A/N: a lot of this volume will be in the third person to preserve the art of surprise. Of course, I will be using first-person POVs when needed
*Narrator pov*
Starting off summer with a stormy evening didn't bode well, the sky above the Black family manor was a turbulent mix of dark clouds, punctuated by flashes of lightning. Thunder rumbled ominously, and sheets of rain cascaded down, drenching the surrounding landscape. The manor itself, situated in a remote and secluded part of the countryside, stood tall and foreboding amidst the tempest.
The Black family manor, known as Blackwood Hall, is an ancient and majestic estate. Its stone facade, darkened by centuries of weather, looms over the grounds with an air of dignified mystery. Ivy and moss cling to its walls, while wrought iron gates guard the entrance, adorned with intricate serpentine designs that hint at the family's pure-blood heritage.
Inside, Blackwood Hall is a labyrinth of opulent yet eerie rooms. The grand entrance hall features a sweeping staircase with a banister carved from dark mahogany, leading to the upper floors. The air is thick with the scent of old wood and wax, and the flickering candlelight casts long shadows across the floor.
One notable room within the manor is the library, often used for important family meetings. This room is spacious and lined with towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and grimoires. The walls are paneled in dark oak, and the high ceiling is adorned with a crystal chandelier that casts a dim, ethereal glow.
At the center of the library stands a large, round table made of polished ebony, surrounded by high-backed chairs upholstered in deep green velvet. The table's surface is cluttered with parchments, quills, and old maps, evidence of countless discussions and plans. A grand fireplace dominates one wall, its mantelpiece lined with silver candelabras and an ornate clock that ticks steadily.
The room's atmosphere is heavy and solemn, amplified by the portraits of stern-looking ancestors that line the walls. Their eyes seem to follow every movement, adding to the room's oppressive yet grandiose feel. Tall windows, now obscured by heavy, dark curtains, allow only the occasional flicker of lightning to illuminate the room, creating an almost otherworldly ambiance.
Despite its grandeur, the library exudes a sense of foreboding. Suddenly the portraits froze and two people entered the library. A man and a woman, the man clearly older carried himself grandly as if his presence demanded respect and attention, the woman walked beside him silently she was slightly younger and her presence was more subdued like a coiling viper ready to strike when needed.
They walked over to the fireplace and unlocked the gate lighting the wood and starting a gentle green flame clearly indicating the symbolic nature of a floo network.
"He should be here soon," The man spoke his voice was deep
The woman nodded, "Arcturus why did you decide to use this manor surely the main house would be better,"
Arcturus sighed, "Cassiopeia, you know as well as I do with everyone in the manor they will notice a meeting such as this and most likely try to interfere. They are trying to hide it but my son and his foolish wife are still fixated on this dark lord,"
Before Cassiopeia could respond the floo flashed the green flames a lit brighter than ever allowing a figure to walk out the flames gently licking his midnight black robes, "Morpheus! Glad you made it on time," Arcturus exclaimed walking over to the wizard
Morpheus smiled and pulled a bottle from his robe, "I brought drinks,"
Cassiopeia made a disapproving sound, "I am all for drinks but isn't that stuff a little strong for a meeting Morpheus? I've heard of your drinking problem but this is absurd how can we be in an alliance with a drunkard,"
Morpheus' smile faded, "This 'stuff' is authentically aged fire-darkened blood wine and to me, it might as well be the same strength as horse piss. You young people have no sense of the arts," he shook his head in disappointment moving past them and making himself comfortable at the table
Since both Arcturus and Cassiopeia know about Morpheus he didn't have to hold himself back acting his age.
Arcturus chuckled joining Morpheus at the table with an annoyed Cassiopeia behind him. Once everyone was settled Arcturus took out a large book, "We have been catching up with the world we knew not, I'm impressed these other races have managed to hide themselves for so long,"
Morpheus took a sip and closed his eyes appreciating the taste, "I wouldn't be so surprised they haven't been in this realm for years. The only beings that know of them would have to be as old as me most Nobel houses simply aren't old enough of course there are other factors in play,"
Cassiopeia nodded along before leaning on the table, "That brings us to our next question, how are you alive and appear to be so young,"
Morpheus grinned widely his teeth gleaming in the magically lit room, "I will tell you both what I have told the others before you. To live long enough to see kingdoms topple and empires rise you must find your own path."
Cassiopeia rolled her eyes, "Keep your secrets,"
A chuckle escaped the divination professor's lips, "Cassiopeia my dear I wouldn't wish my method upon anyone," he looked at both of them before taking another sip of his wine, "Now is there anything else you want to know or ask before we get into this?"
"So so much," Arcturus sighed before closing the book, "But for now I think its best to focus on the imminent threat, this new dark lord Voldemort they say,"
Morpheus nodded, "Very well, just so you know the man will soon put a curse on his name so anyone who mentions it he will know. Funny bit of magic there I've used several variations in the past it's also quite easy to work around but for now, just call him oh I don't know Tom,"
"Tom? Very muggle," Arcturus said before shrugging, "Very well, what are your thoughts?"
Morpheus smiled softly, "I think he is ambitious and he will do a lot more damage than people think. I know he will turn a lot of people in high positions inside the ministry, I also know he will spread mass hysteria,"
"I don't understand, from what we gathered on you this should be something simple for you to take care of what's stopping you?" Cassiopeia asked
Morpheus' smile didn't fade, "I don't know what you are talking about, surely you are not insinuating I am purposefully letting this war happen?"
Arcturus leaned back into his chair, "I am insinuating that everything I've learned about you shows something like this is trivial so if we are going to be allies we need to know why you are letting this war happen,"
Morpheus suddenly laughed loudly before downing his glass of wine, "I forgot what it was like dealing with people that know about me, it has been far too long this is hilarious. Well, my two budding allies I guess the appropriate answer is I like this war and need this war in fact. As you may have gathered we are facing something far more dangerous than a budding dark lord, and what better training than a war?"
"Training, you are putting these people in war for training?" Cassiopeia sighed, "The black family may be dark but we are not going to risk our lives for something like this,"
"You act as if the actual war the great war versus the races hidden behind the veil will be some small skirmish. It is not, it will involve the whole world, both light and dark, gray too everyone will be fighting if they want to live!" Morpheus spoke passionately
"This dark lord might not be a problem for me but, he will be for Britain he will baptize the wizards in battle. I should also mention he might be a little trickier to deal with than you assume,"
Arcturus laughed before leaning forward, "Well tell us more,"
—
Two author notes is rare but want to say even though some things might not make sense right now this arc will start to unravel a lot of mysteries I have laid out.