Chapter 110: The Truth of the Matter
When Fudge and the others heard Dumbledore's response, their expressions shifted uneasily. Their purpose had been clear: to reap benefits without paying a price. That was why they had come to Hogwarts—to force the Black family into submission.
But reality did not align with their expectations. Phineas Black was far more formidable than they had anticipated—not at all like a child.
The wizarding representatives exchanged glances. Then, the first one who had addressed Dumbledore stepped forward again.
"Professor Dumbledore, would you mind lending us a classroom for a private discussion?"
Dumbledore nodded. "There's no need. You may remain here. As it happens, I need to address the near-altercation Professor McGonagall mentioned."
With that, he and Professor McGonagall exited the Headmaster's office. No sooner had they left than the room erupted into heated debate.
"Are we really going to sit back and watch the Black family consume that prize like a fattened calf?"
"What else would you suggest? Assassinate a member of the Black family? Phineas is the only direct heir, and none of the branch members hold any power."
"We can't just do nothing!"
"Then we have two options: watch the Flint family be destroyed, or try to get the Council of Elders involved."
"The Council? Are you serious? The Black family is part of the Council. The Flints? Their greatest achievement is that one of them helped develop the Wolfsbane Potion, and even he's just a member of the Wizengamot. The Council won't lift a finger for them."
"Then we need to offer the Council something valuable—something that will make them act. But let's be honest: the stronger the Black family becomes, the better it is for the Council."
"What about the Lestrange family? They're also members of the Council, equal in status to the Blacks."
"That's easier said than done. Their British line is gone—either dead or in Azkaban. Only a few of their French kin remain, and getting them involved won't be simple."
"Still, it's worth trying. They're part of the Pure-Blood Council, after all. Worst case, we offer them a share of the Flint family's remaining assets."
"You're still thinking about spoils? Even if the Council steps in, the Black family won't be obligated to return anything. The Flints will still have to pay to survive. Even if the family name endures, they'll be hollowed out—and we'll have nothing left to divide. And you want to give Lestrange a cut?"
"So what, then? Do we just let the Black family regain full power? Don't forget—we were among those who brought them down a decade ago. We, the Rich family, played our part. Back then, the Blacks lost assets but not their foundation. Now, after toppling the Flints, they'll need only a few years to return to their former glory."
The bickering grew louder in the Headmaster's office, with each family representative airing grievances and regrets.
All the families present had been among those who acted against the Black family after the Dark Lord's fall—when Phineas was still a child and no adult Black remained to lead.
Not all of them had ties to Death Eaters. Families like the Riches and the French Lestranges had always looked down on Voldemort's faction. Their motives had been pragmatic: suppressing the Black family's influence and seizing their assets during their moment of weakness.
Before Voldemort's rise, the Black family had held unparalleled prestige among pure-bloods. Their bloodline was among the purest, and their influence, as founding members of the Council of Elders, was immense.
Unlike other families, few Blacks took positions within the Council's bureaucracy. Most focused on expanding their private industries and enterprises. This independence made the other Elder families uneasy.
At the time, the Gaunts, Peverells, Selwyns, Ridge family, and the Blacks formed the Council's power core. But when Voldemort rose, the Gaunts were wiped out, and the Peverells vanished, leaving only three.
The Ridge and Selwyn families remained evenly matched—but the Selwyns were close allies of the Blacks. Naturally, the Ridges hoped to see the Black family fall.
The rest of the families didn't care which powerful house collapsed—only that someone did. For them, fewer giants meant more room to rise.
That's why Phineas had begun liquidating British assets and investing abroad under other names—to escape the constant suppression and rebuild in peace.
But now, in the war with the Flints, part of his true strength had been exposed.
It had become clear: the Black family had never truly declined. They had simply stepped out of sight. And now, their resurgence threatened to eclipse the rest once again.
Desperate to stop this, the families sought to intervene—but they were too late. Phineas had vanished. Dumbledore couldn't help them. And none of them dared engage directly, unsure what hidden strength the Black family still possessed.
Now, their options were limited: watch the Flints fall and the Blacks return to dominance—or somehow convince the Council of Elders to act, stalling the recovery temporarily. Even then, the outcome wouldn't change. The Black family would rise again.
While the families argued, Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore walked through the corridor, deep in quiet conversation.
"Albus, Quirinus has requested a leave of absence—to go on a journey and gain experience," McGonagall said at last, revealing the true reason she had come to him. The earlier mention of a student fight had only been a pretext.
Dumbledore paused, surprised. "That's what he told you?"
McGonagall nodded, though her brow remained furrowed.
"I have the feeling," she added softly, "that he knows something—and this journey is not what it seems."