Albus Dumbledore took his seat as Head Wizard of the Wizengamot, radiating calm authority over the assembly of Britain's most influential wizards and witches. His gaze was sharp yet serene as he awaited the council's proceedings to begin.
The meeting opened with an unexpected shift: Abraxas Malfoy, a longstanding figure in the dark faction, formally repositioned himself within the neutral side. This alone sparked surprised murmurs among the attendees. Yet even more shocking was Orion Black's choice to join him, shifting the Black family's considerable influence to neutrality as well. Together, they formed a powerful new bloc that quietly yet decisively altered the balance of power in the room.
Lucius Malfoy stood to address the first petition, aimed at countering the actions of a rising, enigmatic figure calling himself Voldemort. His demeanor was perfectly controlled, his voice smooth and pointed.
"This individual, 'Voldemort'—whose chosen name, if I might remind us, implies an aversion to death itself—has instigated actions that endanger our longstanding separation from the Muggle world," Lucius stated, his voice echoing in the hall. "Our divide from the Muggle world was wisely established to preserve the autonomy and protection of both societies. This Dark Lord, however, threatens to upend that stability."
At this, Abraxas Malfoy rose, speaking with a cool but profound intensity. "Death is a sacred boundary," he began, his voice carrying a measured weight. "It is woven into the very fabric of ancient family magics, a threshold we respect and do not defy. Yet this man," he continued, a slight frown crossing his face, "seeks to conceal himself even in his name. Who, exactly, is Voldemort? What kind of leader hides behind a moniker while insisting he's above death itself?"
The words sparked a murmur of agreement and questioning throughout the chamber.
Orion Black then spoke, his words clear and absolute. "Anyone openly supporting this so-called 'Dark Lord' will be considered an enemy of the Black family," he declared. His gaze swept across the room, the authority in his tone unmistakable.
Abraxas followed suit, his voice sharp yet composed, "And the Malfoys will take the same stance, opposing any who align with such reckless ambitions." The subtle smile on his face added a layer of ambiguity, as though inviting those listening to ponder his true objectives.
The two men exchanged a brief glance before taking their leave, their joint departure leaving a charged silence in the chamber. Their alliance was now publicly cemented, and the council members sat, keenly aware that the Wizengamot's direction had just shifted under the unexpected weight of this powerful new neutral bloc.
The unusual departure of Lords Malfoy and Black sent a ripple of shock through the chamber. In the Wizengamot, it was nearly unheard of for members to leave before the Head Wizard formally dismissed the council. Yet, with this unprecedented exit, they had made a definitive statement, setting a tone of tension and uncertainty.
The Head of the Potter family rose next, his voice strong. "What Lord Malfoy has spoken is true: we cannot allow another war to engulf our world. The Potter family, with a history bound by duty and a respect for death, will stand against any threat posed by this 'Dark Lord.' We will not bow, nor allow fear to dictate our actions."
Beside him, the Head of the Longbottom family stood. His statement was brief yet forceful. "The Longbottoms too will stand firmly against this Voldemort," he declared, then nodded to Lord Potter. Together, they exited the room, leaving an even greater stir among the council.
As murmurs spread through the Wizengamot, Lord Nott rose. His tone was calm and measured. "The House of Nott will refrain from interference in this conflict. We have no intention to support any faction or take a side should a war unfold." Nott's words were a calculated refusal of allegiance, one that carried weight for the families accustomed to following his example.
Following Nott, Lord Greengrass announced a similar stance. "The House of Greengrass maintains its neutrality and will not involve itself in this conflict."
Then, Lord Lestrange stood silently, contemplating the situation with an intense, calculating expression. He did not speak, yet his departure suggested he would consider his alliances more carefully in the days ahead.
The tension in the chamber continued to mount as prominent members made their allegiances clear—or ambiguous. Albus Dumbledore, observing the council's shifting loyalties, addressed the room, his voice gentle but firm. "In the next session, we shall examine these matters further. Until then, this council is dismissed."
Members of the traditional Light faction—loyal families like the Prewetts, the Weasleys, and the Boneses—watched in shock. This new display of alliances among the neutral houses, especially Black and Malfoy, was unsettling to those who had long depended on their support. Meanwhile, families known to back the Dark Lord—like the Carrows, the Averys, and the Mulcibers—sat visibly tense and uneasy. These dark-aligned families had counted on the support of influential names like Black and Malfoy, yet that alliance was suddenly uncertain.
As members began to file out, the echoes of the announcements reverberated in the chamber, leaving a palpable shift in the political landscape of the Wizarding World.
Upon returning from the Wizengamot council meeting, Orion Black immediately called for a rare and urgent family gathering. Letters went out to all members of the Black family—married and unmarried, estranged, and even those cast out for being Squibs. Every branch was summoned, signaling the significance of this event. Orion personally wrote to his children, informing them that he would come to escort them home himself, a statement underscoring the gravity of his call.
In addition, he sent a formal letter of gratitude to the Potters, thanking them for looking after his heir and emphasizing the Black family's appreciation for their role. The wording left little room for interpretation—Orion wanted his position known.
The next morning, every major magical newspaper across Britain ran the news on their front pages. The unexpected alliance between the Malfoys and the Blacks dominated the headlines, with analysis and speculation about what this new, powerful coalition might mean for the political future of the wizarding world. Readers across the magical community knew that the balance of power had shifted, and all eyes were now on Orion Black and Abraxas Malfoy.