When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 98

How Times Change

August 1956

He tapped the top of the desk impatiently with the tip of his finger as he glared at his youngest son. It had been many years since Arcturus had been so angry and disappointed in a member of his family, not since Cassiopeia had aligned herself with Grindelwald.

The woman remained in St Mungo's, and though her condition had improved considerably, she was not fit for trial or to be released into society.

Arcturus shook his head of the thoughts pertaining to his older sister, shifting them once more to the thoroughly cowed Cygnus.

The boy had always been impulsive and hot-headed, but what he had done this time was so foolish that Arcturus still struggled to believe it.

At almost fourteen years old, the Lord Black thought he had taught his son better, but evidently not.

He himself had never followed his father's example by physically punishing his children, or by means of magic, but it was tempting to do so now.

"Do you realise how monumentally you have fucked up?" he snapped.

"I didn't think…"

Arcturus interrupted the retort by slamming his hand on the desk.

"You never think, Cygnus!" he hissed. "Have you got shit between your ears, boy?"

The teen was hurt by the words of his father, but Arcturus was too furious to care.

"Did you not consider the consequences? Did you not consider her motivation for draining your balls?"

The boy blushed and looked towards his mother pleadingly.

Melania's nostrils merely flared in response.

Cygnus was granted a reprieve in the form of Elgar arriving.

"Lord Black, your guests have arrived."

Arcturus's jaw clenched and Melania rested a hand on his forearm.

"Calm, Arcturus," she urged gently. "It will serve no purpose to lose your temper."

"Show them in," Arcturus grumbled.

Only a moment later, a trio of people were led in by the elf who vanished immediately.

Arcturus's steely gaze swept over them, coming to rest on the sixteen-year-old girl who was looking at Cygnus.

The idiots even had the unmitigated gall to smile at one another, though as Arcturus exhaled deeply, they broke eye contact, both suddenly becoming nervous.

"Did you put her up to it?" Arcturus questioned the man in the group without preamble.

He was offended, and once more, Arcturus didn't care.

The Lord Black had not invited them for placation or pleasantries.

"Of course not," Lord Rosier sputtered.