In the late autumn of 1968, the beech tree in the courtyard of Number 12, Grimmauld Place shed its last leaf.
Regulus was seven years old.
The magic guidance cycle exercises of the past year had shown significant results; his strength had increased, his physique was noticeably stronger, his magic perception was sharper, and his control was more refined.
Meanwhile, Sirius was eight years old, and his rebellion had entered a new phase.
He was no longer satisfied with just talking back; he had even begun to resist systematically.
When Walburga made him recite the family tree, he would deliberately mispronounce names; when she made him practice etiquette, he would turn teacups into frogs; when she made him wear formal robes, he would tear the collars.
During one dinner, Sirius openly questioned the pure-blood theory. Walburga was furious, and while Regulus smoothed over the atmosphere, Sirius viewed it as him sucking up to their parents. Conversations between the brothers became increasingly rare.
Sometimes Regulus would encounter Sirius in the hallway, and the look in the other's eyes was complex—filled with the anger of betrayal, lack of understanding, and a hint of disappointment.
He feels that by choosing the family, I have betrayed him, and in a way, he is right.
On the first weekend of December, Malfoy visited as scheduled. Everyone knew the real purpose: Malfoy was representing Lord Voldemort to scout the House of Black's stance.
Abraxas Malfoy was fifty-five years old, his face well-maintained, with long silver-grey hair tied neatly behind his head.
He wore dark green robes with intricate silver-threaded snake patterns on the cuffs, holding an ebony cane topped with a shimmering green black opal.
"Walburga, you look well." His voice was smooth and oily. "Orion, long time no see. Is your work at the Wizengamot going smoothly?"
Orion sat in the head seat, his tone calm. "As always. What has Mr. Malfoybeen busy with lately?"
Abraxas picked up his teacup and blew gently. "Thinking about the future—the future of the wizarding world, and our future."
Lucius hadn't come. Regulus speculated that he might be preparing for a more important occasion—formally joining the Death Eaters or representing the family in Lord Voldemort's core affairs.
"That Lord greatly admires the House of Black," Abraxas got straight to the point. "He says that among the Sacred Twenty-Eight, the Black family's bloodline is the oldest, purest, and most steadfast."
"Steadfast?" Orion asked.
"In maintaining tradition." Abraxas set down his teacup. "Many families are wavering now. The Potter Family openly associates with Muggle-borns, the Weasley family has practically become a synonym for blood traitors, and while the Longbottom family is pure-blood, they are too weak.
Only the House of Black remains consistent. That Lord believes such a family should occupy its rightful place in the new order."
Walburga leaned forward slightly. "Does That Lord... have any specific plans?"
Abraxas's voice rose slightly. "Revival! Purging the weak elements of the Ministry of Magic, rebuilding the authority of the Wizengamot, and regulating magical education.
Most importantly, establishing the dominance of pure-blood Wizards and returning the wizarding world to its proper order."
"Sounds ambitious," Orion said.
"It is vision!" Abraxas corrected. "That Lord possesses more than just ambition; he has power, knowledge, and the determination to change reality.
He has already gathered a group of like-minded people. The Lestrange family, the Nott family, the Carrow family... they have all expressed their support."
"Support what exactly?" Sirius suddenly interjected.
Walburga frowned. "Sirius, when adults are speaking—"
"I'm asking the truth," Sirius stared intently at Abraxas. "Support him in doing what? Killing people? Persecuting Muggle-borns? Or turning everyone into his slaves?"
"Sirius!" Walburga's voice turned shrill.
But Abraxas raised a hand to stop her. He looked at Sirius, his eyes devoid of any anger.
He said, "It's good for young people to have questions. What That Lordwants to establish is not tyranny, but order.
Under the new order, everyone will find their place. Pure-blood Wizards are naturally meant to lead the wizarding world; half-bloods and Muggle-borns can serve, and Muggles need to be managed."
"On what basis?" Sirius stood up excitedly, retorting loudly. "On what basis do you decide who leads and who serves?"
Abraxas said as if it were a matter of course, "On the basis of power, a thousand years of heritage, and the choice of magic itself. The magic of pure-blood Wizards is more powerful and more stable. That is a fact."
"I don't think—" Sirius started to continue.
Abraxas interrupted him, his tone gentle. "What you think doesn't matter. The rules by which the world operates will not change because of an eight-year-old child.
When you grow up and have seen the chaos of the wizarding world with your own eyes, seen the fear and persecution of magic by Muggles, and seen how Pure-blood families have been marginalized, perhaps you will understand."
"And what if I never understand?" Sirius's eyes were full of stubborn defiance.
"Then you will have two choices," Abraxas smiled. "Accept that you don't understand but follow the rules, or be excluded by the rules."
This was a blatant threat. Sirius turned pale, but he gritted his teeth and didn't back down.
At that moment, Regulus spoke.
"Mr. Malfoy is right," his voice was very calm. "Order requires power to maintain. If pure-blood Wizards indeed possess stronger magical talent, then our leadership of the wizarding world will bring about a more stable and powerful society."
Everyone looked at him.
Walburga's eyes lit up, while Orion's expression remained unchanged.
As for Sirius, he stared at Regulus, his gaze shifting from shock to disbelief, and finally turning into a kind of disappointment.
"You think so too?" Sirius's voice trembled slightly, as if he were making a final confirmation.
Regulus met his gaze. "I am stating facts. If the magical talent of pure-blood Wizards is stronger, then this is logical."
Sirius still wanted to argue, his anger intensifying, but Walburga stood up and snapped, "Sirius, go to your room. Now!"
Sirius looked at his mother, his father, his younger brother, and finally at Abraxas before turning to leave.
After Sirius left, the atmosphere in the living room relaxed somewhat.
Abraxas picked up his teacup again. "The future of the wizarding world isn't just in Britain; it's Europe, America, Asia... That Lord's influence is expanding.
Families that support him will have the opportunity to participate in the global reconstruction of the magical order. That means resources, knowledge, and power far beyond what the current Ministry of Magic can provide."
Regulus couldn't help but want to complain; Voldemort's ambition was quite large, aiming for the whole world, yet he couldn't even handle Britain.
Orion spoke after a moment of silence, "We need time to consider."
Abraxas stood up. "Of course. That Lord never coerces. There is a small gathering in Wiltshire next month where several like-minded families will exchange ideas. If the House of Black is interested, I can send an invitation."
Walburga looked at her husband, her eyes filled with expectation.
Orion nodded. "We will consider it."
After Malfoy left, Walburga immediately turned to Orion. "We must attend. Abraxas is right; this is an opportunity. The House of Black should take a leadership role in the new era—"
Orion interrupted her, his voice sounding tired. "Walburga, we need to be cautious. It all sounds wonderful, but what is the cost?
Among the 'weak elements' he wants to purge, there might be our friends, or even family."
"Andromeda is no longer family," Walburga said coldly.
"And then there's Sirius. If his rebellion continues..."
"Then let him go!" Walburga's voice suddenly rose. "The House of Blackisn't lacking a rebellious son; we have Regulus."
She looked at her second son, her eyes burning with intensity. "You spoke very well today—rational, logical, and considering the big picture. This is how an heir to the House of Black should be."
Regulus lowered his head and did not respond... In the attic laboratory, Regulus didn't light a lamp; he sat in the darkness, reflecting on everything that had happened that afternoon.
Abraxas's words revealed several key pieces of information: Voldemort's power had already extended beyond Britain and was expanding globally.
Voldemort was using the future order to tempt Pure-blood families, promising power and resources.
Voldemort's methods included "purging," a mild-sounding word, but he knew it would be pure violence.
No one but himself knew that Voldemort would ultimately fail, and that this inevitable outcome was driven by many coincidences.
He needed power.