Chapter 879 - Panicked Arrival Ⅱ (2/2)
”We will speak further on the subject on how to settle the debt,” Druella calmly explained as she handed her slumbering granddaughter to her son-in-law, ”but for now, the child still slumbers and heals from his wounds. The child will surely awaken at some point and I do not wish for the child to find himself alone and disoriented. I shall be the first to tend to him, but another will need to take my place.”
Druella pauses to straighten out her sleeves, before continuing, ”Funeral arrangements will need to be made-,” she is unable to finish her sentence as scores of footsteps can be heard as the entire direct Black family pours including Dorea Potter and Septimius Weasley.
Notably absent are the younger Black family members including Sirius and Regulus, who had been tactfully been left in the care of their cousin Barty Crouch Sr.'s wife, Bertha Crouch. They had agreed that it was the best course that the youths be left in the care of kin, while Barty Crouch Sr. departed for the Ministry of Magic, and the elder Black family members resolved any issues that might have arisen in their absence. That and they wanted to ensure the safety of the youngest branch members should anything occur. It was not an impossibility and at least in that manner, the family lineage would be preserved no matter what else might occur that evening.
Without a single word, Arthur's blue watery eyes meet the faded blue eyes of his father, Septimius Weasley, who had also attended the presentation ball. The elderly wizard lets out a pained gasp in meeting his youngest son's eyes in wordless communication. His face grows ashen and older, before unsteadily wobbling for a moment until Orion Black hastily aids the elderly wizard into a lavish chair.
”Who was it?” Septimius gasped as he attempted to breathe through the abrupt pain in his ċhėst. The Black family grows concerned at the suddenly aged face of the elder wizard.
”Giants,” Arthur feebly croaked, ”Da, they got Bilius-,” his voice for a moment, before he rasped, ”but Ronell's at St. Mungos. He's still alive.”
Irrationally panic-filled Septimius as he climbed to his feet panting. ”I need to see my son,” he breathlessly huffed frantically loosening the collar of his robes and shirt. A silver buŧŧon pops off his collar in his haste and shoots off the floor, before disappearing under one of the settees.
Without any hesitation, Druella points her wand at the elder wizard and says, ”Stupefy.” Red sparks emerge from the tip of her wand and stun the wizard. Like a board, Septimius becomes stiff and begins to tilt, before Orion Black hastily reaches out to safely catch the elderly man and settle him gently onto the rich carpeted floor.
The handsome figure of Orion Black raises his gray eyes in annoyance to his deceased cousin/brother-in-law's wife, Druella Black. ”There was no need to go to such lengths, Druella,” he crossly said, before bending down to carefully check the elderly wizard's pulse.
”He was quickly becoming hysterical,” Druella pointedly arched her brow. ”And I am certain that he is having heart palpitations, he should be sent directly to St. Mungo's to be checked by the healers.”
”I'll go with Dad,” Arthur hurriedly replied. ”I need to check on Ronnell…” His voice trails off feebly.
”You are in no condition to floo nor apparate yourself or others, Arthur,” Druella pointed out, before arching her brow at Orion expectantly.
Orion glowers back, before levitating the stunned elderly wizard with a flick of his wand. ”Come, Arthur, it is best that we make haste,” he kindly said to his cousin.
”Right,” Arthur numbly said, before pressing a kiss to the forehead of his Mollywobbles, before hurrying after the figure of his cousin.
”Come, we have much to discuss,” Druella gestured to the elders of the Black family leaving the younger family members and children in the care of her sister-in-law, Walburga Black.. Walburga would be certain to sort out everything and ensure that the three younger witches were properly seen too.