Chapter 288 - Conclave (2/2)
Orion was much too in shock that he didn't really pay attention to the rest of the house. Had he, he'd have realized that the Prince manor easily was much more extravagant that the Malfoy manor. Not in tacky furnishings, but rather the worth of each item. It was certainly the acquirement of centuries of fine investments, if not of successful gambles, and trophies from won duels.
Orion blinks in surprise at spotting two more Black's in attendance. The gaunt figure of Alphard Black, his brother-in-law was sitting down in a seat across from the older figure of Arcturus Black, the 3rd, Orion's own father. The elder wizard was short and somewhat plump, looking very little like his son except for the similar arrogant features and cold gray eyes.
Notably missing was his father-in-law, Pollux Black. Apparently, the elder wizard was quite ill according to Walburga. It would seem that he'd taken Cygnus's death quite to heart and had only worsened upon learning of Alphard's worsening condition. According to the healers of St. Mungo, his brother-in-law would not live past two years more. His time was finally up so to speak.
Walking over to his father, Orion says, ”Hello father and good day, Alphard.”
Alphard nods his head back at him, while Arcturus sniffs and says, ”I was most disappointed in you, Orion. Unlike the rest of us who fled, you unwisely remained behind. You are the head of your household. What would have happened if you had died?”
”I thought it was all under control father,” Orion kept the irk out of his voice. ”And it was as I am perfectly intact before you.”
Arcturus lets out a loud sniff and ignores his son as he says, ”I'll be heading over to talk to Mulciber.” Arcturus pulled his wide girth from the chair and trotted over to the elder Mulciber Sr., the father of Damien Mulciber. Much like his son, he was quite attractive despite his older years. But unlike his son's golden hair, Mulciber Senior's golden hair had a few silver hairs.
Orion shakes his head and takes the empty vacant seat next to Alphard. ”What is it about our father's, Alphard?” Orion huffed not really expecting a response.
”They're utter arses,” Alphard deadpanned causing Orion to choke at the blunt statement.
Orion red-faced finally gains his breath back as Alphard says, ”Well, I've spotted Stephen Flint and his brothers, Barty Crouch, several of the Greengrass males are present, the Prewett Brothers, Gideon, and Fabian, the Bones brothers are here including their father, the Nott's, Rosier's, Mulciber's, Fawley, Crowley, Avery, Goyle, Crabbe, Parkinson, Champlin, Macmillan, Boone, Adler, McLaggen, Podmore, McKinnon, and even the widowed, Augusta Longbottom and many more! It would seem that the old Prince really went all out.”
Alphard paused to silently point out his nephew-in-law by marriage, Lucius Malfoy. The poor boy seemed rather pale as he stuck close to his mother-in-law, Druella Black, who was at the side of her Rosier cousins. All of them were all in black mourning the tragic losses from the wedding that seemed a lifetime ago but merely had been a few days ago.
Orion slowly nodded his head in the direction of Alphard's gesture, before turning to say, ”Yes, but if you notice those invited were pureblood families who still keep the old ways.”
”Yes, but the old Prince's grandchildren are half-bloods, and his heirs,” Alphard retorted back. ”Though he may side somewhat on the side of tradition, he most certainly is quite modern and open-minded for a wizard of his age.”
”Touché,” Orion acknowledged with a slight grimace.
The crowd quickly grows quiet as the ballroom doors swing open to reveal the tall, stern figure of Reginald Prince and walking beside him of the not quite as tall figure of Georgine Prince. Both of them of their figures were attention-grabbing. Not because of their height or because they were those holding the Conclave, but rather because of their presence. The Prince's certainly knew how to garner the attention of others, they always had.