Consequences

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works, if you recognise it from somewhere else, surprise it isn't mine.

Betad by morde24, Atrius, Hermes, Priapus, Marethyu, Old man of the mountain, TheDonFluffles, Malcolm Tent and Mike, God of Lore

The Sorcerer's Legacy

Chapter 05: Consequences

Waking up in my bed, there's something rather different than usual as I watch my sheets move.

Lifting them up, I confirm what I already knew from the sensation, watching as Yennefer languidly bobs her head, keeping eye contact as she slides her lips down my cock, gently pulling back up.

She's been at this for a while, so I guess I was rather tired after last night's exertions, and I smile as she services me.

Stroking her hair, I feel my climax rapidly approaching, the sensation being what woke me up in the first place, groaning as I let loose, watching Yen swallow down my load patiently, pulling her lips off my cock with a satisfying pop.

"Good morning, Gray," Yennefer says as she sits up, bare breasts on display.

"I could get used to that greeting first thing in the morning," I admit, making her chuckle.

"I imagine you could, I'd be happy to provide you with a… wake-up call while you're here, but you'll have to find someone else to help once you arrive at Hogwarts," Yennefer says, laying back over me, one hand gently stroking my cock. "What do you have planned for today?"

"A meeting with Cho Chang, beyond that I'm free all day so I'll probably work on my art or continue my research on my potential wives," I say, making her nod.

"I have some letters to send, my own actions have riled up the lodge. I'm too important to their plans for them to try to kill me, but they haven't taken my betrayal well," Yen says, smirking as she touches the slave collar around her neck.

"Will you be able to handle them, and is there anything I can do to help?" I ask, making her scoff even as she gives me a fond smile.

"Philippa might think she's in charge, but the Lodge is hardly unified and she's not exactly popular. Besides… I am a powerful sorceress myself, perhaps the most powerful in the Lodge," Yennefer points out calmly, confidence clear in her tone.

"Good to know, but let me know if you need any help," I order, making her nod submissively. "But first…"

Flipping her over, she giggles in amusement as I place her on her front, face down ass up.

"Of course, just a single blowjob isn't good enough for one as youthful as you," Yennefer says, legs parting as I move behind her, pressing my cock against her slit.

— Yennefer Raum-Black —

As Gray started to fuck her, she deliberately let out a lewd moan, pleasure clear in her voice as she gripped the sheets.

This wasn't entirely faked, and this wasn't for Gray's benefit, even if he enjoyed the sounds of her reacting to his actions.

The crack in the door remained open, a single violet eye pressed against it, unaware that their secret spying wasn't as secret as they thought.

Damian's mind was so… pliable, and while she truly wanted what was best for her children, even idiots like Damian, she wasn't above making some adjustments to keep them in line.

Damian was a fuck boy, irresponsible and reckless, and he'd overstepped his boundaries by demanding she sleep with him.

It was time to reign him in a bit, if only he'd listened to her lessons on Occlumency he'd be able to avoid this.

Of course if he listened to her he wouldn't be in this position at all.

— Damian Raum —

He didn't know why he'd walked this way towards the kitchen, or why he was even up this early, his earlier encounter with Yen on his mind, but he noticed Gray's room was slightly open.

Gray was a neat freak, everyone knew that, so it got his attention.

Pressing his eye against it, he felt his heart pound at the sight of Yennefer, his strict and stern mother, getting fucked hard by his lil bro.

Unlike the disinterest and disdain on her face when he tried his luck, her face was scrunched up in pleasure and adoration as Gray pounded her from behind, moaning lewdly as she begged him to fuck her harder.

…if he'd focused on his lessons like Gray had, that'd probably be him, with his mother happily becoming his mistress and advisor.

Instead he was peeking through a crack and watching her get fucked by Gray, who had always been her favourite.

Yennefer moved, pushing Gray down as she mounted him, riding him cowgirl style as he watched her breasts bounce, her eyes closed as she rode her youngest son.

His cock was rock hard, seeing Yen like this, and after a moment of hesitation he reached down and undid his pyjama bottoms, gripping his cock as he started to stroke himself to the sight of Yen like this.

Yen's eyes opened, and he froze mid stroke as they made eye contact with him, her eyes briefly narrowing before she rolled them.

Instead of calling him out, she just continued to bounce on Gray's fairly large cock, his little brother stirring up her insides as he started to stroke himself again.

This was a rare opportunity, his mother was by far the hottest woman he knew, and this was better than stolen 'accidental' peeks at her bathing or taking advantage of her borderline exhibitionism with how little she wore around the house.

His hand sped up as Yen rode Gray, Gray's hands on her hips, groping and squeezing Yennefer.

"Mhmm, fuck~ I'm gonna cum, sir, I'm going to cum around your big fat cock," Yennefer moaned, speeding up her bouncing. "Cum with me, pump your seed right into my womb, I want to feel it leaking out of me all day."

'Look all you want, you'll never get to touch me.'

Yennefer's voice cut into his thoughts, making him jump.

'A shame, you had the chance to be in Gray's place, to have me at your beck and call, but you decided to throw it away, because being a Lord was hard work. Because politics were boring. Does Gray look bored? As Lord Raum-Black he can have anything, and you threw that away.'

Her stern lecture was only punctuated by her moans and lewd, smug smile.

She was the one who made him step down… because he didn't live up to the expectations that she had of a Lord. It was hard work, but it came with some amazing rewards.

"That's it, baby, cum for me, let me feel your seed fill me," Yennefer begged.

'You threw this away, and while Gray gets to feel my pussy tightening down around him, you're reduced to watching through a crack in the door. He's going to cum inside me, while you jerk off outside. But that's you all over, wasted potential. You could have been great, but Gray will live up to the expectations you failed.'

Despite her cutting words, he groaned as his seed spilled out onto the floor, gasping as Gray and Yennefer came at the same time, Yen moaning lewdly as Gray pumped his seed into her wet pussy.

Yen slowly pulled herself off his cock, a trail of sticky white seed leaking out of her parted lower lips.

"I'm afraid that will have to be enough for now, sir, I really do have things to do," Yen said, giving Gray a kiss as he said something in return, inaudible from here.

What Damian did see was Gray's hand come down on Yen's ass roughly, making her yelp before giving Gray a hungry look.

"Of course. Later my dear," Yen said as she pulled on a lacy nightgown, strutting towards him as he quickly moved out of the way.

As she stepped out and fully closed the door, she paused and looked at the sperm on the wall and floor, rolling her eyes as she quickly cleaned it up.

"I won't bother asking what you are doing today, it won't be anything worth mentioning," Yen said simply, making him blink.

"Huh, you aren't going to ask what I'm up to? Or lecture me on wasted time?" Damian asked, making her snort.

"That was when I still had hope you'd pull your life together, now I've given up that hope. You aren't the heir anymore, you can do whatever you want, I genuinely don't care anymore as long as you don't embarrass the family in the process," Yennefer said simply, making him wince. "If you wish for my help in making something out of yourself, such as arranging for Vesemir to take you under his wing, I'll happily arrange that, but if you're going to waste your life away, you're welcome to do so."

Ah, that made sense.

Walking past him, she didn't give him a second look or a single word about his voyeur session, leaving him standing there.

Fixing his own clothes, he set off quickly, not wanting Gray to catch him, because while shame filled him at how pathetic that was, it was also stupidly hot.

With very mixed feelings, he set out for the rest of his day, the image of Yen riding Gray burnt into his mind.

— Grayson Raum —

You know, I'm starting to think my contracts might be having some minor effect on me.

Scratching my chin with the wooden end of the paintbrush, I look at my newest work of art, an attempt to put the horrors I see in my sleep onto canvas.

The desolate burning wasteland, the souls of the sinners on spikes, being tormented by faceless demons. It's a grim picture, but one that feels familiar to me all the same.

On a second canvas, a castle, not as welcoming as Hogwarts, but a spiked fortress, with blackened walls and twisted spires.

I dream of the hells every night, but while a regular human might find them foreboding or nightmarish, my dreams just feel nostalgic for a time I never knew.

Raum could see the past, the present and the future, and I think I've taken on some of his power. These aren't prophetic dreams, but a look at the past, of that much I'm sure.

My final canvas is different, I didn't dream of this. It was an experiment, to paint without a goal, to let my instincts guide me.

It's far less clear than the other two, but telling all the same.

Even with the more… interpretive style of art, I recognise the Hogwarts great hall, though there are no teachers or banquets going on.

Upon a throne where Dumbledore's seat usually is, a horned figure with fierce violet eyes sits, looking out over the room as countless featureless figures kneel in supplication.

Is this the future or merely my desire?

Standing on either side of me are more figures, trusted followers, at my right hand is a figure I recognise as Yennefer, her black hair and violet eyes unmistakable, Keira and Morrigan are by her side.

The others I can't make out, their features are far less detailed.

Committing it to memory, I burn the painting with a frown before a voice startles me.

"You know, I hear the artistic process can be rough but that's a little much, don't you think?" Triss says, stepping into my room with a wave.

"Aunt Triss? I didn't know you-" I start, before I pause.

Triss has been a family friend for as long as I can remember, but the timing puts me on edge, her smile falling slightly at my suspicion before she smiles kindly.

"That paranoia will serve you well as Lord Raum-Black, congratulations by the way," Triss says, making no sudden movements.

She's not worried I'll attack her, she's a war hero and a powerful battle mage, her use of fire magic is something to behold, she'd crush me in an instant.

Triss Merigold

Lesser Secrets: ???.

The same result I got from my mother, who was using a form of demonic anti-scrying to stop people from reading her.

I need to improve my eyes to break through this anti-scrying method they are using.

"You're a member of the Lodge," I say, making her nod easily.

"I am," Triss admits, closing the door. "Don't worry, I'm not here to cause trouble. Honestly Yen caught us all off guard. I don't think anyone, Philippa least of all, expected this from her."

"That she'd betray you?" I ask, seeing her looking at my two surviving paintings.

"She hasn't betrayed me, though some of the others don't see it that way. The idea that Yennefer would go against the plan, to even give up her own freedom never even occurred to any of them, but I suppose we should have seen this coming. Motherhood changed Yennefer," Triss says, her soft green eyes locking with mine. "I'm on your side, don't look so worried. I might not be your aunt by blood but I care for you all."

"So, what are you doing here?" I ask, making her smile.

"Playing peacekeeper between the Lodge and Yen, the Lodge is in chaos at the moment, decades of plans overturned in a single action, that's Yen for you, but they need to adapt to knowing that you know they exist," Triss admitted.

"Because they can't try and turn me into an unknowing puppet? Like you planned to?" I say accusingly.

"You're angry, and you're right to be. It was easier to make the plan before you four were even born, before we'd even approached Geralt. You know I was almost the one sent to seduce him? Originally we just planned for him to knock one of us up to give us an heir of Raum to raise but we realised it'd be better to have our tool also be Lord Raum-Black," Triss admitted, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "But then you were all born, Yen got her rough edges smoothed over by being happily married, then becoming a mother. I watched you all grow up, knowing what we planned. I am sorry, Grayson, but I'm actually happier with things going this way."

She seems genuinely forlorn, and nothing she says triggers my Pact of Secrets boon to sense lies and deception.

I relax slightly, because I've always liked Triss. She's the aunt who spoils us, the kind fun aunt to Yennefer's sometimes cold motherhood.

It makes sense in hindsight, Yen tried to keep herself at a distance because she was raising us to be tools, and she failed.

She got more attached to us than she expected, which is why she's slowly been becoming warmer and happier, now that she's decided that the lodge's plans can go to hell.

Then she was demanding because she knew one of us would go through this, that one of us would be the heir of a demon lord with all that it entails. She needed to make sure we were ready.

"I'm glad to see you again, Triss," I say, relaxing as she gives me a fond smile, moving forwards and giving me a tight hug, large breasts pressing against my chest.

I can't help my reaction, Triss is a very beautiful woman even without my pact of lust at work.

"It's good to see you too, Gray," Triss says fondly, stepping back. "You look good, I almost didn't believe Yen when she told me about your growth spurt," Triss laughs, amused at our admittedly poor excuse. "You're almost taller than me now."

"I had to grow up quickly," I joke, letting go of her as she steps back. She definitely felt my growing erection against her thigh, but she didn't say anything.

"I'm sorry for that, I never approved of the timescale, but some of the Lodge are getting… desperate. Time's running out for them," Triss explains, another piece to the puzzle.

"And for you?" I ask, making her giggle.

"No. I did have a contract with a demon of fire once upon a time, but Geralt slew the demon when he tried to collect," Triss admits, rolling up her sleeve and removing a bracelet, her skin marring as an illusion fades.

Around her wrist are old burn marks, in the shape of chain-links as they wrap around her arm.

"Father was rather impressive, wasn't he?" I ask, making her laugh as she replaces the bracelet.

"You have no idea," Triss agrees, wistful fondness in her voice. "But enough about him, how are you feeling? This must be a lot to take in."

"It isn't. It feels right, natural. Even if it didn't, the prizes are worth the risk," I say, making her smile.

"I suppose so, just take care of yourself, okay? I know it must be tempting to rush into things, but while some of the Lodge might be on a tight deadline, that doesn't mean you need to be," she says bluntly, which sounds a lot like her saying 'fuck those guys' to me.

"True, I'll be careful," I say, knowing full well I haven't been.

Somehow, her amused look tells me she knows all too well how careful I haven't been.

"I'm sure you will, you've always been a smart boy," Triss says, reaching up to ruffle my hair before sighing. "That worked better when you weren't this tall."

"Maybe, but I rather enjoy being taller than Damian," I retort, making her laugh.

Being small sucked, the attention I'm going to get aside, I much prefer my larger size.

"Of course you do," Triss said with a smile. "I should go, I just wanted to see how you were doing, things have become rather manic for the Lodge lately. If you need anything, just send me an owl, but we'll be seeing a lot of each other soon anyway."

"Oh?" I ask, making her smile.

"You're looking at Hogwarts' newest defence against the dark arts teacher, the Lodge wanted to get people inside Hogwarts to keep an eye on you, I volunteered," Triss admits, making me snort.

"Should a spy tell her target that she's spying on them?" I ask, making her shrug.

"They know where my loyalties lie," Triss explains simply, placing a kiss on my cheek. "Like I said, if you need anything just let me know, I'll help you however I can."

"Actually, there is something you could help with," I say after a moment, making her tilt her head expectantly.

I don't miss the way her eyes flicker down to my crotch.

"Would you take Morrigan under your wing? She doesn't trust mother and she's getting increasingly reckless," I say, making Triss blink before she pauses thoughtfully.

"Morrigan is very powerful, and I can't say you're wrong about her recklessness. Hm, I've never actually taken an apprentice before, but Morrigan would be a good one," Triss says, rubbing her chin before she smiles. "Yes, I can certainly do that. Should I talk to her?"

"No, not yet anyway. I'll talk to her," I say, making her nod.

Morrigan is desperate for power, and Triss is a very strong sorceress. Morrigan owes me for setting this up, and while I love my bitchy older sister, she's not my favourite like Keira so I won't be giving her any freebies.

"Ah, of course," Triss says knowingly. "Just send her to me when you're ready, like I said we'll be seeing a lot of each other for the next year."

Giving me another hug, she places another kiss on my cheek (this one a little closer to my mouth as she kisses the corner of my lips).

"I'm looking forward to it," I say, giving her a light squeeze before I let her go, making her smile softly.

Morrigan wants my rituals, and with both them and apprenticeship under Triss as bait, even my wilder sister shouldn't be too hard to tame.

"Then I'll see you soon, now if you'll excuse me I need to make sure Yennefer and Philippa don't kill each other," Triss says with a sigh, is this 'Philippa' here then?

Triss gives me a wave as she heads out, but if mother thought I should meet Philippa then she'd have called for me and she knows the Lodge members better than me.

Plus, if mother is in a… argumentative mood, I'd rather avoid getting involved. I know how to pick my battles.

I have my own meeting to prepare for anyway, picking up a file on the Chang family.

— Cho Chang —

Arriving at Raum Manor, she hid her frown, wearing a tight blue Cheongsam.

She didn't enjoy traditional outfits, preferring to dress in an almost boyish way, but she'd been overruled, which Keira immediately noticed on spotting her.

"That bad, huh?" Keira asked, knowing all too well that she wouldn't be wearing this of her own volition. It was at least one size too small, putting her figure on full display for the future Lord Raum-Black.

If she got through this meeting without getting bent over by Damian she'd call it a win, but she doubted it.

"Hey, Keira," Cho greeted, not answering her question as Keira snorted.

"Yeah, it's that bad. Come on, he's through here," Keira said, making her wonder why Keira was helping Damian with anything, she knew they didn't get along.

But then again, it was probably for the same reason that she was wearing this stupid dress, because her family told her to.

Entering the room, she froze as she spotted the man who sat at the table, reading a document as he briefly looked up, violet eyes taking in her appearance, though he didn't ogle her tightly-wrapped breasts or her legs exposed by the long slit in her dress.

Did Keira have a cousin she didn't know about, because that wasn't Damian Raum. She was familiar enough with the cocky Gryffindor quidditch captain, having dealt with his boasting after her team lost, or his unsubtle offers to show her what a real man could do after his annoyingly strong team beat Hufflepuff.

Damian wasn't humble in victory.

"Ah, thank you Keira," he said, his voice both deep and somewhat familiar.

"No worries, Gray," Kiera replied, making her blink.

Gray?

Grayson, Keira's little brother, the quiet, studious boy Keira sometimes dragged around with her?

"Miss Chang, a pleasure to see you again. I don't believe we've ever actually spoken before, please take a seat," Gray said, making her gape at him for a moment before she got herself under control. "Ah yes, the last time you saw me I was… smaller. Call it a magically-assisted growth spurt, a welcome side effect of an attempt to fix my weak magic," Gray admitted, and she was smart enough not to push for details.

Looking at him closer, she could see the resemblance to the smaller, nerdy teen. Grayson looked like he was in his late teens, maybe even early twenties with somewhat shaggy black hair, longer than the neat hairstyle Gray used to have.

"It's nice to see you again as well Gray, you look good," Cho admitted, making him smile softly. "But I thought I was meeting with the Heir Raum-Black, isn't that Damian?"

"Keira…" Gray admonished, making her giggle.

"What? I didn't want to spoil the surprise, besides it's still not public until the ball," Keira giggled unapologetically as Cho gave her a confused but annoyed look.

"As my sister forgot to mention, I am the Heir Raum-Black now. Damian stood down from the position due to a fatal allergy to responsibility," Grayson explained, as a burst of relief flooded her chest.

She really didn't like Damian. He was an arrogant, self-centred asshole. Racist, sexist, and all around a pain to deal with.

The knowledge that at worst she'd be sold off to Damian's younger, quieter brother brightened her mood somewhat.

When she was told the heir wanted this meeting she was expecting to get bent over the table by Damian, probably while he recorded it to show Cedric.

"Congratulations, but why did you want to speak to me?" Cho asked, making him pause.

"I am not exactly the social butterfly my beloved, gossip-loving, sister is," Gray started, making Keira snort as she took a seat. "However, due to Keira's lovely habit of telling me whatever gossip she's heard, I do tend to be up to date on the social situation of many of her classmates, including you. So, knowing that you are allegedly happily dating Mr Diggory, I was rather surprised to find you in my pile of potential wives. I was hoping you could clear things up, given that you are a family friend."

"Yeah, when we split up for summer you were still crazy about Cedric, what happened?" Keira asked, making her sigh.

"What happened is my father decided to have me tested for virginity, given that I've been in a foreign country that has laxer rules for women than China, and I failed," Cho admitted with a sigh.

She'd been caught by surprise, hit with a spell shortly after she came home, and while magical Britain was rather backwards it was far better than some other places.

Magical China made magical Britain seem downright progressive. The discovery that his daughter and heiress had gotten laid was not exactly received well by her very traditional father.

"So you got laid? So what? Cedric would have taken responsibility if there were any accidents, he's noble like that," Keira said, but Gray hummed.

"Keira, you can be rather oblivious sometimes. The Changs are a very old and respected Chinese family, and the Diggorys are… how do I put this, middle-class?" Gray explained tactfully. "They're pureblood, but Amos Diggory is a low ranking Ministry worker, I suspect Lord Chang found the idea of his daughter marrying a member of the Diggory family… distasteful."

That was an understatement of epic proportions.

"Father was furious, and demanded I break up with Cedric immediately, and to make sure I didn't shame myself any further he used an old spell that prevents me from having unauthorised contact with men," Cho cut in, far blunter than Gray's diplomatic explanation.

The spell was technically a part of the dark arts, but China's laws were rather clear and he could cast it on a member of his family with no consequences.

"Oh, Cho… I'm so sorry," Keira said genuinely, getting a smile from Cho.

"It certainly does explain how you found yourself in this situation. I imagine he sees you as damaged goods, pardon the expression, and wants to sell you off before it 'shames' him and your family," Gray said, rubbing his chin. "As for why me, that's obvious. Your father runs one of the larger import and export businesses in Asia, but he's failed to make any progress in expanding into Europe or America, for varying reasons. The Raum-Blacks have business connections in both continents, marrying you into our family would help his business grow considerably."

"And he gets some value out of his whore daughter," Cho snarked, her displeasure clear. "If I'm going to be spreading my legs for foreign boys, he might as well profit from it."

"Hence why he's willing to accept you becoming a mere mistress despite your own impressive family lineage, and position as his only child," Gray continued, not commenting on her statement.

"Wait, what?" Cho asked, making his eyebrow rise.

"Your father sent over two contracts, one for you to become either Lady Raum or Lady Black, and one for if I found you unworthy of Ladyship, his own words, and was willing to accept you as a mistress instead," Gray said, tapping the sheets in front of him.

"Can I read them?" Cho asked, picking them up as Gray calmly slid them over, patiently waiting for her to finish reading.

He really was just trying to sell her off, as fast as possible.

The marriage contract was as expected, all he wanted for her was the Black's help expanding his business with his own offer to help them do the same into Asia.

The mistress contract was a bit more convoluted, as her father wanted a substantial payment for her (which could be negotiated as he clearly expected them to discover that Cho wasn't a pure snow-white virgin) but the only caveat he added was that he wanted them to have at least one child, preferably a son, to become the next Chang heir in the event that he couldn't have another child himself, and the child would spend at least three months a year in China growing up.

Which was a nice way of saying she'd never be Lady Chang herself, not that her ambitions were political. Her father was essentially disowning her without actually disowning her, trying to sell her to another family and wash his hands of the shame.

She wanted to play Quidditch professionally, which her father certainly didn't approve of.

"Thank you," Cho said in a clipped tone, having read one particular part of the contract.

The part that basically gave the holder the right to test their physical compatibility before agreeing.

"I take it you were not aware of the finer details of the contract?" Gray asked, making her shake her head.

"I didn't know he'd given you a carte blanche to fuck me, but I knew I was expected to convince you with my body if necessary. Well I thought I was meeting Damian, thank Merlin I was wrong about that, err no offence," Cho said awkwardly.

Keira wouldn't mind her bad mouthing Damian, but she didn't know what Gray's relationship with his brother was like.

"None taken, I'm well aware of my brother's peculiarities," Gray said simply, waving her off.

"Damian is an asshole who would have ripped that cute dress right off you and bent you over the desk, trust me, we know," Keira added.

"And you aren't tempted to do the same?" Cho challenged, making Gray's eyebrow raise again.

"I like to think I possess more decorum than that. I can't deny I find you attractive, but I am not interested in forcing myself on an unreceptive girl, least of all one of my sister's best friends," Gray deadpanned.

"Right, sorry," Cho said, feeling a little embarrassed despite herself. None of this was Gray's fault.

"So, that leads to the next point. What to do about the contracts, because while I could just refuse them…" Gray trailed off.

"My father would find someone else to sell me to, probably some fat lord five times my age," Cho finished.

"Quite," Gray agreed. "And while normally I wouldn't overly care about someone else's family issues, Keira is pouting at me."

Glancing to the side, Cho snorted at the sight of Keira giving Gray the puppy dog eyes.

"So, how do you want to approach this particular situation?" Gray asked, making her pause before she sighed.

"I genuinely don't know. Cedric had already received a less than polite message from my family telling him to stay away, and even if you turn them down I'm going to get sold off anyway. I'll probably have to leave Hogwarts depending on who I get sold to," Cho admitted.

"Hm, I have an idea then. I have no desire to rush into marriage, and I intend to take two wives, one for each house. I will negotiate a… courtship period, until I graduate from Hogwarts with you being one of the potential brides, this should keep you safe and free for the next four years at least," Gray started, making her eyes widen, Keira giving Gray a fond smile. "We are holding a ball soon to announce the change in heirship, inform your parents they are invited to discuss matters. I will send the official invitation when the date is confirmed."

Which would let her father get his foot in the door, even if it wouldn't help that much since she'd found that most British purebloods didn't particularly care for foreigners regardless of blood purity, especially ones from outside Europe.

"However, I have no desire to be cuckolded, even if our courtship would be one of convenience, so you'd have to cease any other relationships during that time period," Gray continued, making her laugh.

"Like I said, father has taken steps to prevent that. I'm not rebellious or stupid enough to ruin this for myself," Cho said, genuinely grateful.

Four years, during which her father wouldn't pull her out of Hogwarts or try to marry her off to someone else.

"What would you expect from me during this… courtship?" Cho asked, making Gray chuckle.

"That's up to you, this is a delaying tactic, four years to decide whether you will be my wife, a mistress or neither. If you want to merely pretend that you are attempting to convince me for your family's sake, so be it. As I said, normally I wouldn't care for your situation, I'm not such a nice person as to involve myself in other peoples troubles out of the kindness of my heart, but you're Keira's friend so I'm making an exception," Gray said bluntly. "That said, I've also already said I find you attractive and I wouldn't mind having it be a little more real, whether to convince your father or otherwise."

"If I became your mistress, what would be expected of me?" Cho asked after a pause.

"I'd expect you to play the part of a mistress, especially considering the price your father wants for you. My generosity has its limits, however if you mean how much freedom would you have?" Gray continued, seeing her nod. "Beyond expecting your loyalty, and services when I desire them, you'd be mostly free to live your own life, such as becoming a professional Quidditch player. I neither want nor need someone waiting on me at all hours of the day"

Her eyes briefly widened, did Keira tell him that much? But Keira herself looked surprised, how did he know-

"Keira mentioned you went to a Quidditch camp over winter, and while I don't follow Quidditch much, I do know you're the seeker for Ravenclaw, I've seen you practising late on occasion as well. It wasn't hard to work out that you want to go pro," Gray said simply.

Keira always did like talking about how smart her favourite sibling was, but she was starting to believe it.

"Any other questions?" Gray asked, making her shake her head.

"No, thank you. You've given me a lot to think about," Cho said gratefully.

It was far from perfect, because she genuinely loved Cedric, but things were looking brighter than before at least.

"Then I will leave you girls to catch up, Keira, Miss Chang," Gray said, rising and gathering his files.

"You can call me Cho, since we're going to be courting," Cho said, making him smile and give her a small nod.

"Of course, Cho. A pleasure to finally speak with you," Gray said with a respectful nod, turning and walking away.

"See, told you Gray was cool," Keira said, nudging her. "He could do with relaxing for once, but he's a great guy when you can pull him out of his books."

"He's certainly more dignified than Damian. Or you for that matter," Cho agreed, making Keira snort.

"Yeah, he really needs to let his hair down. So, things went to shit, huh?" Keira asked, making Cho sigh. "Wanna get some ice cream, go up to my room and talk shit about your family for a bit?"

"Definitely."

— Grayson Raum —

I am not so kind as to go out of my way for Cho, even if she is Keira's friend.

Forming a relationship with the Changs gives me contacts and influence in China, which I don't need now but I could certainly use in the future.

Cho herself is rebellious and bitter, she'd hate me if I took her as a mistress, but if I let her think it was her idea, her one shot at freedom, she'll be grateful for my help instead.

And if she decides to just call it quits at the end of the four years, runs away or something equally dramatic?

Well, that's not my problem. Four years is time enough to build a relationship with the Chinese magicals. Unlike many of my English brethren, I see no real difference between an English Pureblood and one from another country.

Perhaps some of the families would have been able to avoid becoming so inbred if they'd looked outside of England, outside of Europe, for a pureblood partner, instead of going the way of the Hapsburgs.

Cho is a potential tool, but not one valuable enough to warrant more attention than this, actually giving her the freedom she craves will work better than focusing on her too much.

Keira can keep an eye on her.

Her secrets were fairly boring, she tried recreational drugs at a party after one of Ravenclaw's rare victories, she slept with Cedric while drunk and didn't use protection.

Her mind is also laughably unprotected, she's just a bundle of rebellious anger mixed with genuine affection for her unfortunate former lover.

I do want her, I have to admit I was tempted to put those clauses to work- she filled that dress out very well but I am not controlled by my desires.

Well, not entirely.

Reading my Grimoire in the comfort of my room, I spend some time going through the options I have in the… marketplace?

Raum, the original, once built the largest library in any of the planes, and it seems I can use essence to summon Tomes from that library, hidden away in a pocket dimension within one of the hells.

Countless options, stolen knowledge taken from every plane, most of which would be mostly useless for me. There's also artefacts he collected that I can call upon.

I see two options that could help me immediately as I go through the library, a tome on scrying, to help me gather more secrets to use for that pact, or a tome on the magic of art, which I can use to enchant and enhance my paintings.

I can't afford both, and both could help me with different pacts. Not to mention they'll both help with my knowledge pact.

There's also a Tome on sex magic, but that's the least useful of the three even if it could help with my lust pact.

After a moment of deliberation, I make my choice. I'm still working on perfecting my art, and the scrying spells don't seem to be too mana intensive, so I come to a decision and the Grimoire shakes before it spits out a second smaller tome.

The Tome of Scrying, soon enough no secret will be safe from me.

I will see all, I will know all.

— Bonus Scene — Philippa Eilhart

Yennefer, of all women, made herself a slave.

The very concept baffled Philippa. She'd had her differences with Yennefer, but she knew Yennefer well enough to know that the Lady Raum-Black was as prideful as any of the Lodge members.

Motherhood does not change a woman so much as to make Yennefer throw aside her pride and freedom, even for her favourite son.

No, she was missing something.

Yennefer had derailed their plans magnificently, years of preparation wasted by a single action, but this just meant Yennefer had plans of her own.

Grayson wasn't supposed to know they existed, letting them subtly puppet him as he started his cult and eventually became a demon himself.

He was supposed to either marry a Lodge member, or the daughter of one, so they could use his wife to help guide him in whatever direction they desired.

Their own puppet demon lord would grant them immense power, letting several of them slip free of their bonds- at the thought, the seal on her lower stomach burned slightly as if to taunt her- but now?

Grayson knew they existed, and worse still, he knew they'd been planning to manipulate him for years, but this wasn't the end.

Not all was lost, not yet.

Hogwarts had already been infiltrated in preparation for Gray's awakening, and as intelligent as he allegedly was, he was still a teenage boy, hungry for power.

They couldn't rely on Triss, as she'd always been one of the softer members, and they couldn't control who he was going to marry with Grayson now controlling that himself.

Yennefer had certainly made things much harder, but she had too much to lose to give up on her plans.

Controlling Gray like she had wanted to just became nearly impossible, but that didn't mean Gray wasn't still the best solution to her problem.

Regardless of anything else, she needed Gray to become strong enough to wrestle her contract from her… patron. She didn't want to replace one master for another, but encouraging Gray's growth was her best shot.

Unfortunately, Yennefer wouldn't even let her meet the future demon lord, and while he wouldn't be in the Raum manor forever, getting access to him while he was in Hogwarts risked gaining Dumbledore's attention.

So she needed to nudge things so Grayson wouldn't be inside the castle for the entire year, because she wasn't even sure she had a year.

Author's Note: Yen isn't the kind of girl to let an attempt at blackmailing her for sex go just because Damian pussied out.

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