Elias descended the grand staircase, his footsteps echoing through the vast halls of the Blackthorn estate. The house was a masterpiece of wizarding architecture, with towering columns, enchanted portraits that whispered to one another, and an ambiance of opulence that few could rival. The Blackthorn family had lived here for centuries, and everything about the place exuded power—both magical and political.
As Elias entered the dining hall, his eyes swept over the long oak table set for breakfast. His father, Lucian Blackthorn, sat at the head of the table, his piercing gray eyes studying a thick stack of papers in front of him. Lucian was a man who commanded attention without saying a word
Lucian Blackthorn sat at the head of the grand dining table, his steely gray eyes scanning through a pile of documents with practiced indifference. The patriarch of House Blackthorn was a man who exuded authority in every gesture, from the way he held his wand to the quiet, deliberate way he observed everything around him. His stark, aristocratic features were carved in a way that demanded respect—a man who had spent decades carving out his place in the world and making sure the Blackthorn name was never forgotten.
Elias took a moment to study him, noting the slight tension in his father's posture as he worked. Lucian was a figure of strength, but Elias knew that even he couldn't escape the burdens of the family legacy. Elias didn't feel the same weight just yet, but he knew it was only a matter of time before it caught up with him.
"Good morning, Father," Elias said, his voice calm but assertive as he sat down opposite his father at the table. His mother had already taken her seat beside Lucian, her sharp eyes never leaving the papers in front of her.
"Ah, Elias," Lucian said, setting the papers down with a quiet sigh. His gaze, cold and calculating, flicked up toward his son. "You've taken your time. As the heir, you must learn to manage your time better." His tone was neutral, but there was a hint of disapproval.
Elias simply nodded, not taking the bait. He had long since learned that his father's approval was something to be earned—and even then, it was always a fleeting thing. Lucian believed in discipline and control, and he had raised Elias in the same vein. It wasn't just about magic—it was about maintaining the family's position in the wizarding world, ensuring that the Blackthorn legacy was never overshadowed.
"Did you sleep well?" Seraphina asked, her voice cutting through the silence. "Your father insists on pushing you immediately into family matters, but I think you need a moment to adjust." Her gaze was soft, but there was a firmness in her eyes that Elias had come to recognize.
"I'm fine," Elias replied, his tone even. "I've had enough time to adjust."
His father made a noncommittal sound before turning his attention back to his son. "As the heir, you will be expected to represent this family in the highest circles of magical society. It is not enough to be born into power; you must prove yourself worthy of it. Your training begins today."
Elias raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "What does that entail?"
Lucian's eyes hardened slightly. "You will begin your studies in diplomacy, magical law, and the intricacies of magical politics. You will learn how to manage the family estate, our influence within the Ministry, and how to secure alliances with the right families." His voice was cold, as if the importance of these lessons should be self-evident. "It will not be easy, and I will not go easy on you."
Elias took a breath, knowing that his father's training would be demanding—rigorous, even. He had no illusions about the kind of pressure he would face. But what Lucian didn't know was that Elias didn't just want to maintain the family's legacy. He intended to shape it to his will.
"I understand," Elias said, meeting his father's gaze evenly. "And I will prove myself."
"Good," Lucian said simply, his approval measured and cool. He glanced toward Seraphina, who had remained silent up until now. "Seraphina, prepare the schedule for his training."
His mother nodded. "I will arrange everything. The tutors will arrive this afternoon, and the family council will meet tonight."
Elias could feel the pressure rising already. A council? The family had its own political system, with members from different branches of the Blackthorn family coming together to discuss important matters. It was an archaic system, but it kept the family united and in control. Elias would be expected to take part in these meetings soon—his first test of leadership.
As breakfast continued, Elias's mind raced, weighing the options ahead of him. His father's rigid expectations would be difficult to navigate, but they weren't insurmountable. It was clear that Lucian had always believed in control—control over his family, control over the wizarding world, and control over Elias's future.
Elias wasn't sure he could ever fully agree with his father's ideals, but that didn't mean he couldn't use them to his advantage. If he could master his studies, learn the art of diplomacy, and begin to manipulate the family's influence from within, he could forge his own path—one that wouldn't be dictated solely by his father's ambitions.
After breakfast, Elias retreated to his study, a vast room lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and magical texts. He sat at the grand desk, his hands resting on the cool wood, as his mind wandered.
It wasn't just the Blackthorn family he had to contend with. The wizarding world was full of powerful families, each with their own agenda. The Malfoys, the Lestranges, the Greengrasses—he knew them all from his previous life. And while some might see these families as allies, Elias had no intention of following in their footsteps. His approach would be more subtle, more calculated.
His focus shifted to the future. He knew the coming conflict, the rise of Voldemort, the war that would shake the wizarding world to its core. He also knew the key players—Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley. But Elias wasn't interested in playing the role of a supporting character in their story. He didn't need to be a hero. He didn't need to be a villain. What Elias needed was power—true power, the kind that could shape the course of history.
And to get there, he would have to tread carefully. For now, he would play the part of a dutiful heir, learning everything he could from his family's teachings. But deep down, Elias knew one thing for certain: he wouldn't allow anyone else to dictate his future.