Chapter Text
With Walburga out of the picture, Orion is able to reinstate stricken family members.
Andromeda with her husband and child are first. He’s always been fond of his niece and he’s clear headed enough now to notice that Andromeda followed Black naming tradition. He decides to call an official family meeting to properly reinstate everyone else who, unfortunately, met his late wife’s wrath.
Official family meetings are always held in the family’s main manor, in this case they would all have to travel to Blackmoore. First, however, Orion would have to pen his father and ask for permission to call the meeting and host it at his residence. Arcturus Sirius Black and his wife stayed at Black Castle, even after everyone slowly moved out. He’s always been firm that family should stick together, under the strongest wards available.
After sending his request via hawk, he starts the arduous task of writing out the formal invitation (read: polite demand) of the family meeting and duplicating it to distribute to his family members and their plus ones. Typically, official invitations are to go out to the head of house to invite them and their families, however that’s not how House of Black does it. House of Black invitations address holders of the Black name first and foremost, as the priority, whether they’re married or not. Writing out their names after duplication is a bit tedious, but needs must.
Orion Arcturus Black, Lord of Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, and Sirius Orion Black, Heir Apparent of Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, request the honor of Mrs. and Mr. Black, [add children if need be], company at Black Castle in Blackmoore for a meeting with other Most Ancient and Most Noble of House Black family members.
Friday, the 5th of July, year 1974 at 7 o'clock.
Please be advised to bring necessities as this meeting may last more than a week.
The favour of an answer is requested.
Sealing every letter with the Black insignia by hand is a show that he’s genuine, as Black members would be able to feel the Lord’s magic and dismiss it as a duplicate spell was cast. They would know with the letters, of course, but would tell that their names are painstakingly written out, not magically altered. They should be able to tell this is a demand, not a request.
With a job half done, Orion reaches over to the side for the cup of tea his house elf, Tilly, popped onto the edge of the desk. He really hopes he gets to see a full castle like it was back when he was Sirius’ age. As if just thinking of him, Sirius waltzes into Orion’s study without a care in the world.
“Father, did you send a letter to grandfather?”
“I did, yes. Two hours ago, in fact.” Orion replies, ignoring the faux pas Sirius committed.
Sirius grins and brandishes an open letter from behind his back, and waves it around. “He’s written back saying that we’re welcome any time to reside at Black Castle for preparations.”
“He wrote directly to you?” It shouldn’t be surprising to Orion that his father skipped him over. Sirius has always been his favourite.
“Grandmother’s excited to have all of us reunited again. She thinks it’s,” here Sirius pauses to look at the letter again, “Right! ‘It’s a blessing from Mother Magic that with Walburga’s death, House of Black is able to restore itself.’ Then she goes on to write about divination and prophecies and such.”
Orion chuckles, “I have told you many times, my son, do not discount divination. Just because you do not possess the talent–”
“--does not mean that others do not” Sirius finishes a sentence that’s been told to him many times. “Yes, father, I know.”
“I am well aware, yet it serves as a reminder.”
A short shriek fills the air as a raven lands on the table, interrupting the afternoon tea, the newlyweds were partaking in.
Narcissa looks at her husband and raises an eyebrow, “Are you alright?”
Lucius flushes in embarrassment, “The bird came out of nowhere.”
“Yes, well, Black ravens are known to shadow travel long distances.” She says fondly while she gently unties the letter from its leg.
“I have never heard of such a thing,” Lucius watches his wife break open a gold seal with the House of Black insignia on it, and leans in curiously, “I have, also, never seen anyone use black parchment.”
Narcissa quirks an amused smirk, handing over the letter, “Well, Mr. Black, it seems that we have been summoned for a House of Black family meeting in two months' time.”
Lucius scans the letter and lands on “Mrs. and Mr. Black”. He huffs out a laugh, “Instead of patriarchal and matriarchal, House of Black is loyal to whomever is born to House of Black.”
“Of course, darling, it has always been this way.”
“Rodolphus!” Bellatrix shrieks as she skids into Rodolphus’ study.
“Yes, my love?” Rodolphus asks, entirely unbothered by his wife’s yelling.
She waves a letter and says, out of breath and leaning against the door frame, “There is to be an official family meeting. We have been invited.”
“Invited?” Rodolphus stands up and walks towards Bellatrix. “Where is the meeting?”
“Blackmoore.” Bellatrix says with awe in her voice. “I have not been there since I was a girl.”
Rodolphus has heard myths and legends about Blackmoore, more specifically, how House of Black formed the purely magical city.
“We must write back.”
“Love, there’s a letter for you but the blasted raven won’t let me take it!” Charlus’ patronus appears before Dorea. “He’s already tried to peck at me, please hurry.” Dorea laughs at Charlus’ pouty voice as she cleans herself up. The greenhouse she’s in has a ward that repels any and all animals, it’s no wonder why the raven chose to bother Charlus instead.
She makes haste towards the library, the last time House of Black sent out ravens, her great-aunt Elladora had passed away. She sends a quick prayer to Mother Magic that no one has died.
To her great relief, and slight annoyance, no one has died. She pauses and reads the letter again. Dorea understands that there is a family meeting being called, they’re well overdue for one; The last meeting being when she was 16. Charlus presses himself next to her to read the letter as well.
“Hey, love?” He starts off conversationally.
“Yes?” She asks absentmindedly, thoughts going a mile a minute. There’s still something off.
“The letter lists the Lord and Heir Apparent.”
“Yes, it always does, that’s normal.”
“Well,” Charlus hesitates, “What about the Lady?”
“What?” Dorea turns her head sharply to look at her husband. “What of the Lady? She’s to be listed as well.”
“She’s not, though.” He points at the letter, “Here’s Lord Orion and here’s Heir Apparent Sirius.”
Dorea looks at where Charlus is pointing to, “Oh, dear. Someone has died.