Confessions and the First Strike
Runcandel Mansion welcomed them back with silent warmth.
Keith entered first, followed by Narcissa and Bellatrix. The moment they crossed the threshold, familiar presences gathered.
Rias blinked once—then smiled brightly.
Luna tilted her head, instantly perceptive.
Grayfia's eyes narrowed slightly in interest.
Scathach folded her arms, already amused.
Albedo beamed.
Gamma adjusted her glasses.
Nagini watched quietly from the side.
Keith didn't delay.
"Bellatrix Black and Narcissa Black are now my fiancées," he said calmly.
For half a second—
Silence.
Then—
"That's wonderful!" Rias exclaimed.
"Congratulations," Luna said warmly, stepping forward first.
Grayfia inclined her head.
"A wise alliance."
Scathach smirked.
"Took long enough."
Albedo clasped her hands happily.
"My lord's family grows!"
Gamma nodded approvingly.
"Politically sound. Emotionally stable."
Narcissa blinked, then smiled—genuinely this time.
Bellatrix relaxed, shoulders easing as she accepted the congratulations without suspicion.
They spoke with Narcissa easily—though there was curiosity.
After all, this was the woman who had written Keith so many letters.
Nagini watched quietly.
Her smile was soft—but her eyes dimmed just a little.
Keith noticed.
Of course he did.
A Question Long Overdue
Later, when the others drifted into conversation, Keith approached Nagini silently and pulled her into a gentle hug.
She froze—then relaxed against him.
"When were you planning to confess to me?" he asked softly.
Nagini stiffened again.
"…You knew?" she asked quietly.
Keith smiled.
"For a long time."
Her cheeks flushed.
"I didn't want to disrupt anything," she said honestly. "You already carry so much."
Keith leaned down slightly.
"And yet you stayed," he said. "That matters."
Nagini took a slow breath.
"I love you," she said finally. "Not as loyalty. Not as duty. As myself."
Keith didn't hesitate.
"I accept," he said simply.
Nagini's breath hitched.
Then she smiled—radiant, relieved, real.
Keith held her a little tighter.
Information Is a Weapon
That night, Keith moved silently through his study.
From secured vaults, he withdrew compiled intelligence:
Black magic alchemical tools Restricted ritual components Illicit enchantment arrays
All traced carefully to:
House Malfoy
House Carrow
House Flint
House Nott
No accusations.
No signatures.
Just truth.
He sent the information anonymously to the Ministry of Magic.
The Ministry Moves
The next morning—
Aurors arrived.
Led by Alastor Moody, flanked by elite teams.
And one familiar red-haired wizard.
Arthur Weasley adjusted his robes, eyes gleaming.
"Search warrants approved," Moody growled. "No excuses."
Arthur smiled thinly.
"I've been looking forward to this."
They struck fast.
Malfoy Manor.
Nott estate.
Carrow holdings.
Flint vaults.
Hidden rooms were uncovered.
Sealed cabinets broken open.
Artifacts seized.
Arthur watched Lucius Malfoy's face pale—and felt no regret.
The Prophet Speaks Again
THE DAILY PROPHET — Special Edition
ILLEGAL DARK ARTIFACTS SEIZED
MINISTRY ISSUES HEAVY FINES TO
MALFOY • NOTT • CARROW • FLINT
The article was merciless.
Political donors withdrew.
Social invitations vanished.
Wizengamot whispers turned cold.
Their wealth drained.
Their reputation cracked.
Their power slipping—slowly, visibly.
Not destroyed.
Yet.
From his office window, Keith read the article calmly.
"One piece at a time," he murmured.
Behind him—
Narcissa felt vindicated.
Bellatrix smiled sharply.
Nagini stood proudly at his side.
The fall had begun.
And no one could stop it now.