Chapter 7: Thunder Shines in the Sky, Bloody Black

Early the next morning, Kreacher observed the young master emerging from Miss Meera's room and rubbed his hands together.

"Master, would you care for a meal?"

Cole, still pondering over the events of the previous night, nodded at Kreacher. "Yes, I'll go now and have a copy delivered to Meera's room."

As Cole descended the stairs, he caught sight of Walburga glaring at him.

"I'm in a good mood today, so I won't dwell on Kreacher's antics of letting the old woman out for amusement."

"Cowardly Black, how dare you bring a Mudblood here, you bastard, tarnishing the noble bloodline of the Blacks," Walburga spat out, her voice laced with venom.

Cole felt a laugh bubbling up inside him at the absurdity of her words, but all the old lady could manage were a few repetitive curses.

"Yes, yes, noble Black, I am the only one left. If you're not satisfied, feel free to confront me," Cole retorted, unfazed by her tirade.

For a moment, Walburga fell silent, her gaze fixed on Cole.

"Are you still fixated on Sirius? Despite your claims of hatred, he remains your proud son, no matter how wayward he may be. It's a shame Azkaban offers no easy remedy."

Walburga, who had been hurling curses wildly the day before, now seemed surprisingly composed.

"Release him; the Black family is half of you," she implored.

Half? Cole couldn't help but scoff inwardly; he could have everything if he didn't rescue Sirius.

"It seems you're also aware of Regulus; otherwise, you wouldn't be begging like this. But let me make it clear today," Cole approached the portrait, his tone dripping with malice. "I won't save him. If he dares to leave Azkaban, let's see if I won't finish him off."

"You wretched bastard, he's your brother, your blood kin. How dare you?" Walburga seethed.

Cole swiftly drew the curtains shut, signaling the end of the conversation. It was time to unwind.

As Cole sat at the dining table, pondering his next move, he realized he needed to announce his return to the wizarding world. The power of the Black family had significantly diminished, and it was time to reclaim their authority.

Previously, Sirius could rely on Dumbledore's reputation, and Bellatrix's notoriety could deter the Death Eaters. But with Voldemort's demise, the Death Eaters were desperate and capable of anything. The seemingly anonymous Black family was now a vulnerable target.

Lost in thought, Cole was interrupted by Kreacher's sudden appearance.

"Master Cole, something is amiss at the Knockturn Alley store. Someone is attempting a break-in, and the magical alarm has been triggered."

Kreacher's expression was fraught with concern as he relayed the news. Cole remembered that the Black family owned property in Knockturn Alley, including a shop that dealt in prohibited items.

"I'll investigate immediately. Gather Wright and the others to join me," Cole instructed, before Disapparating from the room. Kreacher hastened off to fetch the others.

Cole materialized outside Diagon Alley, adjacent to Knockturn Alley, and swiftly made his way there.

Upon arrival, Cole was greeted by a scene of chaos. Werewolves were attacking wizards, green smoke billowed, and spells flew in every direction.

The wizards in Knockturn Alley were no strangers to nefarious dealings, and they fought back ruthlessly. Avada Kedavra curses were hurled with abandon.

Cole dispatched a werewolf with ease, his magic proving superior to their defenses.

Following his instincts, Cole arrived at Blake's store. A group of black-robed figures besieged the establishment, attempting to breach its magical barrier.

Cole wasted no time. He confronted the attackers, demanding to know who had sent them to target the Black family.

The leader of the assailants recognized Cole as a member of the Black family and hesitated, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Unwilling to engage in further dialogue, Cole summoned a thunderstorm, asserting his authority over Knockturn Alley.

The wizards paused, uncertain. Was Dumbledore intervening?

Taking advantage of the moment, Cole issued a warning: anyone who dared to threaten the Black family would face dire consequences.

With a display of formidable power, Cole unleashed lightning bolts, decimating the attackers.

As the dust settled, the surviving assailants cowered before him, acknowledging Cole's dominance.

Cole, surrounded by crackling energy, declared his identity: "I, Cottrell Black, hereby decree that those who covet the Black family will meet their end."

His proclamation echoed through the sky, instilling fear in the hearts of all who witnessed it.

With his reputation solidified Cole felt a surge of satisfaction. None could challenge the might of the Black family under his command.

As the last echoes of thunder faded away, Cole knew that today marked the resurgence of the Black family's legacy—a legacy none would dare to underestimate.