Chapter 34: Blake Becomes a Hero for Everyone

It was Meira who finally convinced Cole. In fact, Cole also understood that children born into pure-blood wizard families would not be as naive as those with mixed-blood heritage.

Before entering Hogwarts, they would be taught various charms, gaining significant knowledge even before exposure to formal education.

Meira believed that Martin and the other children born into the Black family should bear certain responsibilities and gain adequate experience. After all, parents couldn't always be by their side, and the children must at least be able to defend themselves.

It was under this principle that Martin, who was well-behaved and somewhat nervous in Cole's presence, was indeed regarded as the noble son and future heir of the Black family in the eyes of outsiders.

Martin had frequented Knockturn Alley many times and had been exposed to various dealings there. His maturity exceeded that of his peers, despite his young age.

Although Jerome was lazy, he possessed a ruthless streak. After Meira's story, Cole realized that, in Jerome's eyes, nothing mattered except his own family.

Jerome was the first to take action and the most decisive among the three brothers. Even Meira was surprised to see this side of Jerome, who initially seemed harmless.

After dealing with his own matters, Jerome offered assistance to Martin and Ben before returning to sleep, feeling drowsy.

As for Ben, after a moment of reflection, he expressed curiosity about the fate of the dark wizard's body and questioned the meaning of life's fragility.

Meira, being a caring mother, swiftly silenced Ben with a stern admonition, emphasizing the significance of life and scolding him for his insolence.

With a nod of understanding, Ben refrained from further inquiries, realizing the gravity of the situation.

In this manner, the three children officially completed Meira's first mission.

Of course, Cole, upon discovering the events, felt a pang of anger. After all, the children were merely ten years old. He couldn't help but wonder how the sweet Alice would react to such situations.

Cole firmly intervened, preventing Meira from involving the two girls, Darlene and Alice, and decided to wait at least two more years until they were older.

Meira happily agreed, taking Darlene and Alice to Knockturn Alley. Observing Alice's teary eyes upon their return, Cole understood that the matter was resolved.

All he could do was comfort Alice, while Meira and Darlene maintained a facade of innocence, promising not to divulge the events to their father.

Satisfied with the outcome, Cole looked at the children with reassurance, regardless of whether it was Dumbledore's scheme or not.

He possessed the ability to protect the Black family, Meira, and the children.

If Senior Tom were wise, he wouldn't target the Black family at its weakest. Instead, he would focus on confronting Harry, the savior, and resurrecting himself first.

But if Tom persisted in his obstinacy, Cole was prepared to face the challenge head-on.

"Let's go downstairs and inform your mother of the news," Cole declared.

Cole led the children to the restaurant, where a table laden with delicious food awaited them. Though described as sumptuous, it consisted merely of grilled chicken, pancakes, fruits, and desserts.

Cole had grown accustomed to such fare over the years, having forgotten the taste of a proper meal.

Too lazy to contemplate the menu, Cole followed Jerome's lead, adopting his indifference to matters of little interest.

Or perhaps it was Jerome who followed him, a son emulating his father.

Alice was the first to approach Meira with her letter. Amidst the chatter, Meira finally grasped the situation.

Glancing at Cole, Meira voiced her concern, "Don't you have to be eleven to attend Hogwarts? They aren't old enough. Is there a mistake?"

Meira's words extinguished the children's joy, their smiles faltering.

Alice's eyes brimmed with tears, evoking sympathy from all present.

"Don't worry. Even if there was a mistake, I can still arrange for you to attend Hogwarts. After all, our family still holds influence at the school, right?" Cole reassured Alice with a firm smile, exchanging a knowing glance with Meira.

Alice's joyful cheers filled the restaurant as the Black family celebrated over their meal.

After dinner, Cole took the children to his study to draft their replies, expressing their willingness to attend Hogwarts.

One by one, they selected owls to deliver their letters.

Although other means of delivery were available, the children insisted on using owls, and Cole indulged them. After all, the Black family was not lacking in funds.

In the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts, Dumbledore puzzled over the letters on his desk.

His appetite for the earthworm juice waned as he pondered the day's events.

He noticed that all five letters bore the names of the Black family. Dumbledore was well-informed about the family's background, including their previous encounters with Obscurus, which Cole had purportedly cured using unknown magic.

Recalling this, Dumbledore speculated that Cole may have acquired this knowledge during his travels in India, where Dumbledore himself often contemplated visiting, perhaps uncovering ancient wizarding artifacts.

Dumbledore's reverie was interrupted by a headache-inducing realization: none of Cole's children were old enough to attend Hogwarts. Moreover, the acceptance letters required his personal approval. Why was there no mention of Blake?

Turning to the shelf beside him, Dumbledore observed the Sorting Hat, trembling under his scrutiny.

"Merlin, I knew you'd have some insight. Old friend, please explain. This situation has nothing to do with me," Dumbledore addressed the hat.

The parchment scroll remained motionless, while the hat continued its protestations.

"Dumbledore, it wasn't me. It was Old Sheepskin who orchestrated this. He claimed these children were exceptionally talented, and Salazar was behind it all," the hat proclaimed.

Dumbledore remained silent, casting a silencing charm upon the Sorting Hat, restoring peace to his office.

He was aware of the orchestrator behind this scheme. As for Salazar's involvement, Dumbledore grew more wary.

As one of Hogwarts' founders and a legendary wizard, Dumbledore knew better than to underestimate potential disruptions to his plans.

Considering the events that would unfold in the upcoming school year, Dumbledore sighed and stowed the letters in his desk drawer.