Black's reception. Part One

"Kenmei, this is a personal matter between you and Mei, but she will soon be my wife, and I would like to understand why she sees you only as a tutor and not as a father, which is how you truly are."

I immediately saw the spiritual connection between them. The fox may not possess the experience or sensitivity to recognize this connection, but I saw and understood it clearly. May is the daughter of an old fox!

"Eh... I had hoped you would not be able to see that. To be clear..." Kenmei's eyes dimmed, and it was evident how difficult it was for him to recall and reflect on the situation and the following words. "Then I am humiliated before Mei. I fear telling her the truth, for I was not there when Kumiho died. I did not have time to save my beloved, and I am terrified of what she will say to me when I tell her that I am her father."

— You are a fool, my dear fellow. She will be delighted to learn that her «biological» father is still alive!

— Why do I emphasize the word «biological»? Because ayakashi kitsunes do not inherit anything from their fathers. Only if the chanterelle's father is many orders of magnitude stronger than his mother does she stand a chance of receiving something from her father's energetic and physiological legacy that can be described as a spiritual gift.

And since Kumiho, Mei's mother, and her father Kenmei were approximately equal in strength, my fox-woman only inherited the color of her fur from her father. She is my brown one, and when she transforms into her fox shape, she becomes brown.

Oh, yes, I have another question for you. Why did you not attempt to assault me when you discovered that I was your princess' chosen one? To which I promptly received an answer, sometimes indignant, but sincere.

Would I, were I so inclined, be able to do anything to you? Our abilities are incommensurable, but that is not even the crux of the matter. I am aware that you abhor assuming responsibility or burdening yourself with anything, yet what little you deem to be yours, you would never relinquish. As long as you draw breath, I know that my daughter is secure, for the only way to reach her is to step over your corpse. Thus, when the ancient Tsuchigumo prophesied Tanabata as my daughter's consort, I viewed it as more auspicious than otherwise. At the very least, you are a known evil, and your attitude towards the fairer sex is not malevolent.

Well, well, well. In theory, I can partially understand him, but not completely and not fully. Until I become a father, I cannot confidently speak about how I would act in a similar situation. However, the fact that I am an ideal candidate for his daughter's husband is an undeniable truth.

Regarding Tanabata, she is the most ancient tsuchigumo in the mystical realm of Asia. Her true powers remain a mystery, but it is known that none of the foolish demons or other gifted individuals who attempted to capture, kill, or consume Tanabata ever saw her again. This ancient tsuchigumo served as Asia's most powerful prophet and seer, and everything she foretold inevitably came to pass.

And you won't even mention my other two wives? Mei won't be the first to be mentioned?

"What is there to say?" Kenmei inquired, "You cannot return to the past, can you? And your marriage to both Maria and Koneka?"

Upon hearing my confirmation, he continued: "No, no undoing! I see nothing wrong with it. Your eldest wife has proven herself in Europe as a formidable and swift-to-recoil sorceress, commanding respect and fear. The same can be said of your second wife, and thus of the family name of the former. I am even pleased that my daughter will have such company."

Oh dear... The harem continues to grow, and there seems to be no way for me to avoid adding to it one more time. No, I am not complaining, mind you, but I did not set out with such intentions in mind. Only my exceptional abilities allow me to navigate the intricate dynamics of these relationships.

Even though Maria was raised in the late medieval period, where sorcerers could have multiple wives, albeit rarely, she herself was deeply religious, bordering on fanaticism. A devout Catholic to the core, she never imagined that her future household could consist of anything other than herself, her husband, and their children.

It was only due to the fact that I chose to take her surname as my second name that our triad formed such a harmonious and beautiful unit in the early stages of our union.

The fact that Maria experienced all the emotions her cat felt towards me, and that I imprinted on her surname following the bonding ritual between me and Koneka, whose reverberations were detected by my former student, facilitated Maria's acceptance of the notion that she was not the sole recipient.

Moreover, the relationships that I have established and cultivated within my family did not give rise to circumstances or situations that could potentially lead to discord or conflict. Since we, as immortal beings, are aware that neither partner in the sacred bond of marriage can alter the other, we were able to peacefully part ways for extended periods, each pursuing our own pursuits, yet only one of us felt the need to see the other.

As we both learned to appreciate this aspect of our relationship, we hastened to reunite, whereupon either a passionate and intense sexual encounter or a heartfelt conversation and embrace would ensue. At times, each of us experienced a pang of acute longing for the presence of one of our triad, seeking solace in the embrace of our beloved, unable to resist the allure of their scent or the desire to relive the moments of touch and kiss.. And then, as if inspired, one could once again undertake other essential tasks, such as conducting research or studying, and the productivity of one's work after such lengthy periods would sharply increase. This is the purpose of relationships and emotions. They should not weigh one down, but rather serve as an impetus to move forward, surpassing oneself, for the sake of oneself and one's loved ones, whose progress one can delight in. Relationships ought to be different. They ought not to be mundane. If one feels at ease alongside their partner, whether it be a third or a half (depending on the capacity of one's heart and the number of its sensible components and facets), it signifies that one has achieved harmony in a particular niche or aspect of multifaceted existence and relationships.. In this situation, you should endeavor to do everything in your power to turn this woman into your confidante and ally in the frivolities that sometimes men and women seek to engage in. You should inspire her with your interests and allow yourself to be captivated by hers, but much already depends on the choice made. I am fortunate in this regard, as they are both delightful hosts and energetic catalysts, thanks to whom I love this world increasingly more and desire to protect it lest I lose my own happiness and inner peace.

For me, Maria and her kitten have become the primary source of joy and relaxation, and now my task is simply to prevent our feelings from becoming mired in daily routine. To accomplish this, I must give her space to explore herself, help her find her path, and provide support along the way. Likewise, my girls shall strive to do the same for me.

And since I was directly involved in their upbringing, I assisted them in choosing a beneficial path for themselves. Let them pursue magic and strive for power; it is not a bad thing at all. What is truly dreadful is when a sensible individual aspires for nothing.

By the way, has Kakeru survived? After my vassal assumed control over Japan, I became curious about his fate but could not find any information about him.

Kakeru, a close companion of Nura, was an ayakashi whose animal form resembled a poisonous arboreal frog. In his animal form, naturally, he could assume the size and weight of an amphibian, approximately ninety kilograms, like any other frog. He was also an old ayakashi, having lived for at least a millennium.

"They took his life," Kenmei trailed off, and I refrained from further inquiries about Nura's companion. My curiosity about him arose only because Nurarihyona, the original, regarded the frog as a cherished friend with whom they shared moments of camaraderie, imbibing sake and engaging in mischievous escapades. It would have been peculiar not to inquire about the frog.

In a somber tone, our conversation came to an end, and after several moments of silence, punctuated by sips of sake, we bid each other farewell, and I departed for Hogwarts.

*******

"My dear, do you by any chance know who is standing over there in that corner?" she asked in a graceful gesture that did not appear to be directed at a specific location, as if the lady were merely adjusting her sleeve.

"Hmm. I'm not sure, my dear, but this must be someone from the upper echelons of European aristocracy. You're the most knowledgeable when it comes to fabrics among us, yet I cannot identify the specific type of enchanted silk that is used for some elements of their wardrobe, nor any of the other materials that make up their clothing. Hmm… Could it be Ormarr Drake?"

Abraxas recalled his son's words when Lucius had spoken of the new professor and his attire. Lucius mentioned boots crafted from the skin of some unknown serpent, more formidable than a basilisk, and a black silk shirt. Now, he could see elements of it on the stranger, but instead of the natural black silk of a shirt, there was a scarf made from the same fabric, though Professor Drake's shirt was scarlet and not dyed, but of its natural hue.

How might Abraxas have determined this by eye? This was one of the familial gifts that gave rise to their dynasty. Their ancestry can be traced back to the eighth or ninth century, though the exact dates are uncertain, and it all started when a shepherd's daughter in the French Alps bore a gifted child with the ability to spin. This girl was not the offspring of some wandering sorcerer; she was an orphan, and she and her father were fortunate that the first magus who encountered her was an illegitimate son of a magical family who had not been acknowledged.

When this wizard realised who stood before him in the wilderness of the French mountains, he promptly took the girl in his care, fell in love with her, and then wed her through a magical ritual, using which he established the family on that very day. At that time, there were numerous weak sources of magic on earth that could sustain the altar and the creation of clan magic.

And at the very moment when, during the consummation of their union, the unlawful offspring took his bride upon a stone outcropping in the midst of the mountains, they discovered a fissure that concealed a magical spring. Thus, the Malfoy lineage was forged, and with it, together with the blood of his bride, came the first gift that the new Lady of the house of Malfoy was to bear.

This gift endowed her with the ability to discern fabrics, an intuitive understanding of their quality, manufacturing methods, and so on. On an instinctual level, she could discern the yarn and materials employed in garment production.

Of course, this particular magical gift is known only to the Malfoys, who have not shared this unique aspect of their familial magic with anyone else. It was a revelation for Abraxas to discover that he could utilize the legacy of his bloodline, which had begun the story of his family, to his advantage.

After scrutinizing the prospective Hogwarts instructor, Lord Malfoy shifted his focus to his companion, a woman of great grace and refinement. While Mr. Drake, clad in black trousers tucked into tall leather boots, wore a dark green doublet with a shortened, waist-length black robe embroidered in silver with serpentine designs, his companion sported a sumptuous and opulent dress in a rich, vibrant shade of green. The most captivating aspect of her attire, however, was the veil that adorned her face.. If from this vantage point it were impossible to discern the countenance of the beauty — of which there could be no doubt — for the very form of the young maiden had become the focal point of attention for the entire audience now gathered in the grandiose reception hall at number 12, Grimmauld Place, Abraxas yearned to draw near to the pair as soon as possible, seeking a fleeting glimpse of the ethereal beauty through the diaphanous veil that concealed her features. The enchanting proprietor of such perfect form, whose every gesture enthralled those around her, had cast a spell upon them, leaving them transfixed.

Lord Malfoy found himself compelled to check for any extraneous influences several times, only to find none. Yet, once again, he found himself captivated by this mesmerizing spectacle, struggling to tear his gaze away from the beautiful diva.. Even the manner in which she simply stood next to her counterpart, Professor Drake, executing each movement with a deliberate slowness and meticulousness, served to captivate attention more effectively than any other means. This act elicited admiration from the male portion of the audience, while simultaneously evoking envy and sometimes even hatred, accompanied by messages of dire consequences, from the female contingent.

Today, a grand soirée was held at the residence of the most noble and illustrious Black family. The peculiarity of this gathering lay in the fact that its purpose remained shrouded in mystery, yet the significance of the event was evident from the high calibre of the attendees.

On this occasion, Grimmauld Place welcomed not only the heads of prominent clans seated in the House of Lords but also a multitude of influential figures from various branches of the Ministry, accompanied by their esteemed deputies. Furthermore, the list of guests extended to include dignitaries from across the Channel, hailing from France.

Moreover, each of these individuals embodied the essence of their respective nations' aristocracy, leaving an indelible impression on the assembled crowd. Amongst the esteemed guests were also present a select few of England's renowned wizarding masters, acknowledged by their guilds.

"I do not know how to respond to this," Lady Malfoy said after a brief pause, addressing her husband's statement. "Be prepared for anything that may occur at this gathering. Gaunt was enraged when he heard about the event tonight and that he was not invited."

Abraxas, having downed his glass of fizzing wine in a single draught, set the now-empty crystal vessel on the table before him. With a firm grasp on his wife's elbow, he embarked on a stroll through the hall. Before commencing his circuit, he surreptitiously scanned the entire space with his gaze, already plotting in his mind the path that would take him, seemingly by chance, to a pair of guests standing apart from the crowd, drawing the attention of all the esteemed attendees but having yet to engage with anyone or be approached by any.

*******

"My dear, why have you summoned me here? What is our purpose in this place?" Maria was not pleased that I had diverted her from her business with the convent of which she had once been the abbess. A peculiar patient had been brought to this establishment for healing, and even the most eminent physicians of the Roman medical guild, including its current head, had been incapable of providing relief. This patient turned out to be a prominent magician hailing from a lineage of patrician families that traced their roots back to the inception of the Catholic Church. In homage to his ancestors and current family, who without malice or meanness serve the cause of faith in One and Rome, his brother being a cardinal, the unfortunate man was referred to a convent where the majority of the sisters underwent rigorous training in healing under my wife's guidance. However, even in this setting, they were unable to provide assistance, prompting the convent abbess to take the drastic step of seeking assistance from her former mentor and leader, Maria Badoer.

"My dear, do not be so silly," I said, "have you not once dreamed of shining at social events with me, so that ladies might envy you and men might wring their hands at your dazzling beauty?"

I continued, "As a responsible and caring husband, I am willing to do much, but to fulfill my wife's dreams!"

"Enough already," she replied, "I remember too! I was not even fifteen when I dreamed of such things. By the way..." and her eyes, which had turned into the eyes of a prosecutor, turned towards me. "How do you know the thoughts that have visited my mind? Have you used mental magic on me since I was young?"

Her indignation was feigned, but it was necessary for her to regain control. My teasing had brought her back to the days of her youth, when she had plunged into the madness of teenage feelings about me during her hormonal storms.

Herein lies one of the fundamental predicaments for any deity. Were it not to be born originally and traverse the path to divinity through arduous trials, rigorous training, and self-discovery leading to self-mastery and exquisite control over its own powers, its skills and capabilities would not be sufficient to maintain its own beings under check, to curb its fiery temper.

This is precisely because all gods, holders of the ninth sphere, possess an absolute recall of events within the mental realm and the corresponding emotions within the sensual essence, which overwhelm the soul at each moment of its existence. Thus, it often occurs that a divine entity, unable to cope with its thoughts and emotions, should an event occur that triggers a response within its memories, is overwhelmed by feelings akin to those experienced at that moment in its past. For instance, if someone close to a god were to pass away in a thunderstorm.. He then descended into a state of fury, causing destruction, and from that moment on, this deity and its entourage must be on guard, wary of a thunderstorm, for it may evoke memories of the sensual essence, triggered by either a thunderstorm or any other event or natural phenomenon or word, leading to a recurrence of those events that accompany such a situation. The deity, already burdened by negative emotions, would once again become embroiled in a maddening cataclysm.

It was not without reason that I invested so much time in training my protégée in meditation, organizing her mind and honing her control over her spiritual faculties. Thanks to these efforts, my young disciple can now easily cope with such déjà vu experiences, preventing her emotions from gaining control over her mind or herself.

"No, of course not, my dear. I have never directly applied my mental gift to you without your consent, and I have always warned you about it. When your mind was occupied with such thoughts, there was no need for me to read your mind, for if I feigned distraction, you would give me a telling look. With my life experience, it was not difficult to guess what was on your mind. Your face was expressive and animated, so it was easy for me to understand your thoughts and dreams without the use of any psychic abilities. Don't forget that I am a strong empath, and your emotions also provided me with insights, making it clear and understandable to me."

I began to explain further, but as she returned to her youthful state, filled with hormone-driven fantasies, we decided to end this conversation.

"Very well, my dear, I shall be quiet," he said, and immediately turned the conversation to the topic of local society and the upcoming gala. "I understand your point of view perfectly, for I am not particularly fond of social events either, but I am obliged to be here tonight. It is primarily about me, and tonight's ritual will make the Black family my vassals."

"And though the guests might not be aware of it, the significance of tonight's event is quite profound. The succession of the head of a family, not through the younger generation replacing the ancestor, but rather through the resurrection of an ancestor's descendant, is an extraordinary occurrence even in the magical world."

And she spoke as if in judgment, yet I sensed on her part delight and admiration for me, mingled with pride in herself for having found such happiness in me. Meanwhile, we engaged in an unhurried conversation, unwilling to join the local society, for only the Green-grasses were present. Yet, seeing my wife and me standing and chatting merrily, they respected our solitude, not risking to test our patience with their persistent attention. They believed they had won the lottery by securing their heiress as my apprentice. However, Malfoy was attempting to maneuver discreetly from one group to another, saluting the magical elite of England. At this rate, he would reach us in a matter of minutes.

— What can I say, my dear? You are correct. I enjoy turning everything on its head and watching sensible people scramble about, trying to maintain their footing in a rapidly changing landscape. However, compared to me, you are but a young soul. With time, you shall attain my age and comprehend all for yourself, but for now, simply accept that merely going with the tide is both tedious and perilous to your health and wellbeing.

Yet, when you attempt to seize fate — yours and those close to you — in your own hands, you will undoubtedly become the very troublemaker you have described me as. For, otherwise, it cannot be, for to fashion everything in one's life according to one's desires, one must contend with the inherent course of events. After all, what is a natural order when one is adrift on the currents? It is a script of life dictated by another, and to lead one's own life, one must exert great effort.

Oh, oh… A philosophical discussion, and once again I put on the guise of a sage. It was worth it to be alone with my spouse and bring up an interesting topic in conversation, if one can call it that, in a crowded room where about four hundred intellectuals are busy trying to eavesdrop, if they can, on a conversation not meant for their ears. However, we need not concern ourselves with that, as Maria has cast a spell that prevents any sound from reaching farther than half a meter from us, so long as my spouse and I are the only deities in the room, no one else can hear us.

"Salazar, I would like to ask a favor of you," she said, surprising me by addressing me by my given name.

I responded immediately, "Of course, my love. What is it that you require?" as the Malfoy couple drew closer to us.

"Shall we, after tonight's ritual, you, I, and Koneka, go to our retreat on the island? We've been seeing one another so rarely of late, always in such a rush, busy with one thing or another. Let us spend a week in solitude on the island, just the three of us, the hot, sun-drenched weather, the salty sea air, the beach, and no clothing! You understand, my dear, and I'm delighted that you're listening."

"It would be my pleasure," she replied. "How could it be otherwise? With only pleasure! Me, surrounded by two beauties, who belong to me both in body and spirit, as I belong to them, in a bungalow, with delicious food, and equally impressive beverages!"

Maria finally turned her attention to a blonde couple a few paces away from them. "The local eccentrics wish to demonstrate their superiority," she remarked. "Look at them?"

"Good evening, gentlemen," Lord Abraxas said, approaching the couple. "Allow me to introduce myself, Abraxas Malfoy, and my wife, Anabelle Malfoy."

Good evening, Lord and Lady Malfoy," I said, making a slight bow. "I am Professor Ormarr Drake, and this is my companion, Maria, who has chosen to remain incognito tonight, wearing a veil.

I paused, expecting Abraxas Malfoy to respond. However, I sensed a contemptuous and sensual message emanating from Anabelle Malfoy directed at Maria. Following the emotion, I heard lewd thoughts about her. How foolish! My wife could sense everything and read Maria like an open book.

*** Lord Malfoy ***

Finally, I had managed to traverse the long journey to the presence of the new professor at Hogwarts, who was intrigued by our «lord». Hm… And up close, his companion was even more enticing. She exuded a palpable aura of femininity and ardour. One might have mistaken her for a Vayla, yet I was equipped with an artefact capable of shielding me from the effects these beings had on the minds of men, and hers was on an entirely different plane. Such an experience could be likened to encountering a goddess. The thought amused me greatly.

But jokes aside, before me was an enigmatic figure, a professor brought to England under the patronage of those at the pinnacle of the MCM, and his candidacy for a position within Albus's domain – Hogwarts, in England – was unassailable.. Dumbledore's authority was not sufficient, so he had to take matters into his own hands and bring him in, where he, from the outset, made it clear that he would not bend to the headmaster's will. Based on the information he gathered, he appeared to be a staunch upholder of tradition, and his lectures to the first-years suggested that he hailed from a very old family. However, the information that Omarr efficiently manages and imparts to the students is kept securely in the Malfoy Library, behind seven locks, in a hidden, restricted section.

And now I had a complete understanding of Mr. Drake, which would allow me to regain my position at the Gaunt. During the course of our acquaintance, I must make every effort to extract as much information from Ormarr as possible about his personality and the interests he represents. He cannot be an independent actor, there is someone behind him, and I must discover who.

His appearance at this critical juncture in the arena of upcoming conflicts in England, where the fate of the country will be decided in the coming years, is not a coincidence. Abraxas recognized that there was an excellent chance that the confrontation between Albus and Marvolo could escalate into a violent military conflict. Given the current state of their leader, this seemed the most likely outcome. And Abraxas wanted to know what unknown force had chosen to intervene in the affairs of England.

But what transpired thereafter did not conform to his expectations. Abraxas had not anticipated that his beloved Anabelle would deliver such a setback.

Following the professor's introduction, during which he disclosed his own identity and the name of the young woman accompanying him, who sought to maintain her anonymity at the Black's soirée, albeit for reasons that were not yet evident, his wife emitted a derisive snort upon Ormarr's conclusion.

Neither the professor nor his colleague reacted in any manner. Malfoy seethed with rage at his wife's conduct, yet he maintained a façade of composure in public. Such displays of jealousy had never before been evident in his spouse, much less in a public setting.

Indeed, he gazed at the countenance of Maria, whose identity remained veiled, but his gaze was primarily focused on gathering information about Drake, with whom his companion might hold the key to unlocking his past. Nevertheless, he could not deny to himself that even with her face obscured, the young woman before Lord Malfoy elicited a stirring in his loins, and only his strict self-discipline and carefully selected attire prevented him from embarrassing himself.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Professor Drake," I said, "Lucius is quite excited about your lectures, and so are all the students in their first year at Hogwarts, so far as I am aware."

"And now it's time to introduce a new element to our conversation, something completely unfamiliar," Lord Malfoy mused, eager to engage his interlocutors as swiftly as possible, putting aside the incident that his wife had recently caused, "and you, Maria — have you ever been to England before? I trust that the hospitality of the Black family has not failed to impress you?"

I glanced around at the opulent surroundings that exuded an aura of luxury and abundance. "This is my first time attending a high-society gathering in England, but so far, it has been delightful. Although I recently received a stimulating challenge in my field of expertise and was prepared to embark on a challenging project, I am not regretting that Mr. Drake invited me to accompany him to this event, providing a welcome distraction from my work."

Maria was a veritable enchantress. Her voice was like a babbling brook, a spring drop tinkling with tenderness and playfulness, like a cool breeze on a sunny summer day, caressing not just the body, but the very soul. One might fall in love just listening to her voice, and it was perhaps this that added another burden to the scales of Anabelle's jealousy, provoking another outburst.

Abraxas seemed to be floating, clinging to his last reserves not to reveal his true state, but his wife alone sensed the moment and deftly sidestepped.

"Hm…" The disdain and scorn in this hm would not go unnoticed by an imbecile. To be honest, I find it difficult to believe in your disclosure; it sounds more like the fantasy of a naïve… young lady (Anabelle emphasized the pause, indicating that she did not want to use the word "girl" to describe Maria). She seemed to be extremely carried away…

And here, one might ponder what precisely was meant by Lord Malfoy's wife's statement. Was she enamored with deception? Engaged in escapades unbecoming of a noblewoman? Indeed, almost any contemporary member of the English aristocracy could humiliate or embarrass their opponent without resorting to profanity or direct obscenities, without providing their adversary with a reason for a duel.

The magical world, despite its apparent backwardness in terms of societal progress, is a rigidly traditional society when it comes to gender relations, as magic levels the inherent power disparity between men and women. Aristocratic etiquette allows for the possibility of a lady who has insulted a reasonable man to challenge her to a duel. However, Anabelle has now ventured to the very brink.

It would seem that there was no explicit insult, yet this did not justify tolerating such an apparent display of temper. Since the Malfoys had begun their acquaintance with Drake and Maria, they were no longer under the influence of the divine manifestation of Maria, who was unwilling to publicly communicate with her husband, as was the case with her acquaintance with Lord and Lady Malfoy.

Now, all the curious individuals who had been listening in on the conversation between the noble Malfoy couple and the unknown individuals had turned into a single, attentive ear. Indeed, it was unprecedented for the Malfoy family to initiate public conflicts in the memory of those present, and all their arguments were settled behind the walls and doors of their offices. However, today was an extraordinary day: the always composed and unflinching Anabelle Malfoy abruptly snapped at a guest of the Black household.. She had, at the very least, demonstrated her less than favorable attitude towards the party organizing the current celebration, having dared to veiledly insults their guest, whom the hosts had deemed worthy of their esteemed company. Furthermore, she provoked a confrontation with a young lady whose family background remained unknown, though given the nature of the gathering and the expense of her attire, it was clear that she hailed from a prominent background.

Abraxas, already cursing the heavens for everything in this world, both his foolish wife and Drake, who arrived at the reception in the embodiment of perfection and allure, were rendered speechless. As he sought a way out of this predicament, a thought occurred to him, and he formed a dreadful suspicion as to the identity of the individual standing before them, to whom his wife so carelessly showed her jealousy.

The dress, its style, and the inclusion of a veil — all of which were highly popular in Venice during the sixteenth century, owing to the city's trade relations with the Islamic world — brought to Europe a fashion for veiling the faces of young women, as well as an unparalleled beauty that could not be concealed even beneath the impenetrable fabric of their attire. A slight Italian accent, along with a few strands of golden blonde hair falling from beneath a shawl adorned with a tiara, framed the face of Maria, whose very name evoked a sense of intrigue and mystery.

Maria, an Italian woman of exceptional charm, was considered a master of her craft, and the Black community deemed her worthy of participating in their festivities. Her confidence was evident in every careless gesture and cheerful word she uttered. Oh, if only she were not Maria Badoer — the notorious "Vatican Bitch" and the goddaughter of the current pope!

"You know, my dear," Maria's voice resonated in response to Annabelle's taunts, which only served to affirm her own judgment and plunge Abraxas into a chasm of despair. "For a long time now, I have not encountered a fool who would dare to be so blatantly rude to me. Even speaking ill of me behind closed doors is something to be feared. But the irony of the situation is this: apart from Salazar Slytherin, whom your family has somehow offended and from whom you received the curse of being an only child, I am the sole certified and experienced healer who can lift it from you. However, after what you have said, Annabelle Malfoy — about questioning my qualifications and expertise — I will never treat someone like you again, and I shall inform my students not to take orders from someone of your ilk. After all, if I am not good enough for you, neither are they."

With that, she dismissed Annabelle, her countenance reflecting her displeasure.

During the course of his speech, an ominous silence prevailed in a third of the grand hall where this amusing altercation took place. Abraxas was not the sole one to have put two and two together, and the crowd was now reeling from the revelation that Maria Badoer had been present in the room, incognito. For the unveiling of her identity, all were grateful to Anabelle, the idiot, who appeared unable to comprehend who was before her but sensed the atmosphere around her and understood that something was amiss.

As Abraxas stood on the verge of falling to his knees, ready to beg forgiveness, having been well-versed in the history of the conflict between the Medici and Maria as well as its consequences, Orion Black emerged in the center of the hall. He immediately drew attention to himself, loudly elucidating the reason for the festive occasion to the assembled guests.