Chapter 306: Engagement Ceremony
Phoebus had initially considered marrying Daphne to Black, but due to Phineas, the arrangement was changed to his youngest daughter, Astoria. Now, he didn't know how to explain this to Daphne.
As for Phineas, he was indifferent. He couldn't accept Daphne's personality. If he could, he would have accepted the Selwyn marriage proposal long ago.
The dinner Phoebus prepared was lavish and perfectly suited to Phineas and Sirius's tastes.
After dinner, Phoebus, Sirius, Phineas, and Astoria sat in the manor's second-floor living room to discuss the true purpose of their meeting: the engagement ceremony of Phineas and Astoria.
"Phoebus, there's something you need to know in advance," Sirius said after a pause.
Phineas immediately knew what he meant. He looked at Sirius and, seeing that he was speaking from careful consideration rather than impulse, nodded and added:
"I'll explain, Mr. Greengrass. As part of my larger plan, my first public appearance will be during the climax—an essential turning point—and it all begins with the engagement ceremony."
Phoebus nodded slowly. "So, if all goes according to plan, this engagement will be the catalyst for everything?"
Phineas nodded. "I'm afraid so. You're absolutely right, Mr. Greengrass."
Phoebus fell silent, then glanced at his youngest daughter. Seeing no reluctance or complaint in her expression, he finally nodded.
"As long as Leah is willing. Besides, I doubt Blacks would want the heir's engagement ceremony to turn into a farce."
Sirius agreed. "Exactly. There may be blood spilled outside the banquet hall. It's fine for us—this is Phineas's plan—but I worried whether it would trouble you, Phoebus."
Phoebus smirked. "Our Greengrass family hasn't officially fought in years due to our small numbers, but we're still one of the founding families of the Council of Elders and among the oldest magical families in Britain. We may dislike war, but we do not fear it. As for blood…"
Sirius smiled. "If nothing goes wrong with Phineas's plan, the British wizarding world could see peace for centuries."
Phoebus nodded. He didn't know the full scope of Phineas's strategy, but he'd gleaned enough from Astoria's hints to understand its significance. If successful, it would return Britain to the days when the Black family ran things like a fortress and stood toe-to-toe with the mightiest families.
"Well," Sirius said cheerfully, "let's talk about the date of the engagement."
"Naturally," Phoebus replied. "What did you have in mind?"
Phineas interjected. "According to my plan, the engagement ring needs to be a magical item. I've already commissioned it, but it will take time to complete."
Phoebus frowned. "A magical item?"
Phineas nodded. "Even after this, the Black family will still have enemies. For Leah's safety, I want the ring to have protective charms, a danger alert, and tracking capabilities."
Astoria glanced at him shyly. "Um… Phineas…"
All three turned to look at her. Since she was directly involved, they waited patiently for her input.
Seeing their expectant expressions, Astoria blushed deeply. Phineas smiled gently and said:
"Leah, say whatever you like. Just like always."
She hesitated, then seemed to summon courage.
"Can I… design the look of my engagement ring?"
Phineas blinked, then laughed. "Of course! It's your ring, after all. I've only arranged for the materials and how the magical functions will work—the design hasn't begun yet."
Astoria beamed and pulled a folded paper from her robe pocket, handing it to him. "Then… please use this."
As soon as she handed it over, she seemed to realize what she'd done, turned scarlet, and froze in embarrassment.
Phineas accepted the drawing, chuckling softly. This girl…
Phoebus and Sirius both laughed.
"My daughter clearly looks forward to marrying Phineas," Phoebus said with a half-smile.
Sirius grinned. "That's a good thing. They get along wonderfully. But Phoebus, you should start teaching Astoria how to manage a household."
Phoebus blinked. "Sirius, what are you saying?"
Sirius shrugged. "I'm not suited to lead the Black family long-term. I'm only acting head until Phineas takes over. He prefers magical research over administration, so when he inherits, Astoria will likely handle the family's day-to-day affairs."
Phoebus nodded solemnly. "Understood. I'll start preparing Leah after the engagement."
Meanwhile, Phineas and Astoria were mock-fighting, Phineas teasing and Astoria trying to retaliate, while the adults looked on with amusement.
In the end, the date was agreed upon—Phineas's birthday, a month later. Phineas had suggested Astoria's birthday, which was close, but both Sirius and Phoebus objected. Since Phineas would be making a high-profile return, it made more sense to mark his birthday. If the plan succeeded, the day would be a historic milestone in magical Britain.
They agreed the future wedding would take place on Astoria's birthday, July 11.
Afterward, Phineas and Sirius returned to begin preparations—selecting the venue, the guest list, and organizing security.
Time passed quickly. The day of the engagement finally arrived.
Phineas Black Jr., one of the only two direct heirs of the Black family, was about to formally be engaged.
The Black family took it very seriously. Some elders considered opposing the match, but upon considering Phineas's status and power, they refrained. They would not attend the engagement but would be present at the final wedding.
Other branches of the Black family came, including a reclusive alchemist researching Floo Powder.
Before the ceremony, Phineas went to the ancestral Black Castle, where he reported to the elders and received their blessings. Then, he left with family members for the venue.
Meanwhile, Astoria was also preparing. Although wizards had magical means of travel, she chose a more traditional approach—a magical carriage.
This wasn't just any carriage. It was one historically used by the second head of the Black family when marrying, and later by the head who wed a daughter of the Gaunt family. Every marriage sealed by this carriage had been prosperous and harmonious.
Phineas's choice to use it showed his care and sincerity.
The engagement was held at a Black family estate on a secure island near Britain. Only the Black family had the power to control access.
Phineas stood at the front of the banquet hall, dressed in ceremonial robes—dark with golden trim, bearing the Black family emblem. Though already formidable, his appearance today radiated true nobility.
Then, Astoria entered.
She was stunning. Her long golden hair was styled into an elegant bun. She wore a flowing lavender robe with a green shimmer and a silver Greengrass family necklace. She looked ethereal beneath the soft light of the hall.
Phineas stepped forward, took her hand, and led her to the front.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and noble. Outside, however, was a different story.
The Black family guards had detained the attendants and guards of various pure-blood families. Damon moved among them with a list, pointing out individuals to be removed.
If one observed closely, they'd see those taken were family members who had betrayed the Black family or contacted the Rich family during Phineas's disappearance.
Days earlier, news of his engagement to Astoria had shocked the wizarding world. Many realized then: the Black family was about to strike.
Law-abiding families breathed sighs of relief. Those who had schemed panicked. Even the arrogant had no choice but to bow their heads.
While the ceremony inside proceeded, blood flowed outside. Damon's men executed or imprisoned the traitors.
At the same time, Black family forces struck across Britain—raiding homes, eliminating betrayers, and restoring order through overwhelming force.
It was clear to all watching:
Phineas Black Jr. was not just a brilliant and ruthless force, but a cunning, capable leader—and a worthy heir to the Black legacy.
Under him, the Black family would no longer remain silent. It would rise again to the heights of magical supremacy.