Hogwarts: The Greatest Wizard

Chapter 101: Dumbledore's Invitation

Narcissa looked puzzled by Lucius's words.

"Isn't this... ordinary?"

Lucius sighed.

"We all thought that was all he had. Over the years, he's been selling properties here in the UK, which only made us think he was losing control over the Black family's wealth. We looked down on him for it. But in the end, he gave us all a harsh slap in the face. He wasn't retreating—he was consolidating. Selling off domestic holdings just to gain the capital to invest globally and move assets abroad. We've only now realized the truth... and it's too late. The Black family of today is beyond any other family's reach."

Hearing Lucius speak so passionately, Narcissa didn't know why, but she felt like laughing. Beneath it all, she felt a flicker of pride.

Lucius shook his head and tried to shake off the thoughts. There was a hint of relief in his tone now.

Back when the Dark Lord fell, Lucius, one of his most trusted lieutenants, had become a target. Igor Karkaroff's betrayal had forced him to use great amounts of influence and wealth just to escape Azkaban by the narrowest of margins.

It had also prevented him from acting on his ambitions toward the Black family. Unlike the others who aimed to gain wealth through marriage or politics, Lucius had darker intentions—he had once planned to have Sirius and Bellatrix killed in Azkaban, then find a way to eliminate Phineas, leaving Narcissa as the sole heir to the Black legacy.

Now, he was quietly thankful he hadn't acted. The Malfoys, as blood relatives of the Blacks, might still stand a chance of building ties rather than destroying them.

This shift in thinking wasn't exclusive to Lucius. Across wizarding Britain, many who once sought to suppress the Black family were now reevaluating. Where there had been hostility, there was now hesitation—temptation replacing aggression.

Meanwhile, Phineas, still at Hogwarts, was completely unaware of these developments.

Even if he had known, he would have only smiled with quiet disdain. You started this war. Now that you're losing, you want peace? Shameless. Much was still in motion—nothing was settled yet.

Puff stood beside Phineas in the dormitory, reporting meticulously on the status of the Black family's industries, all proceeding as planned.

Phineas nodded, about to respond when the door suddenly opened.

He frowned as he saw Snape enter without knocking.

"Professor Snape," Phineas said sharply, "even as Head of Slytherin, entering a student's dormitory unannounced isn't proper. A gentleman knocks."

Snape didn't respond immediately. His gaze flicked to Puff. He looked as if he wanted to speak, but Phineas cut in.

"Puff, return for now. Stick to the plan."

Puff bowed slightly and left.

Phineas turned back to Snape. "So, Professor, what brings you here?"

Snape watched Puff go, silently acknowledging that this was how Phineas coordinated with the Black family. He sighed inwardly.

Even as a former Death Eater, Snape had no desire to see a family war in the wizarding world. Such conflicts only bred chaos and imbalance. After Phineas declared war on Marcus Flint, the faculty had tried to suppress communications—controlling owl posts and other messages, hoping to stop the escalation.

But war had come anyway. The Flints were too slow and had been crushed by the precision of the Black family's response.

Now Snape understood the reasons—but there was still nothing he could do to stop it.

He exhaled slowly and finally spoke.

"Dumbledore wants to see you. Go to the Headmaster's office—seventh floor. The gargoyle at the door will let you in. The password is ''Sizzling Bee Candy."

Phineas's calm expression twitched. He was confused.

Why now? Dumbledore's never once sought me out. Not when I was kidnapped. Not when Slytherin turned on itself. He stayed silent through all of it. And now he wants to talk? What's changed?

Though his mind stirred with suspicion, he showed none of it outwardly. He simply nodded.

"Understood, Professor."

Snape gave no further comment and left as swiftly as he had arrived.

Phineas stood quietly for a moment, watching the door close. Then he turned and began the walk to the seventh floor.

He reached the gargoyle and hesitated for a second before speaking the password.

"Sizzling Bee Candy."

The stone gargoyle sprang aside. The wall behind it split open, revealing the familiar spiral staircase.

Phineas exhaled and ascended.

Nothing had changed inside the Headmaster's office. It was the same grand circular room, filled with odd magical devices, its walls lined with portraits of former Headmasters—including his own ancestor.

But this time, Dumbledore wasn't alone.

A man stood beside him wearing a pinstriped suit, a crimson tie, long black cloak, purple pointed boots, and a dark green top hat. Phineas recognized him immediately.

Dumbledore beamed.

"Ah, Mr. Black. Thank you for coming. Allow me to introduce the new Minister for Magic—Mr. Cornelius Fudge. Cornelius, this is Phineas Black—the young man you wished to speak with."

Then, without further ceremony, Dumbledore sat back in his chair.

"You two may speak freely."

Fudge frowned slightly at Dumbledore's abrupt withdrawal and stepped forward quickly.

"Dumbledore, he's just a student—you could have easily—"