𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐃 (𝐖𝐓𝐌)

𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗦

Hogwarts was quiet in the early evening hours, the castle shrouded in a peaceful silence. Harry Potter trudged back to Gryffindor Tower from his Potions lesson, his mind still clouded with the day's events. As he entered his dormitory, he noticed a small package lying on his bedside table, one that certainly hadn't been there when he left that morning. Curious, he walked over and reached for it, noticing a letter attached to the top.

The letter was addressed to him in elegant, unfamiliar handwriting:

"Dear Harry,

You have many questions about your family, questions that need answers. Enclosed is a book detailing the history of the Potter family. I hope it provides you with the knowledge you seek. Be careful who you trust.

Sincerely, A Friend"

Harry's curiosity grew as he unwrapped the package to reveal an old, leather-bound book titled "The Potter Legacy." With a sense of reverence, he opened it and began to read, learning for the first time about the long and storied history of his ancestors. The book was filled with tales of bravery, wisdom, and the magical prowess of the Potter line.

As Harry delved deeper into the book, he felt a mix of emotions—pride in his heritage and sorrow for the loss of his parents. He thought of his friend Ella, who had told him bits and pieces about the magical world, and realized how little he had truly known until now.

James saddened with the scene whispered to Fleamont, "he was supposed to learn everything while growing up, we were supposed to teach him everything father."

Fleamont replied, "Don't be upset son, I have a feeling he will be guided by a great mentor."

Meanwhile, in the opulent halls of Malfoy Manor, Victoria Black, along with Adrian Pucey and Marcus Flint, had arrived and were now awaiting the gathering of the house's residents. The grand drawing room was soon filled with the notable figures of the Black and Malfoy families: Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, Sirius and Regulus Black, Barty Crouch Jr., and Rabastan Lestrange. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation.

"I never thought I would be seeing this in my entire life," said Sirius feeling overwhelmed with the people he was standing with

Everyone were shocked as well - the enemity between Slytherins and Gryffindors well known in the castle, never did they thought the disowned black would be interacting with them.

Victoria stood at the head of the room, her presence commanding attention. "Thank you all for coming," she began, her voice steady and authoritative. "I have a proposal that I believe will benefit us all."

Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Go on, Victoria."

"I suggest we host an annual Yule Ball as we always do but this time in the Black Manor," Victoria continued, her gaze sweeping the room. "A gathering for all neutral and dark families, and even some of the light ones. This will strengthen our alliances, promote unity, and ensure our mutual interests are safeguarded."

Narcissa looked thoughtful. "It could be an excellent opportunity to showcase our strength and solidarity."

Sirius, who had been quiet until now, nodded. "It's a good idea, Victoria. We've been fragmented for too long. This could bring us together."

Regulus added, "And it would serve as a reminder to the other factions that we are a force to be reckoned with."

Barty Crouch Jr. smirked. "A grand ball, with all the right people. It's perfect."

Rabastan Lestrange leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. "And who do you propose we invite, little mistress?"

Victoria smiled, her confidence unwavering. "We invite everyone of importance. The Lestranges, the Malfoys, the Blacks, the Parkinsons, the Greengrasses, the Notts, the Zabinis... anyone who shares our views or could be persuaded to do so. This ball will be the event of the year."

"You all are scheming!! Making plans for people to join death eaters!!, shouted the Weasley matriarch

"I suggest you stay silent Molly otherwise I'll do it myself," said Sirius angrily while his friends were calming him down

"I suggest you keep the accusations to yourself Mrs. Weasley," said Professor Mcgonagall sternly resulting in Molly to keep quite.

Lucius exchanged a glance with Narcissa before turning to Victoria. "We will need to plan this meticulously. Security, invitations, the venue..."

"I'll handle the details," Victoria assured them. "With your support, we can make this a success."

Sirius, feeling a surge of pride for his daughter, added, "Victoria is right. This is the first step toward reclaiming our strength and ensuring our legacy."

The room was filled with nods of agreement, the plan taking root in their minds. As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of excitement and determination. The annual Yule Ball would be more than just a gathering—it would be a statement of power and unity among the most influential wizarding families.

Back at Hogwarts, Harry closed the book, his mind filled with the newfound knowledge of his family's past. He felt a connection to his ancestors and a deeper understanding of who he was. With the letter's warning still fresh in his mind, he knew he had to tread carefully and keep this discovery to himself, at least for now.

As both Harry and Victoria navigated their respective paths, the threads of their fates continued to weave together, setting the stage for the challenges and revelations that lay ahead.