The shock was palpable in the chamber. Albus had a hard time keeping a straight face. Actually, even if others from his past were here, they would be surprised. Morpheus usually liked to approach from the shadows, integrating himself deeply within the organization or kingdom before the general public knew him too well.
Morpheus was a man who disliked working with uncertainty.
The sudden appearance of Morpheus in the Wizengamot chamber sent ripples through the assembly. Albus could see the stunned expressions of the members, the furrowed brows, and the whispered conversations that buzzed around the room like agitated bees. It was a rare sight, indeed, to see Morpheus appearing so openly, especially in such a scrutinized place as the Wizengamot.
Surely the mysterious professor's name will be plastered in the papers by tomorrow morning.
Morpheus had always been an enigma, a figure shrouded in mystery. His influence was felt more often than seen, his hand guiding events from behind the scenes with a subtlety that bordered on the supernatural his brother was the one that had the flair for popularity or infamy would be better. Albus knew him well enough to understand that Morpheus did not step into the light without a very compelling reason. Whatever had brought him here today was bound to be of the utmost importance.
The man himself was a striking figure, tall and lean, with an air of quiet authority that commanded attention. His dark robes flowed around him like liquid shadows, and his piercing clear eyes seemed to see right through to the heart of whoever they settled upon. Morpheus moved with a grace that belied his power, every step calculated, every gesture purposeful. He was a master of control, both of himself and of the situations he found himself in.
As he made his way to the center of the chamber, the room fell into a hushed silence. All eyes were on him, waiting, wondering what he would say some were even wondering who this man was after all the name Everglade had not been seen in a long time. Albus could feel the tension in the air, a taut string ready to snap at the slightest provocation.
"Everglade?" the minister mumbled the name rolling off his tongue as he recalled a faint memory, "Ah! I remember now, your family has not been a part of the Wizengamot for many years now as you can see we are in the middle of a meeting shall we set aside some time after to handle your induction?"
Morpheus smiled lightly, "It's fine minister, I will just take my position among the other Lords, and you all can continue the meeting I thought I was on time you see,"
A small frown appeared briefly on the minister's face before a calm look overtook his countenance, "Of course take your position though I hope you have some proof of identity first?"
Morpheus lifted his right hand allowing a ring to appear, the ring was a beautiful silver with the top being different grades of sapphire and finally obsidian in the middle creating the symbol of the Greek evil eye.
"Of course, I also have access to the vaults and other matters we can discuss after minister," Morpheus spoke gently as he stepped to take a seat not allowing anyone to refute his title
As he took his seat Morpheus turned and grinned, "Ah Lord Mulciber what a coincidence I just saw one of your sons the other day nasty business he's gotten himself into do let me know if you need any assistance correcting his attitude I've been known for my passion to help the unfortunate," his words struck like a dagger
Lord Mulciber's face turned a shade darker, the veins in his neck bulging slightly. It was clear that he was taken aback by Morpheus's boldness. "Morpheus," he said, his voice measured but with an edge of menace, "my family's affairs are no concern of yours."
Morpheus leaned back, his smile never wavering. "Of course, Lord Mulciber. I merely offer my services in the spirit of camaraderie. We must all look out for one another in these trying times, mustn't we?"
"Oh and address me as my title while we are in here, will you?" The way he spoke was as if Lord Mulciber was a naughty child being reprimanded for his foolish actions
"Of course, Lord Everglade," Lord Mulciber replied tightly
As the members of the Wizengamot resumed their seats, the agenda moved forward. Discussions ranged from policy changes to the head Auror Rufus bringing up a need for better training facilities for Aurors and more authority during times of potential war.
Of course with so many present that were in the dark faction, those requests were swiftly rebuffed even with members of the light pushing for it.
With the interruption of Morpheus the whole meeting was thrown off. The issues of Hogwarts were pushed aside and the dark faction didn't dare to bring it up again knowing Albus would counter with the names of the attackers.
Overall the ambiance of the chamber was unsettling, not in a creepy dark way but instead in an awkward confusing way.
Finally, after what seemed to be ages, the minister announced, "The impede further chaos I allowed Lord Everglade to sit in on this session but, he has not been fully inducted into the Wizengamot. Next gathering we will fully invite him into our fold granting him the power to levy votes and bring up potential new bills and laws. That is unless someone has any objections with the required proof that he should not be in the Wozengamot, the meeting is adjourned!"
The Lords and Ladies stood from their seats and began to file out of the chambers many sending glances of curiosity toward Morpheus some even bordering hostile.
Albus and Morpheus made contact the latter nodding with a small smile while signaling they would talk later.
"Lord Everglade, I think now would be a good time to talk," the minister said neutrally
"Of course," Morpheus replied, "Lead the way,"
The two men walked out of the chambers taking a different exit than the others. They walked deeper into the ministry before going up a set of stairs and down a long hall that eventually led to an office.
As the minister took a seat Morpheus scanned the room and smiled at a certain sight.
Taking a step forward Morpheus took a bottle of wine from the man's cabinet and then conjured a glass pouring himself a healthy amount before taking a seat keeping the bottle near.
The minister looked at him in shock and confusion.
"Oh sorry did you want a glass too?" Morpheus offered with a smile as if it was his bottle
It was at that moment the minister realized this wasn't going to be easy.