Chapter 7
The first rays of dawn bathed Peverell Manor in soft light, illuminating the ancient stone walls and casting long shadows across the polished floors. Harrison stood in his study, the marriage contract still resting on his desk, though his focus had shifted to a far more delicate task. Before taking the next step in his plan, he needed to address two key players: Sirius and Regulus Black.
He couldn’t afford to ignore them. Though young, the sons of Orion Black were far from insignificant. Sirius’s rebellious streak and Regulus’s quiet cunning made them both forces to be reckoned with. If Harrison was to marry their father, he needed to ensure their cooperation—or, at the very least, their understanding.
Harrison sat at his desk, dipping his quill into the inkpot. His hand moved with precision, crafting two letters that would convey his intentions without revealing too much of his strategy. Each word was carefully chosen, designed to pique their interest while leaving room for interpretation.
To Sirius Black,
Sirius,
I hope this letter finds you well. Allow me to be direct—I have recently approached your father with a proposal that I believe has the potential to benefit not only the Black family but the wizarding world at large. While the specifics of this proposal are a matter between your father and me, I wanted to take a moment to address you personally.
You are a man of conviction, Sirius, and I respect that. I also understand that you value freedom above all else, which is why I wish to assure you that this proposal is not about control or restriction. It is about legacy, about building something greater than ourselves.
Your father is a man of great strength and vision, and I believe that together, we can achieve extraordinary things. I hope that, in time, you will come to see the value in this union—not as a threat to your autonomy, but as an opportunity to shape the future in ways that matter.
Should you wish to discuss this further, my doors are always open.
With respect,
Harrison Peverell
To Regulus Black,
Regulus,
I write to you with the intention of transparency and respect. As you may already be aware, I have entered into discussions with your father regarding a potential union between the Peverell and Black families. While the details remain between us for the moment, I felt it was important to reach out to you personally.
You strike me as a young man of wisdom and foresight, Regulus—qualities that I greatly admire. You understand the weight of legacy, the importance of ensuring that our actions today resonate through generations. It is in that spirit that I approach you now.
This proposal is not merely a political alliance. It is an opportunity to strengthen both our families, to create a foundation upon which future generations can thrive. I hope that, in time, you will see the value of what I am trying to achieve.
Should you have any questions or concerns, I invite you to share them with me. I believe in open dialogue, and I welcome your insight.
Yours sincerely,
Harrison Peverell
Harrison set the quill down, his gaze lingering on the finished letters. He knew the risk he was taking—Sirius was unpredictable, and Regulus, though measured, was not easily swayed. Yet, he also knew the importance of addressing them directly. To ignore their voices would be a mistake, one that could sow distrust before the union even began.
He folded the letters carefully, sealing each with emerald-green wax embossed with the Peverell crest. As he placed them on the silver tray beside him, he called out, “Binks.”
The house-elf appeared with a soft pop, bowing deeply. “Master Harrison! How can Binks serve?”
Harrison gestured to the letters. “These are for Sirius and Regulus Black. Deliver them personally, but only after informing Lord Orion and Lord Arcturus Black of my intentions. I want them aware of this correspondence before their sons receive it.”
Binks nodded fervently, his wide eyes gleaming with determination. “Yes, Master Harrison! Binks will do exactly as you say!”
“Good,” Harrison said, his tone firm but calm. “Once you’ve delivered the letters, return immediately and report back to me.”
Binks bowed again, carefully taking the letters in his small hands before disappearing with another pop.
At Black Manor
The early morning sunlight filtered through the grand windows of Black Manor as Binks appeared in the entrance hall. The house-elf stood tall, his expression serious as he approached the drawing room where Orion and Arcturus Black were seated.
“Lord Orion, Lord Arcturus,” Binks said, bowing deeply. “Master Harrison Peverell has sent letters for Sirius and Regulus Black. He wishes to inform you of their delivery before the young masters receive them.”
Arcturus raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze flicking to Orion before turning back to the elf. “Harrison continues to impress with his foresight,” he said, his tone neutral but edged with approval. “Let me see the letters.”
Binks hesitated, clutching the sealed parchment tightly. “Master Harrison instructed that the letters are for Sirius and Regulus only, my lord. Binks cannot disobey his master’s orders.”
Arcturus’s lips twitched, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Very well. Deliver them as instructed.”
Orion, who had remained silent, finally spoke. “Did Harrison say anything else?”
Binks shook his head. “No, Lord Orion. Only that he wanted you informed before the letters were delivered.”
Orion nodded, his expression thoughtful. “You may proceed.”
Binks bowed once more before disappearing with another pop.
The Letters Delivered
Sirius was lounging in the informal sitting room, his legs draped over the arm of a leather chair, when Binks appeared. The house-elf bowed low, holding out the sealed parchment.
“Young Master Sirius,” Binks said, his voice formal. “Master Harrison Peverell sends this letter for you.”
Sirius arched an eyebrow, swinging his legs off the chair as he leaned forward to take the letter. “Harrison Peverell, huh? What’s this about?”
Binks didn’t answer, simply bowing again before disappearing. Sirius turned the letter over in his hands, his curiosity piqued as he broke the seal.
In another part of the manor, Regulus was seated at his desk, a quill in hand as he worked on correspondence of his own. The sudden pop of Binks’s arrival made him look up, his dark eyes narrowing slightly.
“Young Master Regulus,” Binks said, offering the second letter. “Master Harrison Peverell sends this for you.”
Regulus set his quill aside, taking the parchment with a nod of thanks. As Binks disappeared, he carefully opened the letter, his expression unreadable as he began to read.
Back at Peverell Manor, Harrison stood by the window of his study, gazing out at the gardens. The sun was higher now, casting long shadows across the stone paths. He clasped his hands behind his back, his thoughts focused on the letters and what they might set in motion.
He had taken a risk, but it was a calculated one. Now, all he could do was wait. The pieces were in play, and the game was just beginning.
Chapter 12: Seeking Answers
The late morning sun bathed the corridors of Black Manor in golden light as Sirius paced back and forth in the informal sitting room, the letter from Harrison Peverell clutched tightly in his hand. His expression was a mixture of confusion, irritation, and curiosity, his gray eyes flicking to the elegant script every so often as if rereading it might reveal some hidden meaning.
“What is this about, Regulus?” he muttered under his breath.
His younger brother, seated calmly on a nearby settee, was also holding his letter. Regulus’s dark eyes scanned the words once more, his face betraying little emotion as he folded the parchment neatly and placed it on the table in front of him.
“It’s exactly what it seems, Sirius,” Regulus said in his usual measured tone. “Harrison Peverell has proposed a marriage contract with Father. This is his way of bringing us into the conversation.”
Sirius stopped pacing, his gaze snapping to Regulus. “And you’re just... fine with this?”
Regulus raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t say that. I’m still processing what it means. But unlike you, I prefer to approach these situations with logic rather than sheer emotion.”
Sirius rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. “It’s not just about logic, Reg. He’s asking to marry our father! What does that mean for us? For the family? And what’s this nonsense about legacy and shaping the future? It sounds like he’s playing some kind of long game.”
“Of course he is,” Regulus replied evenly. “Harrison Peverell is not a simple man. He’s ambitious, intelligent, and calculated. He sees our father as a piece in his larger plan, and he’s making sure we know it. The real question is whether that plan benefits us—or just him.”
Sirius frowned, his frustration mounting. “Well, I’m not just going to sit here and speculate. I want answers. And I’m starting with Father and Grandfather.”
Regulus sighed, rising gracefully to his feet. “For once, we agree. Let’s go.”
Confrontation in the Drawing Room
The grand drawing room of Black Manor was a picture of old-world elegance, its dark wood paneling and rich tapestries exuding the power and prestige of the Black family. Arcturus Black sat in his high-backed chair near the fireplace, a glass of brandy in hand, while Orion stood nearby, his posture as composed as ever.
The quiet atmosphere was disrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps as Sirius and Regulus entered the room. Sirius strode forward with purpose, the letter from Harrison clenched in his fist, while Regulus followed at a more measured pace, his expression unreadable.
“Father. Grandfather,” Sirius began, his tone sharp. “We need to talk.”
Arcturus raised an eyebrow, setting his glass down on the table beside him. “I assume this is about Harrison Peverell’s letters.”
“Damn right it is,” Sirius said, holding up the parchment. “What is this? He’s proposing to marry Father, and we’re just supposed to go along with it?”
Orion’s gray eyes met his son’s, his expression calm but firm. “Sirius, lower your voice. This is not a matter to approach with such hostility.”
“Hostility?” Sirius scoffed, throwing his hands in the air. “He’s talking about legacy and alliances like we’re pieces on a chessboard! How can you even entertain this idea?”
Regulus stepped forward, his tone far more measured. “I think what Sirius is trying to ask is... why? Why him? Why now? This isn’t just about marriage—it’s about power. And we deserve to know what this means for us.”
Arcturus leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze shifting between the two brothers. “Harrison Peverell is not a man to act without reason,” he said, his tone calm but commanding. “His proposal is bold, yes, but it is also calculated. He understands the weight of uniting our families, and he sees your father as the key to achieving his vision.”
“And what vision is that?” Sirius demanded, his arms crossed.
“A stronger, more unified wizarding world,” Arcturus replied. “One that is built on alliances between the most powerful families. Harrison is ambitious, yes, but his ambition aligns with the Black family’s goals. He seeks not to weaken us but to elevate us.”
Sirius shook his head, his frustration evident. “You’re talking about him like he’s some kind of savior. But what about us? Where do we fit into all of this?”
Orion stepped forward, his gaze steady. “Sirius, Regulus, listen to me. Harrison has made it clear that he values not only this family’s legacy but its future. That includes both of you. He is not looking to control or diminish your roles. On the contrary, he wants to ensure that the Black family thrives for generations to come.”
Regulus frowned, his expression thoughtful. “He said as much in his letter. But words are easy, Father. How do we know he’ll keep his promises?”
Orion’s gaze softened slightly. “Because I’ve seen the way he conducts himself, the way he plans. Harrison Peverell is not a man who acts lightly. He understands the importance of trust, and he values loyalty above all else. I believe he means what he says.”
Sirius let out a frustrated sigh, raking a hand through his dark hair. “This still feels... off. He’s too perfect, too composed. No one is that selfless.”
Arcturus chuckled softly, his smirk betraying a hint of amusement. “Harrison is not selfless, Sirius. He is a man of ambition, just as I was at his age. But ambition is not inherently a flaw. It is what drives greatness. The question is whether you are willing to see the potential in what he offers.”
The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Arcturus’s words settling over the brothers. Sirius looked to Regulus, his expression conflicted, while Regulus’s dark eyes remained fixed on their father.
“And what do you want, Father?” Regulus asked finally. “Are you willing to marry him?”
Orion’s jaw tightened slightly, but his voice was steady as he replied. “Yes. I believe this union is the right path forward—for me, for this family, and for our future.”
Sirius stared at him, his expression a mixture of disbelief and resignation. “You’re really going through with this, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” Orion said firmly. “And I hope that, in time, you’ll come to understand why.”
Regulus nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. “If this is what you’ve decided, Father, then I’ll respect it. But I’ll be watching Harrison closely. He may have won you over, but he hasn’t won me yet.”
Sirius huffed, crossing his arms. “Same here. If he thinks he can waltz in and play the perfect stepfather, he’s in for a rude awakening.”
Arcturus chuckled again, raising his glass. “Good. Let him prove himself to you. I suspect he’ll enjoy the challenge.”
With that, the brothers left the room, their minds still racing with questions. As they walked side by side down the corridor, Sirius glanced at Regulus, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
“Well, this should be interesting,” he said.
Regulus gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. “Interesting doesn’t even begin to cover it.”