HP - Shadow Monarch!

Chapter 131 - The Gathering of the Families.

[Chapter Size: 1800 Words.]

Third Person POV

London.

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The day began tensely in the wizarding world as news of the four massacres quickly started being published in newspapers, spreading across England's magical community and even internationally. The shocking events left other countries nearby wondering what was happening in England, especially with the country's recent delicate political climate.

People speculated about the identity of the person who had been killing witches across multiple locations. Questions also arose about what had happened in Hogsmeade, as it was obvious that the same person responsible there was behind the other incidents.

Many noticed that the killer seemed to target only dark wizards, yet fear gripped the entire wizarding world. Who would dare confront Voldemort and his followers? Who would massacre prominent families in such a way, even killing a patriarch and pure-blood Death Eater, almost turning these murders into a grotesque sport?

The Ministry of Magic was overwhelmed that day, with more and more people crowding its entrance, demanding answers and action against the murderer. Even questions about the boy who had been abducted surfaced.

The great wizarding families were now filled with fear, raising many questions and suspicions. Those involved in sending wizards to capture Snape's father were confused, pondering if Snape himself might be responsible. At the same time, this seemed unlikely, as the murders were happening all over England. Someone was out for blood, and everyone felt a certain unease in the air.

That very morning, the funeral of the Norton family's patriarch was held quickly to lay the old pure-blood noble to rest. Being a figure of importance, many families attended to pay their respects and gather information about what was happening by conversing with one another.

After all, Norton was a Death Eater, and no one had ever killed a Death Eater before. This left everyone unsettled, searching for answers, which was why so many important figures were present, hoping to find clues or even suspects behind the murders.

Astraea was among them, arriving with her family through one of the Floo Network entrances. As they stepped in, she glanced at her children and grandchildren, who seemed a bit uncomfortable with the tension in the air. Astraea knew very well who was behind the killings, though everyone else appeared oblivious to the true perpetrator of so many deaths.

The Black family walked calmly to where the other pure-blood families had gathered, dressed in mourning attire but still exuding elegance. Despite most not liking the Norton family, they were still allies among the Death Eaters and held a similar social status. Although Norton wasn't one of the 28 great families, his family still commanded significant prestige within England's magical community.

"Grandmother, I heard Snape might have been captured yesterday," Andromeda remarked, showing a certain interest in the subject.

Astraea raised an eyebrow at her granddaughter, noting the girl's fascination with the boy. It seemed there might be some affection there. Astraea didn't think it would be harmful to keep Andromeda informed about Snape, especially since Andromeda had made it clear she would never marry a pure-blood. She had even stated openly that she intended to marry a Muggle-born, knowing full well it would mean expulsion from the family. She had already been punished for voicing such thoughts.

Nevertheless, Astraea still believed that Bellatrix would be a better match for Snape. Even the boy seemed to show interest in her. But she decided to set that thought aside for the moment.