Noble House of Black

Chapter Sixteen

Two days later and we were holding a meeting at Lestrange Manor in my personal study, a room that Rodolphus had been setting up for over a year now as a surprise gift for when I moved in.

Before me I could only watch with some amusement as Eris and Anthony teased Sirius while Regulus stood off to the side with Barty and Evan.

Rabastan was near Antonin and Rodolphus.

The one standing closest to me currently was Marvolo himself.

Truly, we were an odd group to behold.

"So, what we know as of now is that Dumbledore began to use a combination of potion/spell on students," I began with a light sigh even as I looked over the files Barty and Antonin made. "From there it led to finding he only did this to those he wanted to add to his Order of the Phoenix, or mainly those who didn't have their minds protected."

Meaning many in Slytherin and Ravenclaw were fine as they follow the Old Ways and if an Heir/Heiress were already wearing their Heir/Heiress rings.

Rings that provided protection against mind attacks, certain potions, and spells.

Others gave their children necklaces, earrings, or rings that provided the same.

Though that tradition was now shoved with the Old Ways, many of which had been banned as Dark Magic by Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic.

In truth, Dumbledore could have begun doing this since way back when first making Headmaster or even while Marvolo was attending Hogwarts.

We so far didn't have an exact timeline.

"He likely only recently perfected it," added Marvolo as he leaned against my chair and overlooked the files with me. "It's finding those who were his first test subjects that we need to hunt down and find. With them we'll find the answers we seek."

That was honestly a horrifying thought.

"Meaning one of his current die-hard supporters," stated Antonin with a knowing look making me wonder if he was already aware of this, which he honestly could be. "That is easier said than done depending on who you single out."

"Euphemia would be a large help with that," I offered with a sly smile since I knew the woman was more than ready to tear Dumbledore and his followers apart. "Many see her as a devotee to the Light side, forgetting that she was a Malfoy before she was a Potter."

A fact that would come in handy since we could use that to our advantage.

Not even going into how Lord Fleamont Potter had likely taken things.

Dumbledore had threatened his Heir and son after all.

An interesting fact, one not known to those who have no close ties to the House of Potter, was that before they were a part of the Light faction, they had been the leader of the Neutral or Grey faction. Something that had only changed in recent times.

With this recent turn of events, they just might go back to the Grey faction.

Taking one of the largest supporters from the Light side.

Something I was more than looking forward to considering how much Albus Dumbledore had fucked over the Dark and Grey factions since gaining a position in the Wizengamot.

Which he only got thanks to his defeat of Grindelwald in fact.

"For now, I believe we should dig a bit more into things and make files, with extra copies placed in different locations," continued Marvolo as he eyed those in the room. "One wrong move would see you all disparaged and made outcasts."

"The more proof we find and gather the faster we can crumble is support base," I finished with my eyes focused onto Sirius since I knew he'd be sharing this with James. "Any wrong move can't be afforded with the person we're going against."

He has had years to build his facade and followers.

A fact that couldn't be taken lightly.

"Anyone we send to speak with Aberforth must be seen as fully on the Light's side," stated Antonin once more catching my attention, "because while he might loath his brother, he also has no love for those on the Dark side."

Light and Dark, Good and Evil, that was how everyone saw things.

It wasn't that simple in truth, but we kept using those words to define each side since by this point no one knew it as anything else. But Light and Dark didn't actually refer to Good or Evil.

No, it referred to the type of magical core one was born with.

Grey magical cores, or Neutrals as they had begun to call themselves, could use both types of magic without issue. Dark cores could use Light magic spells, it's just that it took a bit to learn.

Mainly since it was the exact opposite of its core type.

The spells would also be weaker compared to if they used the Dark version.

"Even better if we send someone not yet of age," I added while remembering just how soft Aberforth was towards children and teenagers compared to adults. "James would be perfect for this. He is from a Light family and Dumbledore still believes him under his control."

Meaning he'd never question James over visiting Aberforth.

"I'd rather make sure Regulus or Sirius goes along," cut in Rodolphus jaw tense before he looked towards a silent Sirius. "Better if it's you seeing as your friendship is well known."

Sirius was also seen as the black sheep of the House of Black.

Many thought he had forsaken us in fact.

Amusing since it's so far from the truth.

From there we didn't go over much more other than just how Euphemia broke James free and if Marvolo had come up with a better and quicker way.

Moments later only Marvolo, Rodolphus, and I were left in the room.

A fact I wasn't sure how to feel about.

"I've found the binding ritual for the wedding," stated Marvolo eyes locked onto Rodolphus even as he remained leaning, and really half sitting, on the arm of my chair. "It's one that is the most binding in truth, though will keep freedom of will in mind."

The fact he didn't say our or your wedding but for THE wedding, didn't sound good.

"Have you even spoken to her about this?" questioned Rodolphus, not even trying to sound submissive or like a devoted follower to Marvolo.

Well, I don't believe things are going to end pretty today.