Chapter 10
The morning sun filtered through the grand dining room of Black Manor, bathing the dark wood table and polished silverware in warm light. The room was alive with the gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of china as the Black family gathered for breakfast. Arcturus sat at the head of the table, his sharp gray eyes scanning the room as he sipped his tea. Walburga, seated to his right, delicately cut into her toast, her piercing gaze occasionally darting toward her sons.
Sirius and Regulus sat across from each other, Sirius in his usual relaxed posture, one arm slung over the back of his chair, while Regulus maintained his typical composure, his expression unreadable.
Orion entered the room last, his dark robes flowing behind him as he took his seat at the far end of the table opposite his father. As he reached for his cup of coffee, the light caught the ring on his finger, the emerald glinting brilliantly in the sunlight.
It didn’t take long for Sirius to notice. His sharp eyes caught the flash of green, and his brows furrowed as he leaned forward slightly. “Father,” he said, his tone casual but laced with curiosity, “where did you get the ring?”
Orion paused for a moment, lifting his gaze to meet Sirius’s. His expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of something warmer beneath the surface. He took a slow sip of his coffee before answering.
“Harrison,” he said simply, his voice carrying across the table.
The room fell into a brief silence, all eyes now on Orion. Arcturus set his teacup down, his interest clearly piqued, while Walburga’s lips thinned slightly, though she said nothing. Regulus raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes flicking to the ring before settling back on his father’s face.
Sirius’s jaw dropped slightly. “Wait, you mean Harrison Peverell gave you that ring?”
“Yes,” Orion replied, his tone steady. “It’s the Peverell courting ring, an heirloom passed down through their family for generations. He sent it to me yesterday, along with a necklace, as a formal declaration of his intent to marry me.”
The quiet hum of breakfast was replaced by stunned silence. Arcturus leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Orion. “He sent the courting ring? And you accepted?”
Orion nodded, his fingers brushing over the ring absently. “I did. Once I put it on, the enchantment activated, solidifying our marriage contract.”
Walburga finally broke her silence, her tone sharp. “You made it official, just like that? Without consulting the rest of us?”
Orion met her gaze evenly. “This decision was mine to make, Walburga. Harrison has proven himself to be a man of vision, ambition, and integrity. He understands the weight of this union, and I trust him to uphold it.”
Sirius blinked, leaning back in his chair with a disbelieving laugh. “So that’s it? We’re all tied to Peverell now? Just like that?”
Orion’s lips curved into a faint smile. “It’s not ‘just like that,’ Sirius. This has been in motion for some time. Harrison has gone out of his way to show not only his intentions but his respect for this family. The gifts he sent you and Regulus were part of that effort. He wants us to see him not as an outsider, but as someone who values what we stand for.”
Regulus, who had remained quiet until now, tapped his fingers lightly on the table. “He’s certainly thorough,” he said, his tone measured. “The shop he gave me isn’t just a gesture—it’s an opportunity. He understands us, our strengths, and our ambitions. I can see why you’d accept.”
Arcturus chuckled softly, his expression one of intrigue. “I must admit, I find myself impressed. Harrison Peverell is no fool. He’s playing a game of power and legacy, and so far, he’s playing it well.”
Sirius frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. “It’s still a lot to take in. I mean, this is huge. You’re basically tying us all to him and his legacy. What if it doesn’t work out?”
“It will work,” Orion said firmly. “Harrison and I are aligned in our goals. This is not just a marriage—it’s a partnership, one built on mutual respect and shared ambition. He’s not trying to control us, Sirius. He’s trying to build something greater with us.”
Sirius sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Well, I guess we’ve made it official now. No going back, huh?”
“No going back,” Orion confirmed, his gaze steady.
Walburga, still skeptical, sipped her tea delicately. “I hope for your sake, Orion, that Harrison proves to be as capable as you believe. The Black family’s legacy is not something to gamble with.”
“It’s not a gamble,” Arcturus said, his tone calm but firm. “It’s a calculated move, and one that could secure our place in the wizarding world for generations to come. Harrison Peverell is a man of remarkable foresight. If he’s willing to commit to this union, then we would be fools not to see the opportunity it presents.”
Regulus glanced at Sirius, his expression thoughtful. “I think we should give him a chance,” he said quietly. “He’s gone out of his way to show us he’s serious. The least we can do is see where this leads.”
Sirius let out a huff of laughter, shaking his head. “Fine. But if he steps out of line, I’m calling him out. No one gets to mess with this family, not even a Peverell.”
Orion smiled faintly, a rare warmth in his expression. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Sirius.”
As the family returned to their breakfast, the atmosphere shifted slightly, the weight of the conversation lingering but softened by the aroma of fresh bread and coffee. Arcturus, ever the strategist, leaned back in his chair, his sharp mind already turning over the implications of this union.
“Tell me, Orion,” he said after a moment. “When do you plan to meet with Harrison again?”
“Soon,” Orion replied. “We need to finalize the details of the ceremony and begin discussing the integration of our families.”
“Good,” Arcturus said with a nod. “Keep me informed. I want to see how this plays out.”
As the morning continued, Sirius and Regulus exchanged a glance, both silently contemplating the changes this marriage would bring. Though their paths were different, they shared a common curiosity—and, perhaps, a reluctant respect—for the man who had managed to intertwine his destiny with theirs.
In the end, one thing was certain: Harrison Peverell was a man of ambition, and the Black family was about to see just how far he was willing to go to secure their future.
The morning sunlight continued to stream into the grand dining room of Black Manor, its warmth doing little to soften the weight of the ongoing conversation. The Black family remained gathered around the long table, the remnants of breakfast spread before them, though the food was now largely forgotten. Orion sat with his hands resting on the edge of the table, his fingers idly brushing the surface as he considered his next words carefully.
Arcturus observed his son with a sharp gaze, his own mind already turning over the implications of what Orion was about to share. Walburga, seated to the side, watched with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity, while Sirius and Regulus exchanged subtle glances, each silently processing the rapidly evolving situation.
“Father,” Orion began, breaking the silence, “I suspect that Harrison will want me to move to Peverell Manor once the marriage is formalized. It’s practical, given that it’s his ancestral home and serves as the center of his operations. It would be the most logical place to establish ourselves as a united family.”
Arcturus nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “That would be expected, yes. The Peverell Manor is more than just a residence—it’s a symbol of power and legacy. Harrison likely sees it as the ideal setting to reinforce the union of our families.”
Orion hesitated, his gaze dropping briefly to the ring on his finger. The emerald glinted faintly in the sunlight, a constant reminder of the decision he had already made. “But there’s something else,” he continued, his voice quieter now. “I think he may expect me to take on a more... submissive role in the relationship.”
Sirius’s brow furrowed, his sharp gray eyes narrowing slightly. “Submissive? What do you mean by that?”
Orion exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. “It’s not uncommon in marriages where one partner holds a more dominant position, particularly when family legacies are involved. Harrison is the head of the Peverell family, and he’s made it clear that he has a vision for the future. I suspect he’ll expect me to defer to him in certain matters, to allow him to take the lead.”
Walburga scoffed softly, setting her teacup down with a faint clink. “And you’re just... fine with that?”
“It’s not about being fine with it,” Orion replied, his tone steady. “It’s about understanding the dynamics of our relationship. I’ve always been more reserved, more inclined to play a supporting role rather than take the lead. It’s who I am by nature. Harrison and I complement each other in that way.”
Arcturus leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Orion. “Do you believe that Harrison respects you? Truly respects you, not just as a partner in marriage but as an equal in this union?”
“I do,” Orion said without hesitation. “Harrison may have a dominant personality, but he values intellect, strategy, and loyalty. He wouldn’t have chosen me if he didn’t see my worth. And he’s made it clear that this marriage is about partnership, not control.”
Regulus, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. “If you’re already more inclined to be submissive by nature, Father, then this arrangement might suit you. But do you trust him to give you space to express yourself? To allow you to influence decisions that affect both families?”
Orion met his younger son’s gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I do. Harrison isn’t a man who surrounds himself with sycophants. He values strength of character, even if it manifests differently than his own. I believe he’ll respect my input and give me the space I need to contribute meaningfully.”
Sirius, still frowning, leaned forward in his chair. “But what about us? If you move to Peverell Manor, where does that leave me and Regulus?”
Orion’s expression softened. “You’ll always have a place here at Black Manor, Sirius. And if you choose to visit or stay with me at Peverell Manor, you’ll be welcomed there as well. This marriage isn’t about separating us—it’s about uniting two powerful legacies. Harrison understands that, and so do I.”
Arcturus stroked his chin thoughtfully, his sharp eyes glinting with curiosity. “It seems you’ve thought this through, Orion. Harrison is undoubtedly a man of vision and ambition, but he’s also proven himself to be calculated and deliberate. If he’s chosen you, it’s because he sees you as an essential part of his plans.”
Walburga’s lips thinned as she crossed her arms over her chest. “I still don’t like it. The idea of you giving up your autonomy, of deferring to him in all things—it’s not what the head of a Black family should do.”
Orion’s gaze hardened slightly. “This isn’t about giving up autonomy, Walburga. It’s about finding balance. Harrison and I are equals, even if our roles in the relationship differ. The strength of a partnership lies in understanding and complementing each other, not in competing for dominance.”
Sirius sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “I don’t know, Father. It just feels... strange. You’ve always been the one we looked up to, the one who held everything together. Seeing you step back, even a little—it’s hard to wrap my head around.”
Orion reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Sirius’s arm. “I’ll always be your father, Sirius. That won’t change. But this marriage is about more than just me—it’s about ensuring a future for all of us. Harrison’s vision includes you and Regulus, whether you see it now or not.”
Regulus nodded slowly, his dark eyes thoughtful. “I think I understand. Harrison isn’t asking you to submit—he’s asking you to trust him, to let him lead in areas where his strengths lie. And in return, he’ll value your strengths and contributions. It’s not a traditional dynamic, but it could work.”
Arcturus chuckled softly, his expression one of approval. “Regulus is right. This union is unconventional, but then again, so is Harrison Peverell. If he can inspire confidence in someone as cautious as you, Orion, then I’d say he’s already proven his worth.”
Orion inclined his head, a faint smile playing at his lips. “Thank you, Father. I believe this marriage will be the start of something extraordinary—for both our families.”
As the family resumed their breakfast, the weight of the conversation began to lift, replaced by a sense of cautious optimism. Sirius and Regulus exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the changes that lay ahead. Though neither fully trusted Harrison yet, they couldn’t deny the potential he brought to their family.
For Orion, the path was clear. The ring on his finger wasn’t just a symbol of commitment—it was a promise of a future built on trust, partnership, and the merging of two powerful legacies. And for the first time in years, he felt truly at peace with the choices he had made.