Before we begin, I want to thank you for continuing this journey with me of the Three Godbrothers into Harry and Neville's second year, Alphard's fourth. JK Rowling is the genius who thought of the original source material that created this wonderful sandbox that we play in now. By no means am I an English major so I do apologize if there are major grammatical errors, please inform me so I can correct it.
Before we dive in, I will say that since this is the second year if you have not read the first year make sure to dive into my profile and get caught up. I will shut up now and hope you enjoy this new adventure. I had a blast writing it.
August 4, 1992
Looking around his room the boy smiled finally having room to move. While it was nowhere the size of the master bedroom or even Dudleys' room it still had enough space for his double bed, long dresser and a short walk in closet. Vernon had tried to lock Hedwig up but Harry had thankfully sent her on a letter drop off. The summer had started off with letters from Ron, Hermione, and even Lexi in secret but now the only mail he received was those from Hedwig at Longbottom Manor and the Daily Prophet that Hedwig would supply him with. Neville living near Lexi he was thankful to get letters from her as well.
He walked over to the small desk that had a corkboard on the back of it and smiled seeing a picture of him and his gryff friends all by the lake. Moving his eyes right there was the first picture him and Lexi took, her still thinking the camera was silly at the time simply rolled her eyes as Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder and smiled towards the camera as he held it out from them. By the end of the semester, he had to order 4 new rolls of blank photos, three new bulbs, and two tripods.
He now laughed looking at the photo of her knocked out on the ground during the first time he had gained the upper hand in a duel. Granted it was very much luck that she never noticed the small step in the classroom but she received the stunning spell nonetheless. Across her face using a sharpie he bad took from the Dursley's before leaving for school was a twirling mustache and a shaded in beard. She had got her revenge, due to the lewd nature of her humor he could not display that photo.
A knock on the door sounded and Harry looked back to see Dudley now opening the door peaking in. While still a little heavy you could see what was fat at one time now turning slowly into muscle.
"Hey, Harry just wanted to see what you were doing. Piers bailed on me for a girl from school. Who is that?" He asked letting himself in and looking at the corkboard. The raven haired boy saw the moving photo of a redhead and a dark-haired man holding a baby by a lake. Harry now smiled looking into the bright green eyes of the woman who seemed to have a thousand joys flowing through her body all at once.
"That is my mum Dud, your Aunt Lily. The other person is my dad, your Uncle James. A sterling if you guess who the baby is?" He now jested and Dudley now laughs relooking at his aunt wondering how a beautiful lady like her came from any genes he had shared.
"I hope you did not mind me bugging you the other day, I can still not get over how much cool stuff you can do with magic. When you can show me will you?" Dudley now asked and grinned seeing Harry nod. Dudley now looked conflicted with a variety of emotions on his face taking the desk chair for himself.
"I listened to my dad we should hate each other, hell I treated you bloody awful all those years. How can you still talk to me like this? You even sent me a punching bag and gloves for my birthday, the only thing I have done for you on your birthday was treated you as a punching bag."
Harry now pondered the question and walked towards the barred-up windows. Thankfully Vernon had decided to visit his sister Marge for the day after he and Petunia had an argument regarding the steel blocking him from freedom.
"To be honest Dud I never hated you. Disliked the bullying, but never hated. There are a lot more people that the hate is saved for." Harry now said seeing Hedwig fly by with a mouse in her mouth.
"Did you really mean it when you said you didn't do it?"
Dudley looked relieved seeing Harry nod and found a place on the desk chair. Spread out on the small desk was the letters from Lexi. Strangley not another sole besides her bothered to write. Hedwig had seemed more than happy to make the trip out to Southampton twice a week.
"Tell me about your mates Harry? Dad says all magical folk are freaks but you do not seem like a freak, so he must be lying." Dudley now said and looking at a picture of him and Lexi that never had the privacy spell put on. Dudley did have to admit she was gorgeous.
Harry now sat on the bed and told him about his godbrother Neville first, then Lexi, Hermione, Su Li, and finishing off with the Weasley clan. The whole time Harry spoke his cousin seemed to get more and more invested in the words.
"It sounds like you have so many mates you do not know what to do with, all I have is Piers, even him."
"Why not reach out to some other people than Dud? Something like a study group for school."
Harry now had to laugh along with Dudley listening to his own words.
"Well, maybe not study group. Isn't that boxing gym right down the road? They have a junior program; you could properly learn rather than trying to get instructions from that book. Also, being a bully in school may not help your cause."
Dudley wanted to be offended but quickly calmed his face no remembering all the kids who avoided him and Piers at school.
"I will Harry, next summer I will be sure to teach you some of the lessons. We have to build you up to impress this Lexi girl, you look healthier Harry but you still look like a rail."
Dudley now laughed dodging the pillow tossed at his head and the two cousins talked into the night and Dudley even gave him workout ideas for the next year. Dudley had just finished showing him a proper push up when the slamming of a door sounded throughout the whole house. Dudley jumped from the floor and was ready to stand with Harry.
"I got this Big D, Uncle Vernon will not dare touch me when he thinks I have nothing to lose." Harry said now pulling his wand out from the front pocket. "Plus, you have to deal with him all year, do not get on his bad side, even for me."
The bigger cousin looked like he wanted to protest but patted his shoulder before disappearing into the hallways. Harry had just put away his wand when Vernon walked in and now stared at him with hatred. He said nothing, rather slammed the door shut and the sounds of locks being placed were heard.
Walking to the window and opening he gave a whistle and Hedwig now flew over landing on one of the bars. Walking over to the table he grabbed the letter and then sliding his hands in the bar tied it to the leg of Hedwig.
"Remember fly by her window and wait for her by the tree. Have I told you how beautiful you are girl?" He told the owl who seemed to puff her chest out in pride and flew. He had to laugh at the owl who if you gave her a compliment before her flight she seemed to get there faster.
The next few days were filled with silence, well the occasional argument between Vernon and Petunia would break the void. In that week he had even accomplished finishing all his essays and now studied the spells for the year. He had not realized it until now but Lexi who had been the best teacher in his opinion in all of Hogwarts had gone over half these spells with him.
10 August, 1992
Relooking at the letter he could only smile seeing that the solicitor, the headmaster had got him for his affairs last term finally got back to him. It had taken sending Hedwig but the solicitor had received his side of the story and by the words in the letter seemed to be making a case for the trial.
He went to look at the clock gifted to him by Flitwick for the time but Vernon in his rage had broken it into five pieces. Now it sat at the bottom of his trunk hoping a clocksmith could repair it in Diagon Alley.
With a plan to run away in three days all his bags were packed and all he need was a location to run away to. His first thought was to Hogwarts to see the headmaster but then decided upon the Leaky Cauldron.
Getting ready to reread his mother's second-year charm book once more there was now a loud commotion from outside his window. Two lights now shined bright into the window and Harry had to cover his eyes approaching it. Finally getting to the window was a four-door sedan…. that was flying. Harry was so amazed he had not even registered that the car now had turned around. A chain seemed to be attached to the bumper and one of the twins now leaned out the door and tied it to the steel gate that became his prison.
Hearing noise from the hallways he now ran over and flung open his trunk and started throwing all his loose books, pictures, papers. With him pre-packing for another trip it did not take him long at all. A minute later as he closed up his trunk the bars now fell off the house with a loud bang. To match the loud bang was the screams of Vernon.
Dragging his trunk over he threw it to the waiting arms of…. one of the twins, next throwing over a suit carrier that even though looked tiny carried all his clothes. Finally, he jumped through the window and grabbed onto the hand of Ron and the twin, unfortunately for him though Vernon had made it through and now held onto his legs.
Dudley for the first time publicly stood up for his cousin and punched his father who was leaning out the window in the jaw. It was not a hard punch but it was enough to send the fat man into the bushes below. With his ankles, free Harry was pulled in and the car now bolted off while both cousins looked at each other with admiration.
"That was intense mate, I cannot believe they did that to you." Ron said readjusting the trunk between them in the back. Harry did not say anything but just look back as the row of houses disappeared. He gave them a heartfelt thank you before sleep found him after light conversation.
He awoke as the sun now reflected off the glass, his first sight was the rolling hills of the countryside that teamed with fences, horses, cows, and even some small homes. Looking up though he saw a most peculiar house that seemed to be built up very mismatched and wobbled with the very wind.
"Harry, may I introduce you to the Burrow." Gred now said from the passenger seat as the car started to lower to the ground below. The once distanced grass below now started to get closer till the tires with a soft bump hit the road below and they now drove towards what looked like the backdoor.
Getting out Harry seeing a wizarding residence for the first time was amazed to see a garden, sheds, everything you expected to see outside of a muggle country home. Taking his trunk and suit bag out of the car he carried it following the residence and they carefully opened up the backdoor. His eyes now wandered seeing a neat kitchen with a dining room attached. The living room was only being blocked by a large stone brick fireplace that stood in the middle of the first floor.
"It's not much." Ron shrugged but Harry had a wide smile.
"This is brilliant Ron, are all wizarding homes like this?" Harry asked now looking at all the passive magic that seemed to happen around him. At the sink, a rubber duck seemed to be alive and dive into the soapy water from yesterday and squeak happily swimming around.
"Well Black has a 60 room manor but those who are not the 1% can have similar homes to this I guess." Ron shrugged before walking into the living room where his worst nightmare stood.
"You worried us sick, how dare you take the car without permission. Not even a note." Mrs. Weasley calmed down though storming into the dining room seeing Harry standing there.
"I am not mad at you deary, please go upstairs and get some rest." Mrs. Weasley said in a kind welcoming tone and the twins letting out matching yawns went to walk towards the stairs to follow those instructions until her face hardened on them.
"You will not be enjoying rest, no you will be working all day until I have come up with a suitable punishment. Now sit down while I make some breakfast."
Harry who looked refreshed after sleeping most the trip followed the three Weasleys to the table after telling Mrs. Weasley he was fine. Looking up there was a redheaded girl walking up to them in her pajamas who looked half asleep. Raising her head she let out a screech and ran back upstairs causing the brothers to laugh.
"She has been talking about you all summer Harry, guess she was surprised," Ron said with a shrug and the smell of bacon filled the kitchen as Harry watched Mrs. Weasley now using her wand open up a pack of bacon and place it evenly in a pan. In a separate wand motion, the eggs were now being cracked and prepared. His eyes lit up seeing a brown barn owl.
"Could I send a note to someone by chance? Hedwig is… away." Harry asked and Mrs. Weasley now turned around with a smile assuming it was Albus and nodded.
"Of course deary, he can make it all the way to Scotland…. Maybe." She now said looking at Errol before looking at Hermes. "Maybe ask Percy to use his owl deary. May I inquire what you need to send out?" She asked now bringing over the first helping off eggs and the boys seemed to dive in as Percy now walked in still in his pajamas.
"Oh, how rude of me Mrs. Weasley, would you mind if my solicitor came over? I just need to speak with her about an issue."
Those in the dining room minus Percy were surprised he even had a solicitor, Percy only knew hearing his cousin Alphard speak on it.
"You do not need a solicitor deary, the headmaster is more than capable to put your affairs in order." She now said but Percy now grabbing a seat put his two sickles in.
"Mother, House Potter is one of the most influential houses in our history with great wealth and power, it would be kinda silly for him to not have one. I was just speaking with Lord Black at the manor yesterday and it seems he relies very much on his Uncle Ted when it comes to the affairs of Black."
Molly looked perturbed at her son for contradicting her but kept her silence not liking the influence that boy was having was her Percy.
"Could I have her come over Mrs. Weasley?" Harry now asked and she nodded and seeing this he turned to Percy making a plate for himself.
"Hey Percy, could I borrow your owl? Hedwig is making a detour it seems."
He lit up seeing Percy nod and with paper given to him by Fred and a quill from George wrote out a message and sent off Hermes.
Following the meal, Gred and Forge now showed Harry how they got rid of the pesky gnomes that seemed to just swear at them and rummage the shed. It was just as Percy who had joined them got the best distance going into first place where Forge now looked like he had fallen in love. Confused Harry followed his eyes and saw a thirty-something blonde that looked very professional wearing nice robes and a set of thin oval glasses. Her hair was tied up in a tight bun and in her hand was a briefcase and on her face was a friendly smile.
"Heir Potter, I hear you have need of your solicitor. May we step aside and speak?" She asked and he nodded leaving the Weasley's wondering why his business was so secret.
They had just reached a tree and she casted the privacy spell and spoke first.
"Before what is troubling you I would like to let you know that under the supervision of Bradford and Johnson your house shall once again be a force in the magical world, sooner more than later. Did you get the documents to sign about construction on the manor? We sent them last month but never received them signed." She now asked and produced a bench for them to sit on. The beautiful summer flowers seemed to fill her nose and she smiled prettily at the landscape around her.
"I have not received them or any kind of letters from anyone, in order to speak with my friend…." He now started off but she simply smiled.
"You have hired us and we swore a magical oath to keep your secrets Heir Potter."
He relaxed now at the sound of this.
"Well can you please call me Harry, I do not feel lordly." She now laughed and nodded allowing him to continue. "Well in order to speak with my friend Lexi Goyle I had to send Hedwig, I am not even getting the Daily Prophet. Hedwig has to attack other owls and steal it from them so I can see what is going on in this world."
She sighs making a note to get to the bottom of it but opened up her briefcase and brought out a quail and a document that was already signed by the regent Albus, now only missed the heir's signature. Picking up the quail he just went to sign it until she pulled it away with a stern look confusing him.
"Never just sign something, you could be signing over your accounts to House Malfoy or signing a betrothal that you never wanted. Always read the documents." Samantha Bradford now chastised him and he looked ashamed already forgetting Lexi's advice on being wary of your actions.
Being given the document back he now read a list of the estimated cost to build the manor back up and the lands surrounding it. She then handed him the current investments and the financial advisor had in fact kept to her word and nearly doubled the vault of House Potter. His eyes bulged open seeing a positive gain of 124,032 galleons.
"Ms. Jones looked in the muggle market as well and struck gold, she pulled out your shares and the next week the stocks… I think that is what they call them plunged. A couple more years of this Heir… Harry and by the time you become Lord Potter you will have the gold to become very powerful again."
"The Weasley's will not believe this when I tell them." He now said with excitement and once again saw her stern face.
"As your solicitor, I would greatly advise not talking to anyone except someone you trust implicitly about your finances, even then. Gold has a way of breaking apart friendships and if you tell the wrong person your own house could be in danger. Let Arthur and Molly worry about their finances and you worry about yours."
He nodded wanting to kick himself for yet again forgetting another lesson Lexi had taught him, look out for number 1 before helping number 2. Finishing up the document he now signed it and she placed it back into a briefcase and was surprised to see him pull out an underage magic letter from the ministry.
She read it as he explained what happened and what happened afterward. She looked most upset hearing what Vernon had done to her client.
"I will get this taken care of Harry, I have a friend who owes me a favor. It will never appear on your personal record." She said now placing the letter in her briefcase but now looked concerned seeing his face turn sad and grim.
"Uncle Vernon will not be kind to Aunt Petunia or Dudley with what happened. I was wondering if there was anything that could be done to keep them safe." He said with desperation in his voice and she now looked into the distance watching a bird fly away with its young while she thought. She seemed to chew on her lips before speaking
"The only thing I could do is approach her and see if she would cooperate in a divorce. We will use the muggle world lawyer we have on staff and if half of what you told me is true about that pig, Petunia will have no troubles getting the house and custody of the two of you. This will be a separate case so it will be a separate charge against your accounts if you do go through with it, I will give you some time…" She said now rising but sat back down when he grabbed her hand.
"I do not care about the cost, just keep her safe, please. Do not let my uncle see you talking with her, he will only hit her harder if he knows."
She now had a smile on her face patting his hand wanting to see the pig lose everything after seeing what her father did to her mother when she was a child.
"I swear it I will make it my personal mission to ensure she never has to look at him ever again unless it is at court. Now I will have my people write up the new contract and bring it over personally tomorrow, after that, I will approach her with haste."
He looked relieved and the two talked about the future developments of the house before she excused herself and walked back to the Burrow with him. Waiting in the yard was Albus and the Weasleys who seemed to be watching him from afar for a long while.
"Ah, Ms. Bradford, what an unexpected visit. May I inquire about the nature of your visit?" He asked greeting her but she gave him a blank face.
"You being the regent for Harry here I can discuss it with you but it will be a private discussion. I must be going but shall we say tea here at noon tomorrow headmaster?"
He nodded pleasantly as Arthur now seeing she had to leave escorted her to the apparition point.
Harry spent the rest of the evening with the children playing quidditch. Molly and the others, of course, pressed him on his discussions with his solicitor but Arthur seemed to be the one to understand his plight freeing him of the conversation. Find a restless sleep he could only hope his aunt found some peace soon.
(Scene Change)
The long table was filled with people and all eyes focused on the head as the young lord made a judgment that would affect the house. The regent sat to his right while the spot to his left for the lady of the house sat empty.
"It is with great pleasure that our solicitor for the house has submitted a marriage contract to Monsieur Delacour. We have been in constant contact with the family and they have already verbally agreed to the terms listed in the contract. This includes a marriage loyalty signed by her alone." He now said looking at Andromeda with a quick glare who avoided his gaze. She had thought to slide the Marius and Astoria contract by him quickly but much to her chagrin he read the whole thing through before signing it.
"Congratulations Lord Black, seeing you two at the Christmas party I know you two will be very happy. To Lord and Lady Black." Megan said raising her wine glass and everyone raised their glasses toasting their liege.
"I share the same sentiment m'lord, may I inquire what our house gets out of the union besides connecting House Black with our French origins?" Her husband Pollux asked and then drained his wine.
"Trade and industry." He said looking at his Master of Defense for the house until Vega was fully trained up. Said Vega now sat beside Isla quietly watching on. "The village of Alphard's Hamlet now makes magical suits in the muggle fashion and we get the trade routes for the materials from Portugal and Spain. Once the suits are made we send the finished product through the trade route and throughout the isles." He now said and looked towards Pollux's daughter.
"You will leak a statement in the Daily Prophet to create the buzz for our product, by October I want the store in Diagon Alley up and running." He told her and she wrote the note down as he shuffled the papers to move onto the next topic, much to the surprise of even Megan the 16-year-old daughter Lola who was told to be invisible during the meeting now raised her hand with nerves clearly high on her face. She coughed ever so quietly and shyly trying to get his attention which she received.
"Please ignore her m'lord and excuse her interruption." Megan quickly apologized for her daughter but Alphard had not taken his eyes off the lovely Lola Black.
"Ah but you see that is why you are all here at this meeting, if I did not want input I would simply have a meeting with my solicitor and regent and just tell you lot the result. Now Lady Lola, do you have something on this topic?"
She nodded and quickly drank some water feeling her throat get dry before speaking.
"I was in a store after leaving school and a clothing line had their own magazine. What if we had our own magazine that could be sold and show off our latest items, Wizard's Lifestyle Magazine." She now looked into the face of Alphard that gave the table nothing to tell his emotions and tapped her leg nervously seeing him grab some pistachios and start cracking them.
"Thoughts Vega?" He simply asked and looked towards the soon to be seventh year. She looked shocked to be called upon only being a daughter of a Black but gathered her wits and now scrunched her face up thinking. Sipping her wine she wetted her lips before speaking.
"The name could use some work but it is a good idea. Have an ordering sheet on the back and everything from the hat, pocket square, to the socks being shown can be ordered. We must give the readers some other reason to buy it though besides looking at models."
Bart now picked up where his cousin left off at the end of the table.
"Why not put in articles that will include interview tips for the young professional wizard, how to woo that witch in your life, interviews with quidditch stars and other celebrities. Stuff like that."
Soon the whole table seemed to join in on the discussion and with Isla writing like mad she now had the formation of their new magazine. Andi who kept the conversation organized just looked over at the form of her quiet nephew and just laughed seeing him watch the ideas form and eat pistachios.
"Bart, that model from Lisbon is sweet on you. Nadia something right?"
"Aye Vega, Nadia Batista. What of it?"
"Well if she was to sign a contract with us and appear once every magazine with one of the male models we could pay her handsomely and now we have international appeal. Maybe even get that German model Nicola Sedore. All you men will be required to only wear the products as well."
Soon the table turned quiet as only the sound of breaking shells could be heard and it started with Vega but soon all the table turned to a smirking Alphard.
"It seems I am no longer need Aunt Andi." He jested and cleaned up his mess.
"Isla, you are to find a disgruntled talented writer from one of these publications that wants a promotion to editor in chief. Bart, you are to invite Ms. Batista and her family over for dinner to discuss a business partnership. Be sure to put on the charm, although it seems she is more than infatuated with you, not sure why?" He now pondered and the table now laughed and ribbed Bart slightly.
"Just like the new editor will find all the writers for us I want a beat photographer for Witches Weekly named Janice Slughorn contacted and offered the job as head photographer. She took wonderful photos of me and Fleur dancing and could use a promotion."
"You really want the granddaughter of Horace Slughorn working for us?" Andi now questioned and Alphard simply nodded.
"She is very talented, not to mention being friends with a man who is friends with everyone would be a very good friend indeed." He seemed to catch his breath and thoughts and looked out the window seeing the beautiful day outside and the form of Hestia and Flora now zip by the window.
"Now tell me is there any more business? I promised to play… quidditch with my cousins." Alphard spat and shook his head. "Waste of time if you ask me, it makes them happy though." He shrugged and went to stand up but the hand of Andi made him sit down and relook at the agenda.
"I do apologize, Lord Black, a late minute addition I just found out just minutes prior to the meeting."
"Fine but if it takes too long and I am forced to take a nap afterward you will explain to my dear cousins why I am not flying."
Andi nodded with a smile on her lips and passed her mother who had not the courage to even speak up at the meeting since the death of her husband. Druella was no fool, she knew her husband Cygnus was murdered for the failed assassination attempts, in fact, the whole family knew and it all more secured him as the Blackest of the Black.
"Ah Lady Druella, I do hope you are finding your residents suitable. I still have a small manor not far from your grandsons' so you can still watch over Chadwick, Sybill, Maxwell and little Alphard for Mary and Phineas."
Druella now with the attention on her steadied her shaking hand thanks to the steady hand of Mary who frankly refused to believe the cruel rumors of the lord who was so sweet towards her.
"You are much too kind m'lord but I assure you I quite enjoy living in a busy house with my grandson Phineas and Mary. Makes me feel 30 all over again."
Alphard now smiled and stood from his chair and strolled to her causing her to tense but she released a breath seeing him hold out his hand to dance. She accepted it and Vega conjured violin and started playing waltzing music. Druella Black nee' Rosier had never been so confused in her whole life being twirled around the wide open floor before the family at a council meeting. His most elegant dancing which he perfected with Fleur now made her finally smile and she now melted into the dance. The group of 5 newcomers now stood near the door with Andi as she smiled seeing her mother happy for the first time in a long time. The violin came to an end and he bowed to her and she curtsied to him and the family members now all clapped for them.
"You should feel young Lady Druella, I swear trying to keep up with your dance pace is even harder than the pace of my future wife. Don't tell her I said that though, she might actually try to impress me and I will just end up on the floor."
Druella still nervous of her lord felt more at ease and Marius could only watch on amazed how a 14-year-old manipulated a 55-year-old so easily, the same teen who had killed her husband months prior. Druella was escorted back to her seat by Alphard and he now looked towards the entrance to see his neighbors to the east along the Strait of Dover.
The elderly father of the fallen Order of the Phoenix member, Dorcas Meadowes, now stood with a cane in hand and pride intact. Samuel was elderly and looked close to death with his grey hair slicked back and wearing a finely pressed robe. The second oldest of the group was the sister of Dorcas, Odessa Meadowes. She was no older than 30 and across her dark-skinned cheek was the mark she escaped with from Nott Manor after watching her sister get killed by Voldemort himself.
The other three looked to be in their 20s but by the look of their dress, the harvest had not been good to the family.
"M'lord, may I present our neighbors to the east, Lord Samuel Meadowes of the Valley of Bats. Lord Samuel, may I present our lord, Lord Alphard Black of Hastings."
Samuel on his cane now walked forward and Alphard met him halfway and they shook hands.
"It is a pleasure to have company at our manor, we did not miss the harvest festival for gooseberries did we? I told Aunt Andi to buy the whole of the field but she warned me about my figure."
Samuel heard the joke but never lifted his serious expression.
"Ah please take a seat so we can discuss matters." He waved them towards the seats and Odessa took a seat next to Vega and Samuel was given the seat of honor to the right side of Alphard. Andi happily moved down by her mother.
"You are not far off Lord Black, these past seasons have been most disastrous and now my berk of a son had now taken loans from GalloLoans. What do you know of them m'lord?"
Alphard who had mastered hiding his shock seemed angry with himself he had not known this yet and looked towards Andi who knew she should have known this as well.
"Predatory loans only a fool takes out. Last I heard their rate was 221% on interest. How much was loaned out if I may ask?"
Samuel now looked towards his son Stefan who did not even have the pride to look up and meet his father's eyes.
"20,000 galleons m'lord."
Alphard did a low whistle and took out a quill and ink and started to do the figures on a sheet of paper and then crumbled the paper and threw it to the side looking towards Phineas who already had it figure.
"The current debt owed is 44,200G, give or take a few sickles." Phineas informed his lordly cousin.
Alphard now leaned back in his chair and Samuel now looked into his eyes and saw the look of a chimera hunting his prey. He scanned over the second-hand robes that the children of Samuel wore and now rubbed his chin before looking at the man.
"We have been scouting your land for years Samuel but the proud Samuel Meadowes would never sell, it seems your son has force you to change your mind. Who else is poaching your lands? I am sure I am not the first ones to approach you in the past and the government simply offers you to keep an acre which the house sits on while offering you sickles on the acre."
Samuel now pulled out five official offers on the land he had received in the past three days alone. Alphard looking at the five offers now forced himself not to lose his temper before guest but having been caught off guard by this news angered him most. Looking at the names he had to hide his disdain. Malfoy, Goyle, Parkinson, Rosier, and finally… Nott. Picking up the last offer he now looked at Odessa and saw the look of anger on her face.
"We heard the speech you gave damning the Death Eaters and their ways. If we are to submit to a lord or the government we rather it be you. I offer you the deed to the lands granted me and my family always have a spot on them for the price of the loan." Samuel now took out a formal document that contained his deed and the contract. Ted seeing his lord wave walked over and started to inspect the sheets.
"We seek to be a part of your control but be free.."
"With the mismanagement, we have witnessed there will be a governor of Black blood watching over your lands. It seems the incompetence passed to your son and us in House Black look to ensure our house is in the green. Any issues Uncle Ted?" Alphard looked over and Ted now was reading the clauses and shook his head.
"All seems in order, they turn over their lands, one village, and the wand of Odessa as your wand and shield. Loyalty clause and all." Alphard who was going to ask for more to humiliate them now saw they had humiliated themselves sufficiently and looked over at the hardened face of Odessa seemed to protest the decision but now stayed quiet.
"Why me, why not Dumbledore? Arianna is said to be expanding their lands and I am sure Albus would love to have some more of his pet phoenixes under his control."
Odessa now stood up at this and started to march over until Andrue who was watching from the side stepped forward and stood in her way. She pointed to the scar with anger and glared at her future lord.
"This is because of our oh great leader. My sister is dead and I was…." She now shuttered and shook the memories out of her head, "All Albus had to do was listen to Dorcas when she said we were undermanned on the mission. Your father and James were told to go back to their game of chess when we asked for help, hell Siri offered before we could even open our mouths. I will never listen to that man so as long as I live."
She now eyed him up and down and gave an unimpressed look. "I heard about the mighty Alphard Black who murdered his way up to the lordship, not sure I am even impressed to raise my wand in defense. Honestly, I expected you to be taller." She now spat in his general direction. As soon as the saliva hit the ground Andrue seeing him nod grabbed her by the throat and slammed her on the table. Stefan went to defend his sister but was disarmed by Vega. Odessa now thrashed wildly on the table fighting for air and all the Blacks now eyed their lord lazily walking over to the woman. With her back flat on the table she tried to kick at the large man but he seemed to take the kicks without a single wince.
"Tell me Samuel, do you condone or agree with your daughter's actions?"
Samuel now looked at his thrashing daughter damning her temper, sucking in his pride looking at the remnants of his family he shook his head. "No, I do not m'lord. She acts on her own accord."
Alphard nodded and now moved past the fearful Mary.
"Some say I killed my great-grandfather, others say old people just die naturally. Some say I killed Cygnus to become first heir, others say it was the dragon pox. I will warn you Odessa Meadowes, fuck with me and disrespect me one more time and you will find out the hard way the power that I wield as Blackest of the Black."
Alphard now waved to Andrue who lifted her to her feet and loosening his grip. She now gasped for air having nearly blacked out.
"I underst...a...nd m'lord. Please no more." She now begged and Andrue threw her to the ground before Alphard who grew more excited by the rush of power over her. He held out his ring hand and she had to crawl up his leg but eventually, she placed her lips to his ring.
Pleased he actually helped her to her feet and guided her back to her seat much to the shock of Samuel.
"All I ask for is a little respect Samuel. I agree to pay the 44,200G debt and absorb your lands into ours." Alphard said now walking to the contract and signing it. With his signature on the document, he handed the blood quill over to Samuel who signed it as well.
"Phin, call your man at GalloLoans and make sure they know not to raise it any higher. Now if there is nothing left I shall go play a useless game." Alphard now said and started to walk towards the door and stopped looking at Lola as Andrue now started to follow him.
"Ah, a brilliant idea about the magazine and all. I say let's call it 2% of all profits will go into your personal account for just thinking of it."
Lola was so shocked she was tried to say thank you but her lips could not utter any words. He now looked towards Odessa who was chugging water with her mouth having gone dry.
"I am in need of my wands, come Odessa." He said and started walking out leaving her to run and catch up with them.
Later that night under the moonlight Mary and Megan now shared a table and a pot of tea in the garden as the sight of Alphard sitting with his twin cousins was most curious. Many people in the manor called Alphard dreary but it seemed around Hestia and Flora he was truly able to relax.
"I…. do you think he actually did it?" Mary asked looking back to the person who had only been so kind and gracious to her. Even when she nearly messed up a deal he simply kissed her hand and sent in Andi to fix it. Megan looked up confused and then up to her lord and nodded.
"These Blacks move with a strange sense of purpose Mary, do not think that he does all this for pure enjoyment. You heard the rumors, Cygnus tried to kill him three times. Being the Blackest of the Black he cannot bear these threats." She said simply and looked over at the new wand and shield of Alphard now inspecting the grounds.
"No, we are just pawns in his game that he allows us to partake in Megan. I must go help Marius home Meg, see you at tea tomorrow." Mary now said rising from her seat and they kissed each other's cheek. Megan did not even watch Mary walk away, rather just stare into the brown eyes of Alphard in a whole new light, and it terrified her.
A/N:
So all know that Year 2 is all written up, just needs final editing by myself and releasing.
124,032 Galleons= $596,563.67, 20,000G= $96,195.12, 44,200G=$212,591.22. This is all according to the rate conversion by . . This was to show that just because you own lands that does not mean you are apart of the 1%, some hold ancient lands still but barely make it clear every season. Those who fall into trouble submit their lands and wand to that of someone like Black who will protect them, feed them, help them develop the new lands of Black while allowed to live on teh lands, the new tenants and former owners of said land now owe their lord their wand in case of battle or with counsel. It is so medieval I get happy shivers down my spine lol.
I hope this shows that Petunia is a victim of the situation as well, along with Dudley. Always like Dudley and sad no one ever develops him, and oh yes there are big plans for Big D. Solicitor will be wizarding lawyers, like Ted and Ms. Bradford.
The scene with the Blacks is to show that they are trying to expand their influence over the world now, their new plan is through the clothing the people wear. Make the Black name a trusted and loved name by those not involved with politics, they pressure those House of the Cultured that represent them to move the way of Black since it was through their magazine they ordered their tie. Subtle control of the masses.
Also land is still power in a world where the central government of Magical England holds the majority of all lands, that is why the noble houses are so powerful, they are independent landowners. Mary who never saw a vicious side of Alphard is now starting to realize how powerful and dangerous he really is. And yes they know Cygnus was murdered by Alphard but who is going to demand justice? Certainly not Druella or her daughters.
Well I thank you for joining me on this wonderful adventure and please comment/review/message/favorite and so forth and I will be sure to thank you and reply to the comments. For any future character ideas or story plots regarding minor or major characters in year 3 and beyond please message me. If this is adding a Death Eater antagonist, one of the Three Godbrother's puppets, or a pet Order of the Phoenix for Albus no matter how minor or major I am down, if it fits.
Ric
"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."
The Usual Suspects, 1995
OCs
Samantha Bradford
Solicitor for Bradford and Johnson
Solicitor for House Potter
Nadia Batista
Magical model and daughter of a wealthy landowner in Portugal
Is sweet on Bart Longbottom
Nicola Sedore
German model in Magical Germany
Just a name in the background to show they are reaching out international
Janice Slughorn
Horace Slughorn niece and beat photographer for Witches Weekly
Lord Samuel Meadowes
Lord of the Valley of Bats on the Strait of Dover
Father of Dorcas Meadowes
Dorcas Meadowes(canon)
Original Order of the Phoenix member who was killed personally by Voldemort in the First War
Odessa Meadowes
Sister of Dorcas and also member of the Phoenix in my story
Was captured along with sister but escaped Nott Manor but not before watching the Dark Lord torture and kill her sister
Stefan Meadowes
Son of Samuel and brother of Dorcas who foolishly took out high-interest predatory loan
Gallo-Loans is canon according to the Wiki also, if that is canon not sure but take it for what is is worth.