Malfoy Downfall 1

As chaos engulfed magical Britain, rumors concerning the return of You-Know-Who, ritualistic sacrifices, and the alleged innocence of the notorious Black heir polarized the public. Numerous people demanded justice, while a larger portion prioritized security. Noble families were particularly fearful of the Dark Lord's resurgence, especially those who had professed to be under the Imperius Curse. Nonetheless, no family endured more scrutiny than the Malfoys. As many noble households were aware, Lucius had been maneuvering for his heir to assume the Black mantle, but with Sirius's potential exoneration, his plan faced jeopardy. In the midst of this turmoil, the individual responsible for the drama traveled across Europe with his cousin, seeking to reestablish old Black contracts.

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(Austria)

(House of Habsburg)

A stunning and peaceful home is located in a mountainous region of the Alps, surrounded by towering peaks and lush vegetation. Homes like this typically feature wood paneling, stone facades, and large windows that offer sweeping views of the mountains, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

This home was once the residence of the renowned Habsburg family, who had controlled much of Austria in both the mundane and magical realms. However, their influence diminished after World War 1, and when they attempted to discreetly wield magic to alter events in their favor, the ICW intervened swiftly, leaving them isolated and powerless. Despite this, as an ancient family, they still possessed considerable resources. During Grindelwald's war, their heirs were captured at Durmstrang, and Cassiopeia Black and her men rescued them, earning the gratitude of the Habsburg family. The Black family seized this opportunity to forge a strong alliance with them.

Inside a well-appointed office sat an older man with a stoic demeanor - Jakob Habsburg. Opposite him sat Sirius Black, clad in black.

Between them lay an Austrian newspaper detailing the events unfolding in Britain.

"Setting the whole country ablaze, yet finding the leisure to visit the Alps. There must be more to this visit, Lord Black," Habsburg remarked.

Maintaining a composed posture, Sirius responded, "In addition to visiting as the new Lord Black, I wanted to reestablish some alliance contracts."

The current Lord Habsburg grimaced slightly. "Lord Black, you must have realized that our influence is now quite limited; we cannot assist you in most of your endeavors."

Sirius sipped his hot drink. "But I have assured that a family of your standing, no matter how desolate, can still benefit from this alliance."

Lord Habsburg momentarily bristled at the reminder of his family's decline but retained his composure as the weaker party in the alliance. Furthermore, the magical aura emanating from the man across from him kept him in check.

He leaned forward, hands beneath his chin. "What service would that be?"

"Intelligence," Sirius replied.

"And what benefit would we receive?"

Sirius's calm demeanor vanished, and he declared, "You will be compensated with resources proportionately, but the information must be accurate and valuable."

Habsburg leaned back, mulling over the offer. Acquiring wealth and resources in exchange for intelligence would benefit his house greatly, but it hinged on whom they needed to spy on. He couldn't refuse House Black due to the binding contracts.

"What kind of intelligence would you need?" Habsburg inquired.

Sirius's face transformed into a predatory grin. "Malfoy."

Habsburg appeared shocked for a moment before his eyes returned to the newspaper. He began chuckling. "Hahaha, you have a deal, Lord Black."

"Jakob, you may call me Sirius."

The two men shook hands, sealing the agreement.

In another part of Europe, a similar deal was struck.

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(Bulgaria)

(House of Dimitrov)

Petar Dimitrov, the current Patriarch of the House of Dimitrov, was a burly man in his mid-forties.

"Lady Lestrange, is gathering information on Malfoy the sole requirement for this alliance to function? Nothing else? Surely we could provide a workforce or something more?" Petar inquired.

Bellatrix wore a cold and haughty expression. "Indeed, the House of Dimitrov must broaden its scope from Bulgaria to the rest of Europe to uncover anything valuable. Business facilities, primary profit sources, associates – anything. The House of Black will handle everything else."

Petar appeared contemplative before shrugging. "As you wish, my Lady. The House of Dimitrov will support the House of Black."

"I will inform Lord Black that the House of Dimitrov has upheld the alliance," Bellatrix said before rising to leave.

"May magic light your path, Lady Lestrange," Petar responded.

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(France, Paris)

(Sirius Pov)

Bellatrix and I had reached the final stop on our brief European tour, which had taken us to Bulgaria, Austria, Hungary, Norway, and France. We had successfully reestablished all alliances with the House of Black, with a strong emphasis on gathering intelligence on Malfoy. My objective was to expand our spy network into a spiderweb that would capture every detail about Malfoy, enabling me to strategize his downfall.

The De Bombelles family in France would be the final nail in Malfoy's coffin. This family had been severely impacted during the Grindelwald war, to the point where their business was obliterated. They had been trying to rebuild, but their rival families had not allowed them any respite.

For some time, the De Bombelles family had been considering starting a new venture in Britain.

(House of De Bombelles)

As I sat in the De Bombelles family's opulent mansion, I couldn't help but question whether they were genuinely oppressed, despite their assertions. Éliott De Bombelles, the portly man before me, seemed cheerful, but I recognized it as a pretense. Having experienced oppression from multiple families, he had learned to conceal his true emotions.

Lord Black and Lady Lestrange, you mentioned that you would aid House De Bombelles in acquiring a permit from the Ministry to initiate operations in Britain. However, to my knowledge, both of you remain fugitives without any legal power.

I sense a magical bubble from Bella; her sneer hints at an impending curse. But with a gentle touch on her arm, she halts.

Regaining my composure, I say, "I am in the process of obtaining a fair trial, which will ultimately vindicate me. I plan to seek compensation from the Ministry, and with that, I can assist you in negotiating favorable tax terms for your family business."

Éliott's eyes sparkle, indicating that he has already accepted the deal. Bringing up my legal status was merely a tactic to bolster his negotiating position. I am willing to overlook this, given the significance of the task at hand.

He leans back, inquiring, "How can my family express our gratitude?"

I visibly see Bella grinding her teeth in frustration. I comprehend her irritation. Éliott's attitude is not that of an ally but of an arrogant mercenary. Our families didn't merely support one another; they fought together. This alliance should be viewed as an equal partnership, unlike some others.

"Well," I respond, "I'd like you to organize an event and invite some distinguished families. For..."

He cut me off, "I don't think that's a good idea to involve my allies in whatever you are cooking up.

Now I was getting irritated. I loosened my control on my magic, allowing it to pour out and increase the pressure in the room.

As the pressure increased, the atmosphere grew heavy. Magic pulsed with intensity.

De Bombelles' breath quickened while Bellatrix already had her wand out and a sneer fixed on her face.

I said, "Elliot, be quiet and listen." Meanwhile, Bella snarled at him from beside me, "Frenchman, you have been trying my patience. In case you've forgotten, you are in the presence of Sirius Black, the new Lord of House Black, and me, Lady Lestrange, who once served as the right hand of a Dark Lord."

The heavy magic dissipated, and Elliot slumped in his seat, breathless.

"Huff Huff"

His jovial demeanor vanished. He stared intently at us before relenting, "I apologize, my Lords. I meant no disrespect."

I nodded. "As I was saying, set up a grand event, inviting officials and nobles alike. For this event, request the Malfoy family's attendance. Discuss how you want to start a business in England."

Before he could reply, I added, "Before you consider betraying the alliance, remember that the Malfoys won't grant you the concessions I will."

He fell silent before smiling sheepishly, having been preempted. "No, how could I dishonor our sacred alliance?"

"Oh, do invite Veela waitresses."

He appeared confused but complied nonetheless.

Now, I wait.

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