Summer break

*Narrator pov*

In wizarding Britain during the summer, enchanting warmth permeates the air, accompanied by the magical fragrance of bewitched flowers that bloom in vibrant hues. The sun casts a golden glow on ancient castles and magical landscapes. Quidditch matches soar through the skies, leaving trails of spellbinding colors as wizards and witches revel in the joy of the season. Hidden wizarding spots, like the Burrow or Diagon Alley, come alive with the buzz of magical activity, creating a whimsical and delightful atmosphere.

Inside an old ancient home, a meeting was being held, Arcturus Black, Cassiopeia Black, and Morpheus sat inside a room with a wide circular table.

"So why should we wait to heal my granddaughter's mind Morpheus, I would love to hear your reasoning," Arcturus said with a slight glare

Morpheus smiled at the man, "Ah, you shouldn't wait at all my friend, in fact, I think you should fix the issue as soon as this afternoon! But; what I must tell you is do not try and sway her from joining the next dark lord," his eyes seemed to carry a mysterious glint

"And why not, isn't that one of the factors leading up to our demise the division of our house?" Cassiopeia asked pointedly seeming to be in no mood for Morpheus's antics

"She's a teenage girl, wouldn't telling her not to join be the same as encouraging her to join? Anyway, that's not the main factor it truly doesn't matter if she joins the next dark lord, that isn't your biggest concern no you should focus on the marriages your son is planning," Morpheus replied looking at Arcturus

"The marriages, yes they should be a main focus but, I still think her joining the dark lord will be a burden to this house. We are allies if you know something share it," Arcturus said with a frown etched onto his face

Morpheus laughed, "I do know something but, that little book of yours tells you to ally yourself with me doesn't it? Why don't you trust your ancestors," his words seemed to cut deep into Arcturus and Cassiopeia's souls

"How do you know about that!" Cassiopeia demanded slamming her fist onto the table

Morpheus smiled innocently, "I like to talk to people,"

Only Morpheus knew he meant he was angry that the Black family kept avoiding his alliance so he summoned the dead to have a little heart-to-heart.

"Did you really think you could hide that from me? You're too young," Morphues laughed at them before getting up from his chair

"Though, since we are in an alliance I might as well help you out here, Sirius Black seems to have a lot of untapped talent. Do not smother him but, guide him. You might not think the Black family is suited for the Gryffindor house but, the most fearsome member of your family I've ever met was from Gryffindor," Morpheus said with a reminiscent look on his face

"How have I never heard of him?" Cassiopeia asked

"He made one too many enemies so he changed his name and erased every trace back to the Black family," Morpheus told them the truth

"What was the name he changed to?" Arcturus asked curiously

Morpheus smiled, "You should know him, Cadogan,"

"That portrait? Impossible he couldn't be a part of the Black family," Arcturus said in disbelief

"He once was, after meeting Arthur he became a different man, a man of great honor and virtue, and he died like one," Morpheus admitted

Arcturus was in disbelief, he had talked to that portrait many times during his years in Hogwarts, and never once did Cadogan show any signs of being a part of the Black family.

"Before I leave I must you to use your methods to find everything you can about these people, the more information the better. They are using some rather annoying wards to block my visions," Morpheus said with an easy laugh

Cassiopeia grabbed the list and nodded, "Yes, this is easy I will have the information in a week or so," she told him

Morpheus nodded and left through the floo.

"Cadogan? Really, I must find some time to chat with him again,"

*Morpheus pov*

I sat in my parlor with Negary lounging on my lap, a glass of wine at my side, and the soft tune of a violin playing in the background.

The demons and some other creatures Negary found lurking in the human world seem to be prepared against me. They have astonishing wards and enchantments around them to prevent my visions.

I was prepared for this though, the Black family has the strongest information network I've ever seen. Even with all of my years on earth, I could never make something so perfect.

Why waste the resources when I can have someone do it for me?

My floo lit with a gentle green flame, "Ah, Nicolas glad you could come," I beckoned him to sit

"My friend, what have you called me for?" Nicolas asked getting right into business

"There is no rush my friend have a drink," I replied while a drink appeared beside him

He scoffed, "No rush? You've been single for far too long,"

"Perenelle running you ragged?" I joked while he nodded and took a sip of whisky

"Of course she is, have you met my beautiful wife?" he replied while seemingly looking to see if she would pop out from somewhere

"No need to be worried my friend, she won't chase you down here," I said with an amused smirk

"Bah, she would chase me to the depths of hell and I would do the same," he said fondly, I could see the deep love he held for Perenelle in his eyes

"What do you want anyways?" he asked

"I need you to make some of those letters for me, my stash seems to have withered," I laughed lightly seeing his immediate scowl

"Those are hard to make, Perenelle will have to help which means I'll have to convince her," he groaned

"I need them in a week, Nicolas they are very important," I said calmly taking a sip of my wine

"What makes you think they will fall for it again?" Nicolas asked

"Hubris," I replied pointedly

"How many?" he asked

"As much as you can make in a week," I said with a small smile seeing his pained expression

Giving me a choice Nicolas said, "Morpheus, I can either make many with flaws or two impeccable pieces of art that will pass all tests,"

"I'll take the two," I replied finishing my glass of wine

"Swindler I knew you didn't need that many," he sneered at me

I laughed, "No, many would be helpful but at least one of my targets will be difficult to get. I can think of other ways for the rest,"

"This summer, will it-"

"It will be filled with bloodshed and change my friend," I cut him off while looking deeply into his eyes

"I haven't seen you like this in years," Nicolas said softly

I didn't reply to him, he was right.

I haven't felt this alive in years.

I haven't felt like I had a chance in forever.

And now? Now I'm ready to win.

——-

A/N: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324

End of volume 1 next chapter starts volume 2 and the pace picks up look forward to some battles!