Noble House of Black

Chapter Six

Marvolo wasn't wrong in the aspect that I had the ear, and loyalty, of the Heirs to each House that held a seat on the Wizengamot in the future.

But they weren't the only ones I had reached out to considering power can come from just about anyone as long as you held their loyalty for yourself.

Take for example Eris, while she was also the future Lady Zabini, they did not hold a seat on the Wizengamot but did hold strong ties in Italy and the mafia.

That was what could easily be used through her.

Though she was also my best friend.

"I thank you for the compliment," I offered after another moment of silence as my hair tumbled past my shoulders as the last hairpiece holding it up was removed. "But I also believe that you might be seeing me as more than what I currently am worth."

Because even I was aware of our difference in power, be it magically or politically.

"Nonsense," refuted Marvolo with a chuckle as he once more placed his hands upon my shoulders while stepping closer. "You are exactly like myself, though I do find myself curious as to what your goals are."

He made it seem like I was already on the same level as himself.

Which wasn't the truth considering he was gaining the loyalty of the current Lords of every House with a seat on the Wizengamot along with the loyalty of the leaders for the werewolves, vampires, and even trolls.

Let's also not forget his expanding ties to include even the dementors.

That took talent.

"Likely similar to your own," I offered as his magic swirled around us in a mix of warning and seduction that many other previous Dark Lords had used before to tempt others. "I wish for our ways to be returned, for magic to be treated as a whole and not light nor dark, and finally I want to find a way to fully cut the ties between our side and that of the muggle one."

Not that I had anything against muggles.

But there was truth in that they feared what they couldn't understand nor have.

The only reason muggleborn's kept popping up is because we kept throwing our squib family members to the muggle side. That was what allowed magic to be reformed once more in the future offspring of either one or two squib lines.

Too many Pureblood families would riot if they realized this.

But accept it they would.

"Would you allow me a peek?" mused Marvolo making me straighten as my eyes narrowed onto a crimson pair already staring me down. "You have such a fascinating mind that I find myself curious to see your inner most thought process."

Before I could answer there was a knock upon my closed bedroom door.

"Are you decent?" called out Rodolphus even as I kept my focus on the powerful man behind me who only smiled a smile of all teeth. "Syrina?"

"Farewell for now my darkest flower," breathed Marvolo with a chuckle as he ran a hand through my hair before stepping back. "I'll be awaiting your response."

Then without another word he apparated out of my bedroom with nary a sound.

I took a shuddering breath even as I faced the mirror causing that relief to freeze as I took in the stunning black rose now resting behind my ear.

I hadn't even felt him place it there.

"Come in," I called after another second of silence. "I thought you'd leave the first chance given, especially as your brother asked it of you."

Rabastan, as I have come to learn, didn't care for the galas held that all pure-blood families had to attend. He always left the second he could that wouldn't offend anyone. From the slight amused smirk that seemed to be something Rodolphus knew I was teasing about.

"Rabastan is actually spending time speaking with Lady Eris," offered Rodolphus as he looked around the bedroom with some curiosity. "Though I hear the evening has been cut short as your mother has passed due to an illness, you have my condolences."

"I thank you for them," I stated with a dip of my head even as I left the vanity behind, along with the sealed letter that had been placed directly in front of me. "Though we both know that she won't be missed. After all, she was a truly horrid woman."

Acting as if I missed her would only raise suspicion since all knew I hated the woman.

"I'm aware," stated Rodolphus with a nod even as he stepped forward to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear on the opposite side of the flower. "But still, appearances must be had."

In the last few years of our engagement, I had come to appreciate the other.

He was more than aware of my personality and even some of my goals, as I hadn't bothered to hide too much from the one who would one day be my husband, and that trust has borne fruit.

Because while many believed Rodolphus would be a loyal Death Eater, he was in fact only loyal to me and his family. He had become my ears in learning of how things were going on the brewing war front to the point I was very much in the loop of it all.

Something I was also truly appreciative of.

"That they do," I sighed before accepting his hand that he then placed onto his bent elbow before leading us from my bedroom. "I take it that my father, Lord Black, is ready to say some words before the rest of those here leave?"

Rodolphus only gave me a knowing smile while gently squeezing my hand that was resting on his arm while we headed back toward the ballroom. There we found my father, Orion Black, standing on a raised dais with Sirius and Regulus beside him.

Without hesitation I moved to take my spot directly at my father's right as the Heir to the Lordship while Sirius shifted over to leave me plenty of room. Rodolphus stayed beside me as my intended and with the strongest alliance currently to the House of Black.

He was to be Consort Black, meaning his standing was as high as my own.

"As many of you have become aware," started Father while smoothly looking around the room at those still at the gala we had been holding. "My wife has passed tonight as her illness had worsened without us knowing."

Ironic really, as the woman had a clean bill of health.

Well, that being something only I knew as I had made sure to forge documentation of her ailing health through the Medi-wizard loyal to our House.

One had to cover all ends to make sure they don't get caught after all.

"Tonight, we shall toast to the late Lady Black," I added as Father stepped back allowing me to move forward with Rodolphus even as I took the champagne glass being held out to me. "For she had always done everything in her power to stay true to our ways. So, tonight we toast to Lady Walburga Black and hope that Hecate has blessed the way to her everlasting rest with Hades. Blessed Be."

Many of the same was expressed alongside me.

Truly, tonight couldn't have ended better if I had hoped for it.