Echoes of the Black Manor Part 1

Chapter 22

Suddenly, an intense energy filled the room, making everyone freeze. One of the portraits—a Founder who had originally built the manor—sprang to life in a dramatic burst of magical power. The image of the stern, regal figure emerged, glaring down at Orion with a mixture of anger and authority, as if judging the actions taken by his descendants.

The sudden movement startled Orion, causing him to stumble back in surprise. The Founder’s portrait, with its eyes blazing with an otherworldly light, fixed Orion with a penetrating gaze.

“Orion Black!” the Founder’s voice boomed, echoing through the manor. “How dare you allow knowledge of this manor’s history to leak out! How dare you permit outsiders to discover its secrets!”

Orion’s face went pale as he took a step back, struggling to regain his composure. “I—I didn’t know! We’re just trying to protect the manor from a threat—”

The Founder’s expression grew more severe, and with a wave of the portrait’s hand, a surge of ancient family magic shot toward Orion. The energy crackled in the air, aiming to strike him with a powerful force.

The room erupted into chaos as everyone scrambled to avoid the magical onslaught. Walburga shouted, “Orion, move!”

Regulus and Sirius watched in horror as the magical force crackled dangerously close to Orion. Lucius and Rodolphus quickly stepped in, their wands drawn as they tried to shield Orion from the Founder’s wrath.

“Stop this!” Lucius demanded, his voice filled with urgency. “We’re doing everything we can to address the situation. We’re not trying to undermine the manor’s history!”

The Founder’s gaze remained fixed on Orion, his face a mask of fierce determination. “This manor’s history is sacred. You have failed to honor it properly. Your ignorance endangers us all.”

Orion, trembling and struggling to focus, attempted to speak over the chaos. “I’m sorry! I didn’t know! I’m trying to fix what’s wrong. Please, let us resolve this.”

Despite his plea, the Founder’s magic continued to swirl threateningly. The room was filled with tension as the ancestral magic and modern concerns clashed.

Finally, Walburga stepped forward, her voice steady but firm. “Please, stop this. We’re trying to protect the manor and its legacy. We’re committed to resolving the threat and honoring the family’s history.”

The Founder’s eyes narrowed, but the intensity of the magical attack began to wane. The portrait’s expression softened slightly, though he still looked stern. “Very well. I will allow you a chance to prove your commitment. But know this: failure to address the danger and uphold the family’s honor will not be tolerated.”

Orion, panting and visibly shaken, nodded vigorously. “We will not fail. We’ll do everything necessary to protect the manor and uphold our family’s legacy.”

With a final, piercing look, the Founder’s portrait returned to its usual stillness. The energy in the room dissipated, leaving the group in a state of both relief and heightened tension.

The family, still reeling from the encounter, resumed their search with renewed urgency. The confrontation with the Founder’s portrait had added a new layer of pressure, but it also reinforced their determination to resolve the threat and restore the manor’s safety.

The night continued with the team working tirelessly, their focus sharpened by the encounter with the ancestral magic and their commitment to protecting their home and family legacy. Despite the fatigue that tugged at them, they pressed on, driven by a shared determination to see the night through. Orion, however, stood frozen in place, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. The weight of the Founder’s confrontation and the realization of the manor’s hidden dangers had overwhelmed him.