Chapter 289 - Conclave Ⅱ (1/2)
Reginald Prince's dark eyes scanned those assembled and nodded his head. ”Thank you for accepting our invitation,” Reginald said as the crowd slowly bowed their heads back. ”For those that are in mourning like we are, we thank you for still attending despite the recent loss.”
”I have not invited you all for pleasantries, but for a declaration of War. I ask that we unite and clasp hands firmly in these troubled times,” Reginald's eyes coldly raked over the crowd.
”For thousands of years there has been an unspoken code among us Purebloods to never attack even the worst of enemies during weddings nor at funerals. They are considered solemn and sacred occasions and yet our purest of traditions have been trampled upon by some of our own who claim to follow a so-called, Lord Voldemort.”
There is a still hush over the crowd, but especially those that are aware of Lord Voldemort. The previous sympathizers such as the Rosier's and them, and the secret order members. ”I am not asking that we rise up and fight, but rather we turn over any traitors to the proper authorities,” Reginald matter-of-factly stated to the relief of many.
”And also, to dissuade any of you who think of joining this self-titled Dark Lord,” Reginald brusquely said to the shame of several of those present. ”I know that several of you must be in contact or even know of this so-called, dark Lord. I also know that several of you are even still tempted to follow him given that he is revealed that he is Salazar's heir. Indeed, I can even confirm that he indeed is a parselmouth.”
A gasp goes through the crowd as Reginald firmly squashes any doubters. ”But Salazar Slytherin is not only parselmouth to have been more as in during the 16th century for there is also, Paracelsus, a genius medical healer, and alchemist. However, he was in no manner whatsoever related to Salazar Slytherin and yet he was born with the gift. Regardless of what house we belong to we are all purebloods and should know better than to trust such a claim without proof.
If he truly is Salazar's heir, why does he frolic in the shadows, why not proudly announce his claim? And most importantly why commit such foul deeds? Most of us would have willingly sided with him and yet his actions prove otherwise. I do not believe this man could ever be the rightful heir of Salazar Slytherin as we the Prince's are.”
There is a breathless silence as Reginald flashes a cold wolfish grin. ”I know that it seems almost maddening and rather outlandish to make such a claim, but we are. Unlike some wizarding families, we can trace our family all the way back to the Roman's, when our ancestors first came to this land as legionnaires. Oh, yes, the Princes can trace our lineage for more than the past three thousand years.”
Turning to his sister, Reginald says, ”Georgine, if you would please.”
Georgine pulls out a shrunken tapestry roll, before beginning to unfold the long roll. Even shrunken the roll made its way across a third of the ballroom. The instant the enlarging spell was cast the tapestry crossed the full length of the ballroom and then begun to curl around, before ending at the feet of the one the guests.
There is an incredulous silence as Reginald walks down halfway to the tapestry and raises it in the air. ”Before we were Prince's, we were once called, Hassan's.”