30 Ch30. Regent Black 1

Andromeda Black emotionlessly stared forward as she sat in the stands of Wizengamot, waiting for the meeting to begin. She observed the room from the public section of the room.

Despite her cold, calculative outlook, inside she was a nervous wreck, many thoughts flashing through her mind. It was just a day ago she found herself in a room with Lord Black discussing what agenda to push forward or what stance to take on various things. At least, the talk was swift as the new Lord Black obviously wanted to lock himself in the library more than to care about these things. The expectations on her from his side could not really be called high and she was glad for it. Alas, when your Lord expects you to interact with foul people like Lucius Malfoy and his cohorts...

In hindsight, Andromeda really regretted accepting the Regency of House Black. She was not worried about possible attacks. That would be foolish considering Lord Black can just name a new regent if she was 'indisposed'. No, she was worried about messing her Lord's plan. One never knows what to expect when facing Dumbledore.

Yes. Andromeda was not a happy camper at the moment. The second she stepped inside, she understood the politics are not for her. She would rather deal with rotten flesh, melted organs, or dark curse wounds festering with puss than sit in one of these meetings. With a barely audible sigh, she watched as Albus too-many-names Dumbledore walked in as if he owned the place and called the meeting to order. Andromeda observed the formalities from the side-lines until it was finally time to introduce her.

"My dear Ladies and Lords," Chief Warlock Dumbledore started in a jolly tone, knowing how the situation would go after he said the next sentence. "I received a letter that this fine day, a new Regent of House Black will join us. Andromeda Black, please, step forward."

Andromeda with a heavy heart but resolved to repay Lord Black who gave her daughter higher social status and monetary means to follow whatever career path she wants, stood up and approached the stand in the middle of the room. As the Lords heard her name, many expressed their outrage at someone 'fornicating' with mudblood, known 'blood-traitor', a person who was previously disowned being a Regent to House Black, the house famous for its traditionalism and pureblood supremacy. They shouted, raged, and raved as loud as they could, desperately hoping the new Lord Black didn't choose someone like 'her' as his Regent!

It was not only Dark families who had to be calmed down. Light families didn't like her attendance either. After all, she never supported Dumbledore and hailed from a 'dark' family that was quite vocal with its dislike for the old coot. Just a pity her daughter liked that thrice-damned Weasley boy. She was corrupted with ideals of 'light' and 'sunshine' going out of her ass, forgetting her dream of being a potion mistress and instead focusing on being Auror for no other reason than 'it is more respectable'. Andromeda could swear the boy was subtly manipulating her daughter, changing her values and views towards Dumbledore. It was Lord Black that brought this specific topic on the table during their meeting and presented his point of view. Surprisingly, what he told Andromeda, horrified her! Her daughter was indeed changing and it was not natural! Needless to say, she will be having words about the relationship the second Nymphadora returns from her trip with Weasley! No daughter of hers will be

Andromeda refocused back to Lords and noted that the grey faction was quiet, if unimpressed with their colleagues. She was not surprised there as they mostly consisted of people who support whoever gives them more benefits.

Dumbledore himself was frowning something fierce at the fact someone disliking him is getting so much authority.

'Well, sucks to be you.' Andromeda smirked as she walked forward, keeping her eyes down, avoiding direct eye contact.

She came to the stand and started stating her oath.

"I, Andromeda Druella Black, swear on my magic to take up the Regency of House Black in accordance with the wishes of Lord Black." She then cast Lumos, giving proof that her Lord gave her the permission to represent him.

She and Lord Black decided to take this particular way to prove herself. Albeit a little dangerous and demanding of trust towards her by the Lord, it was undeniable. There was now no way to attack her position in any way for other Lords. No way to refute it and send her packing until the next meeting.

"Ahem. Yes." Dumbledore, shocked at seeing Andromeda give a magically binding Oath of all things for a simple matter such as this, almost forgot himself for a moment. He did not understand. Why use such a dangerous and risk her magic way when there are numerous other ways. Surely a letter from Lord Black would suffice, would it not?

His mind understood the reason when he saw the minuscule scowls of the Dark families led by Malfoy. He slightly coughed to cover his momentary surprise and continued. "Anyway, Regent Black. Please, take up your rightful place."

Andromeda walked towards the seat of House Black in the section for Most Ancient and Noble Houses, on the upper part of seats for Lords. She was just in time to see the scathing look Lucius Malfoy gave her as he lifted his perfumed ass off HER family seat with audible 'huff' and relocated to lower sections toward the seat of House Malfoy where he promptly started pouting at the audacity of the 'disowned wench'. Andromeda just shook her head in bemusement at his antics.

As she sat down, her delight at kicking the ponce off her family seat quickly diminished as she realized just where her family seat was located. Andromeda almost groaned when she found herself being surrounded by Lords such as Avery, Carrow, Nott, Goyle, Crabbe, Lestrange, McNair, Malfoy, and so on. And when the supposedly 'imperiused' Death Eaters started to butter up to her...

Dear Lord.

It was an hour after Andromeda took her seat when something pertaining to House Black finally came up. Minister Cornelius Fudge was given the word.

"Regent Black, I think I speak for every Lady and Lord owing House Black a debt when I ask if there is a way to adjust the arrangements of repayment set by Lord Black." The minister asked, sweat rolling from him in spades.

Many Lords, however, started nodding in approval. Three months was too little to repay debts Blacks piled up for centuries. Many families had the money but paying the debt would be financial suicide. Everybody wanted a so-called 'way out'. Even the Ministry itself was neck-deep in debts owed to Blacks.

Andromeda smiled, totally expecting this and wondering why it didn't come up instantly after the hearing started.

"But of course. My Lord Black considered this possibility and for a certain... special individuals, he is quite willing to be repaid in deeds to buildings, businesses, artifacts, ancient books," Andromeda swept her gaze through families known for not abandoning its heritage just because it was banned or considered 'dark'. She gleefully watched as the expression of various Lords contorted as she mentioned 'ancient books'. All of them knew she basically asks for books on secret spells kept in the family for centuries! A shrewd glint passed through Andromeda's eyes as she purposefully paused and gave the Minister a meaningful look, prompting him to pay attention to her next words. "... special favors."

Minister's face lit up like a Christmas tree. He was too accustomed to getting bribed not to. If he could save galleons he can then 'borrow' to fill his own purse by 'doing something' for House Black then...

"Of course, Regent Black. Any concern your Lord may have, my office is always open for him." Fudge stated, trying to appear as approachable and friendly as possible, a hint of a satisfied smile on his stressed face. "We all know the situation is going to create a conflict with goblins if we don't make amends. I, as the Minister, am naturally glad Lord Black is thinking about the residents of Wizarding Britain before his own profits."

The various Lords gaped at the blatant flattery and acceptance of such unveiled bribery by the Minister. Worse yet, they knew well they could do nothing against it! The debts were to be enforced by god-damned goblins! The situation was awfully close to the next goblin rebellion if they did not pay up and even though everyone in the room, even Goyle and Crabbe, knew Fudge is NOT doing this to avoid a war with goblins but to fill his pockets, he still appeared as a good minister, trying to avoid conflict by doing that! There was no way to call him or House Black on it!

The Lords cursed as they passively watched the reporters in the public section work their quills over time with a look of a wolf that just found a juicy piece of meat. The title of tomorrow's Daily Prophet could be easily guessed.

'The benevolence of Lord Black and the resourcefulness of Minister Fudge!'.

Or some bullcrap like that. Needless to say, most Lords wanted to either groan, weep, or in more serious cases, bang their heads on the table.

One thing was certain, the threat of House Black just rose exponentially since they now had the Ministry on their side! Any and all nefarious thoughts of Lords, whether they be light or dark, were snuffed out instantly.

In the end, the Lord reluctantly accepted the outcome and decided to try not to cross House Black. After all, the Regent Black DID promise other payments than galleons, and even lengthening the period available for repayment IS actually possible. For now... that sufficed.

The proceeding hours of mind-numbing discussions, propositions, or voting for or against certain laws were boring Andromeda to the death. She did not have any order on how to vote so she just supported what she felt right, not caring at the glares it earned her. Oh, how that pink toad next to the Minister fumed when it came to law about werewolves, regulated mating, and collars. The piercing glares from dark families and veiled glare from Dumbledore when she voted against raising the Hogwarts fees for muggle-borns. Her personal favorite was the fed-up and exasperated looks light faction gave her when she advocated for not banning some dark curses that, to be honest, were not dark at all. She is Black, she would know.

The grey faction just looked as if they were in the circus, greatly enjoying the show while the reporters looked as if they had an orgasm during early Christmas. Especially since Andromeda always delivered a rational argument for any and all decisions she made.

Slowly, she was actually starting to like sitting here!

Time passed and the meeting was however about to be adjourned and Chief Warlock Dumbledore stood up.

"This will be all for today, my Ladies and Lords." He exclaimed as the weary Lords were glad it finally ended. If only to not have to argue against the views of House Black, someone they owe. Their judgment was starting to get affected by the annoyance they felt toward Andromeda and they needed a break. And fire whiskey. Yes. Lots and lots of fire whiskey.

"This meeting is hereby..." Dumbledore continued.

Andromeda, waiting exactly for this moment, cast a Sonorous Charm on herself, barely suppressing the face-splitting grin on her face.

"Wait a moment." She interrupted him, glee lacing her voice. The show was on!