was a grand staircase, roped off naturally. The rope was just so that people know not to venture further. If they did, well there would be warning spells, if they persisted? It would lead to consequences they'd not live to see.

"Lord Lestrange," Renata curtsied, when she noticed him, standing from her sitting position, and sliding away from the piano. Just as congratulations on your engagement balloons were strung up top along the stage as it's centre piece. The House-elves used magic to get most things done, including this, they were far too small, but they could have used ladders if need be.

"Please continue," Corvus said, giving her a kind smile, not wishing to interrupting her practicing before everyone arrived. She was prefect, she didn't need to practice, there was a reason he'd hired her for this evening. Along with the rest of her entourage, they found employment primarily in an orchestra or opera. No doubt they went where the money did. The others were also beginning to settle for a night of performing.

Trays of flutes of champagne, glasses of red wine, white wine, and even tumblers of whiskey and harder liquors. He'd been fighting with himself about drinking since that bombshell. Just something to take the edge off, but he'd refrained. He needed all his wits around him, and the fact none of them could place the voice really irked them something terrible.

The soft gentle melodious sound of the piano started up, and Corvus relaxed. It was a beautiful piece, more so when the harp and the violin slowly joined in, adding to the piece. His lips twitched up into a small smile, today was the day, the entire magical world would become aware of the soon-to-be marriage of the Potter and Lestrange families. With Sirius and Rodolphus as well, very well connected he was very pleased with how things had worked out.

Now all he had to do was wait for his very much desired and anticipated grandchild. He knew, he'd likely be waiting about ten to fifteen years for that most cherished child. For a man who had feared that his line would end with him for that amount of time as well? Oh, he had all the patience of a saint.

Giving one last look around, ensuring it was perfect, each window pane squeaky clean, the curtains drawn back and with the colour scheme. Windows open allowing the air into the room, it had been airing since they decided to use it. The smell of lemon wood polish certainly helped relieve the room of dusty smell. The two long tables set out perfectly, with gleaming and sparkling goblets, glasses, placemats and plates.

Plucking a flute of champagne from one of the trays, another flute taking its place almost immediately. Sipping the drink with relish, the citrus notes hitting just right. Perfect, he was determined that tonight would go perfect.