London – British Ministry of Magic.
Entering the elevator disguised as a telephone booth, Arcturus, dressed in an elegant black suit with the Black family crest in red, wore a cold and indifferent expression as the elevator descended underground, going down to the Eighth Level – The Atrium.
After almost thirty seconds, the elevator doors opened, revealing a cavern richly adorned in black marble, stone arches decorated the environment, and numerous lights illuminated the space. The place was bustling, to say the least, with hurried people coming and going, while planes of papers flew over their heads, fleeting shadows in the chaos.
Arcturus noticed that the ministry was more bustling than usual as whispers reached his ears from the background.
"Did you hear? They say it was almost completely destroyed and all the prisoners escaped. They claim it was the Witch of Insanity - Bellatrix Lestrange - who initiated the entire breakout!"
His face took on a grim expression upon hearing this, finally understanding everything. However, what disturbed him even more was not his great-niece's escape, but the fact that he hadn't received any message warning him of the mass breakout from Azkaban.
He pondered the two possibilities that lay before him. Had the Purebloods betrayed him, Or was the first person to notice the escape on Albus Dumbledore's side?
With unanswered questions echoing in his mind, Arcturus circled the imposing magical fountains, ignoring the looks of recognition that crossed his path. His indifference was palpable, his cane striking the ground with a force beyond the usual.
As he made his way towards the elevator, passing by the golden statues, he couldn't help but notice the banner of the Minister of Magic - Cornelius Fudge - unfurled in a prominent position. Internally, Arcturus scoffed at the figure depicted on the banner.
Entering the elevator, empty except for his presence, Arcturus cast a cold glance at those who tried to join him. "I think I'll wait a bit," murmured a man, fearfully averting his gaze from the intimidating aura emanated by Arcturus. The others around hastily agreed.
Without showing any reaction, Arcturus pressed the last button on the second row to the right, marked with the number 10, where the Ministry of Magic courts were situated.
The elevator took a minute to reach the promised destination. When the doors opened, they revealed a long, slightly dark corridor, completely deserted, without a soul in sight.
Arcturus scoffed at the obvious attempt at intimidation, finding the chosen method trivial in trying to scare him. Such a ploy might have an effect on an inexperienced teenager, but not on him.
Walking down the empty corridor, his steps echoing in the silence, Arcturus reached the end of the hallway. There, he was faced with two doors adorned with the emblem of the Ministry of Magic - [M].
Upon opening the doors, Arcturus found the seats of the Supreme Court nearly fully occupied, each occupant wearing a plum-colored robe adorned with an "M" badge on the chest. All the patriarchs of the Lesser and Greater Houses were present. As he entered the court, these leaders rose from their seats as a sign of respect before resuming their seats in silence.
The old patriarch nodded to everyone, pleased not to have been betrayed and not to have had to resort to extreme measures to punish the traitors. However, something caught his attention: some of the noble houses that had previously remained neutral now rose to greet him. He knew that this was the result of his great-grandson's influence, who was already beginning to exert his power subtly over the entire British wizarding society.
The House of Black was growing stronger with each passing day!
Lifting his head slightly, Arcturus directed his gaze to the elevated main table of the Supreme Court. Seated in the principal chair was the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, and beside him, a plump woman with a particularly irritating professional smile: Dolores Umbridge.
The presence of Cornelius surprised him, but at the same time, he knew Dumbledore was not behind this political attack. The man preferred to act personally rather than trust incompetent third parties to ruin his plans. Arcturus deeply shared this view: if you want something done right, do it yourself.
As he was not the one on trial, he remained standing in front of the chair in the center of the Supreme Court.
"With the arrival of the witness, we shall commence the session of the Supreme Court!" declared Cornelius, banging his gavel on the table, his voice echoing through the courtroom.
After looking at all the present members, he continued: "Lord Patriarch Black, Arcturus Black III, you have been summoned before this sacred Court and our esteemed members to testify."
"Although still puzzled by this entirely arbitrary and seemingly illogical summons," Arcturus didn't conceal his disdain on his face, directing his gaze towards Dumbledore's representative in the Ministry of Magic, the Minister of Magic himself!
Rumors circulated about the morning letters that Fudge supposedly sent to Dumbledore, seeking guidance every day. Arcturus despised figures like Fudge, who apparently received bribes from the pure-blood faction while obeying Dumbledore's orders behind the scenes.
The man was not only a coward but also unfit for the position he held. He was merely a puppet chosen by the people to maintain the false facade that the Ministry, despite being influenced by the Noble Houses, still belonged to the people.
"I fail to see why you're confused, Patriarch Black. Your grandson and great-niece escaped from Azkaban, releasing all the prisoners together. Perhaps at this very moment, the monsters you call relatives are murdering some poor Muggle family," Cornelius spoke loudly, looking at the man who brought recurrent nightmares to him.
This attack was orchestrated by him and his small faction within the ministry, all with the purpose of weakening the influence on the man and perhaps fueling more hatred towards his cursed family, gaining more autonomy in the process.
"Such a pity if it's happening," Arcturus replied without changing his expression. Thousands could die, and he didn't care, but he had to care at this moment. At the same time, he condemned Cornelius to death for calling his grandson and great-niece monsters. Arcturus continued speaking despite the silence in the courtroom: "But it doesn't change the fact that the escape occurred under your watch, Minister."
He saw the man's face twitch slightly at his words, but it soon returned to normal, as if nothing had happened. Yet, Arcturus knew that Cornelius was seething inside. After all, the Minister of Magic was a simple-minded man who cared more about reputation than anything else, even his own life.
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Author's Thoughts: What did you think? I rewrote this chapter three times, trying not to make everyone stupid and Arcturus very intelligent, I don't know if I succeeded.
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Next Chapter: Chapter 27 – Wizengamot (3), Chapter 28 - Unexpected Arrival (1), Chapter 29 - Unexpected Arrival (2), Chapter 30 - Black Family Reunion (1), Chapter 31 - Black Family Reunion (2), (Chapter 32 - Black House Masquerade Ball (1), Chapter 33 - Black House Masquerade Ball (2), Chapter 34 - Black House Masquerade Ball (3), Chapter 35 - Three Years (1).
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