Noble House of Black

Chapter Eleven

I hadn't thought that Dumbledore had placed any attention onto me since I kept a low profile in Hogwarts. Only those going to the dark galas were even aware that I was Heiress Black.

Yet, he had somehow begun to turn James against me.

It made my belief that he had a spy in the Dark Sect a reality since he seemed to be moving against me. This also meant I would have to move up my own plans.

Something I wasn't too happy about.

"You seem upset," mused Eris as I glided into one of the unused classroom's near the Ravenclaw common room. "What happened?"

This wasn't even something that Eris was aware of either, it seemed.

Which meant that Dumbles was trying to keep his involvement a secret.

"James Potter seems to be under the belief that I am trying to ruin his precious Lily Evans," I answered smoothly while taking a seat in my usual chair. "He came to me in need of help as Evans is trying to start a muggleborn movement."

One that she was going about the wrong way.

Her way would see her all but kicked out of the Wizarding World as no one would want anything to do with her. Even the Light Sect would have some issues with her.

Well, the ones not in Dumbledore's pocket anyway.

"Don't forget to mention how he turned against you when you took back your protection of Lily Evans," added Anthony with a sneer directed towards the door. "I can't believe he had the nerve to mention that old man being right."

Which again, just what has Dumbledore been saying about me?

Things only grew tenser over the rest of that year as many turned against Lily Evans, many of whom took pleasure in hiding or ruining her things. Each time James would stand up for her and take the time to shoot me looks of rage.

As if I had ordered them to do something as pathetic as bullying.

"Sirius," I called out causing my brother to turn before getting up from where he sat by Remus Lupin and head over towards me. "I am giving you one month after we leave Hogwarts."

From the way he paled, it seemed he caught my meaning.

Because I had a lot I needed to accomplish, and because of this new information I would taking my N.E.W.T.S. at the ministry. Meaning I wouldn't be coming back for my seventh year, not when Dumbledore was a threat that I couldn't take lightly.

I would also have plenty of those loyal to me here to keep an eye on things.

Though it would also push my marriage up as well.

"I'll deal with it," whispered Sirius, eyes wet as he looked away from me and to where James sat with his head bowed. "He's already having doubts since his mum wrote to him."

Ah, my favorite woman aside from Bellatrix.

"He needs to truly think if having Lily Evans is worth what he will lose," I added before reaching out to squeeze Sirius' hand. "Either way, this will not affect our standing with one another."

I wouldn't allow it to ruin all the progress I had made to fix our relationship.

We were family, and that would come before anything or anyone else.

Let's hope that James realized that as well.

~ Malfoy Manor ~

I had barely finished my sixth year and made it home before I had to head out for the last meeting between Lord Malfoy and myself over Lucius and his engagement to Narcissa.

Something I was thankful for considering how annoying Narcissa was being.

"You seem stressed, darkest flower," mused Marvolo, not that I hadn't expected that he would be here at Malfoy Manor. "I've also heard that you have set up appointments at the ministry to take your N.E.W.T.S next week."

Truly, his spies worked fast by this point.

"Then you're likely already aware that Dumbledore is working to turn others against me," I mused back dryly even as I accepted his help in removing my coat. "Though turnabout is fair play, and I don't plan to play fair."

Eris was already at work and was also using Barty and Evan to help her.

Anthony was helping Regulus in digging further into Dumbledore.

Starting with Aberforth and Ariana Dumbledore.

"You've only grown more stunning with age and cunning," teased Marvolo as he handed my coat to a waiting house elf before kissing my hand. "I see now that you're done hiding in the shadows. Though I am curious if you will agree to work with me."

That was a smooth way of asking me to join his side.

"I'm neither with nor against you," I answered carefully since I knew this man was stronger and more powerful than myself in more than one way. "Though I do know some of our goals align."

In truth, I couldn't yet say that I was on or against Marvolo's side since he had yet to really tell me what he fought for. I only knew a few of his goals thanks to Bellatrix and Rodolphus.

Not that either were told everything, even as elite members.

There was too much riding on my plans to anger or set Marvolo against me right now.

Though I didn't think that would be the case anyway.

"I'll make sure that Rodolphus and Bellatrix pass on my goals better," whispered Marvolo near my ear before offering me his arm. "Now, shall we go meet our host?"

It seemed he would be joining the meeting.

"We shall," I answered before taking his arm as we made our way through the manor towards the Malfoy's study. "Good evening, Lord Malfoy."

"Heiress Black," returned Abraxas Malfoy with a dip of his head while gaining to his feet, mainly since the man he followed was here, "my Lord, please have a seat."

Neither of us hesitated to do so, though I found it a bit amusing how uncomfortable Lord Malfoy seemed behind his desk as Marvolo chose to sit beside me. Something likely not done considering how much he enjoyed power plays with his minions.

"The wedding ceremony shall be held in one month," I continued since I had more than one thing to accomplish today. "Both the bride and groom agreed upon one of the simpler binding ceremonies, mainly as it fit their beliefs the best."

It would also keep either from being harmed by the other if one was to die or be harmed.

A lot of the binding ceremonies for marriages were truly powerful.

One such one being what I had picked out for my own marriage ceremony,

"Alright," agreed Abraxas as he accepted the folder, I handed over containing details for the binding along with items needed. "Will you be the one officiating?"

Now, wasn't that an intriguing question.

"No," I answered with a slight smirk. "Instead, I believed that either yourself or my grandfather should hold that honor. It would be a better fit for this specific ceremony as well."

From the way he was nodding it seemed he had been testing me.