Whispers of a Raven by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 10

"It appears that Arcturus was right to be so concerned about this Peverell," Corvus mused aloud as he exited his pensieve. "He is dangerous and will be even more so when this becomes common knowledge."

"What will we do about him, father?" Rudolphus questioned.

"We will do nothing, not until I learn more about his line," Corvus said firmly. "We do not want him as an enemy, for now. Do not provoke him. We must wait to see what the Dark Lord wishes to do."

Rudolphus nodded his understanding.

"I will avoid him," he agreed. "He is not our problem."

"No, he is not, not yet," Corvus mumbled. "Perhaps I should write to him, tentatively extend an olive branch. At the very least, he will know that we do not intend to cause him harm."

Rudolphus frowned.

"What about what he did to Bella?"

Corvus laughed.

"The stupid bint got what she deserved. You were a fool for attempting to intervene, but I would think Peverell has more on his mind than pondering that," he added.

"So, I just let it go?"

"Of course," Corvus sighed. "Pick your battles, son. There is nothing to gain from vengeance here. It is Bellatrix who dishonoured her family and that is what people will remember. She is still a Black and it will be them that endures the ire of our peers."

"But he's a mudblood!"

"As is Dumbledore. Would you raise your wand against him?"

Rudolphus shook his head sullenly.

"No, because it would be foolish to do so," Corvus pointed out. "Forget Peverell. I will decide what action to take if any."

"Yes, father," Rudolphus complied before taking his leave of the room.

Corvus leaned back in his chair and released a deep breath.

Rudolphus was a borderline imbecile, and for the life of him, Corvus did not know where that trait came from. His younger son was even worse and the thought of leaving the family lordship to either did not sit well with him.

Perhaps Rudolphus would prove himself in the coming years.

Corvus had his doubts but he had no choice in the matter. The Black line may well be vulnerable but his own was even more so.

He needed more heirs and would have liked the opportunity to betroth Rabastan to Cygnus's younger daughter, but from what he had seen, Abraxus had beaten him to it.

Had the Malfoy Lord caught on to the same vulnerability that he himself had seen with the Black succession? If so, was he a future foe?

Surely, he knew that any children Lucius and the younger Black would have would fall behind any that Rudolphus and Bella birthed?

Corvus nodded thoughtfully.

Abraxus was an astute man and knew exactly what he was doing. Corvus would need to be vigilant where any children born to his line were. He had no doubt that if Abraxus was successful with his own efforts to ingratiate himself with the Blacks, he would do whatever was necessary to see his ambition come to fruition.