Echoes of the Black Manor Part 1

Chapter 14

As the portrait of the Black ancestors receded into its frame, the manor’s occupants continued their preparations for the ritual with a renewed sense of purpose. However, Orion’s mind was racing, troubled by the portrait's revelations and the nagging feeling that there was something he was missing. He glanced around the room, trying to piece together the fragments of his memories and the information they had just received, determined to uncover the final piece of the puzzle that would ensure their safety.

A troubled frown crossed Orion's face as he muttered to himself, “My father talked about something like this… but why can’t I remember the details?”

He paced the room, his thoughts churning. The urgency of the situation was overwhelming, but the image of his father’s portrait, which had always been a source of wisdom and guidance, suddenly came to mind. Orion remembered his father speaking about a similar occurrence many years ago—an event shrouded in mystery and danger.

Without hesitation, Orion moved toward the grand hall where his father’s portrait was displayed. The portrait, a striking image of a stern yet wise figure, had been a fixture in the manor for as long as Orion could remember. He reached up and tapped the frame with urgency.

“Father,” Orion called out, his voice trembling slightly. “I need your help. Please, wake up.”

The portrait stirred, the painted figure blinking awake with a slow, deliberate movement. The eyes of the portrait’s figure, mirroring those of Orion’s father, scanned the room with a mix of curiosity and concern.

“What’s the matter, Orion?” the portrait asked, its voice resonating with a familiar authority.

Orion’s eyes were wide with desperation as he spoke. “Father, the manor is under attack by a dark entity. We’ve been guided by the ancestors’ portrait, but I remember you talking about something like this when I was fifteen. I don’t understand why the details are eluding me. Tell me everything you know about that night—quickly.”

The portrait’s expression grew serious as it took in the urgency in Orion’s voice. “Ah, yes,” the portrait said thoughtfully. “That night was one of great danger. It involved a dark spirit that sought to breach our wards and cause chaos.”

Orion’s face lit up with recognition. “Yes, that’s it! Tell me more. What happened?”

The portrait’s figure nodded, beginning to recount the events of that fateful night. “The dark spirit was a malevolent force bound by ancient magic to a specific location. It sought to exploit weaknesses in our wards to escape its confinement. Your mother and I worked tirelessly to reinforce the protections and perform a ritual similar to what you are preparing now.”

Orion listened intently, his mind racing to connect the dots. “What should we be especially aware of? Are there any specific rituals or protections that were particularly effective?”

The portrait’s eyes, though painted, seemed to hold a glimmer of wisdom as it continued. “One critical detail was the use of a protective circle drawn with silver dust. The circle contained powerful wards that prevented the spirit from breaching the physical boundaries of the manor. Additionally, the consecrated flame you’ve prepared is essential, but you must ensure that it is lit at the exact moment the ritual begins.”

Orion nodded vigorously, absorbing the information. “Thank you, Father. We’re already in the process of gathering the components and preparing the ritual. Your guidance is invaluable.”

The portrait gave a reassuring nod. “Remember, the spirit thrives on fear and discord. Your unity and determination are key to overcoming it. Proceed with caution and strength.”

With his father’s portrait providing the missing piece of the puzzle, Orion felt a renewed sense of purpose. He returned to the main room where the others were working, his mind clearer and his resolve strengthened.

“Everyone, listen up,” Orion called out, gathering the group’s attention. “We need to draw a protective circle with silver dust around the manor. We must ensure the consecrated flame is lit at the right moment during the ritual. My father’s portrait provided crucial details that will help us succeed.”

The group rallied with renewed focus. Rodolphus and Narcissa worked to prepare the silver dust, drawing the protective circle with precision. Lucius and Walburga continued to fortify the wards, while Sirius and Regulus, though still frightened, helped with the preparations as best they could.

The manor’s atmosphere shifted from one of fear and uncertainty to a determined effort to confront the dark entity threatening their home. With each step, the group moved closer to enacting the ritual that would hopefully restore peace and protect their family.