Malfoy Downfall 1

As chaos erupted in Magical Britain! The rumor of the You-Know-Who, ritualist sacrifices, and the supposed innocence of the in-famous Black heir. The public was divided, many demanded justice, but more felt the need to focus on security. The noble families were more afraid of the Dark Lord returning, especially those who claimed Imperious. However, none faced more scrutiny than the Malfoy. As many noble households knew, Lucious was angling for his heir to inherit the Black mantel, but with the innocence of Sirius, his plan was in a rut now. The one responsible for this drama is going around the rest of Europe to revive old Black contracts with his cousin.

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Austria

House of Habsburg

Gorgeous and serene home is situated in a mountainous area of the Alps, surrounded by tall peaks and lush vegetation. This kind of home frequently includes features like wood paneling, stone facades, and huge windows that provide expansive views of the mountains to blend in with its natural environment.

Home to the famous Habsburg family. They controlled much of Austria, both mundane and magical. But their influence finished on the ordinary side after World War 1, and when they tried discreetly using magic to change the result in their favor, ICW swiftly dealt with them, leaving them lonely and toothless. But still, as an old family, they held considerable resources. During the Grindewalds war, their heirs were captured from Durmstrang. Ransom was being demanded, but Cassiopeia Black and her men had rescued them, leaving the Habsburg family pretty grateful. So the Black family used this to secure a healthy alliance with them.

Inside a well-furnished office sat an older man with a stoic demeanor. Jakob Habsburg. Opposite him sat Sirius Black in a black dress.

In between, them was an Austrian Newspaper describing the happenings of Britain.

"Setting the whole country on fire, but having the leisure time to visit the Alps. Surely there must be more to this visit Lord Black."

Maintaining a calm posture, Sirius replied, "Well, apart from visiting as new Lord Black, I wanted to reinstate some alliance contracts."

The current Lord Habsburg grimaces slightly. "Lord Black, surely you must have noticed our influence is pretty vain now; we can't help in most of your endeavors."

Sirius takes a sip of the hot drink, "But I have assured a family of your standing, no matter how desolate, can still benefit this alliance."

Lord Habsburg gets momentarily angry at the reminder of how downtrodden his family is but keeps his composure as the weaker house in the alliance. Moreover, the magical presence he felt from the man opposite him kept him quiet.

He leaned forward with his hands under his chin. Pointedly he asks

"What service would that be?"

"Intelligence"

"And what benefit would we get."

Sirius loses his calm look and states, "You will be compensated with resources accordingly, but the information must be correct and useful."

Habsburg leans back and thinks over the offer. Getting wealth and resources for intelligence would be more beneficial to his house, but it depended on which people they had to spy on. He couldn't deny House Black because of the damn contracts.

"What type of intelligence would you require."

Sirius's face morphs into a shark-like grin, "Malfoy."

Habsburg looked shocked a little before his eyes darted back to the newspaper. He started chuckling

"Hahahha, you have a deal, Lord Black."

"Jakob, you can call me Sirius."

Two men shooks their hands to complete the deal.

Similarly, a deal was stuck in another part of Europe.

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Bulgaria

House of Dimitrov

A burly man in his mid-forties, the current Patriarch of the House of Dimitrov. Petar Dimitrov.

"Lady Lestrange, we only need to get any information on Malfoy for this alliance to work. Nothing else? Surely we could provide workforce or ?"

Bellatrix had a cold and haughty look on her face. "Yes, the House of Dimitrov needs to expand its circle from Bulgaria to the rest of Europe to find anything useful. Business facilities, primary profits source, associates, anything. As for the rest, House of Black will cope."

Petar has a contemplative look before shrugging. "As you wish, my Lady. House Dimitrov will assit House Black"

"I will inform Lord Black that House of House Dimitrov didn't dishonor the alliance."

Bellatrix before, before getting up to leave.

"May magic light your way, Lady Lestrange."

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France, Paris

(Sirius Pov)

Bellatrix and I were at our last stop on our short European tour that took us to Bulgaria, Austria, Hungary, Norway, and France.

All the alliances with House Black were reinstated, with a heavy instance on the intelligence of Malfoy. My goal was to expand the spy network into a spider web that captures every detail of Malfoy. Then I can know and plan on how to destroy him.

France's De Bombelles family will be the final nail in the coffin of Malfoy. This family was heavily damaged in the Grindelwald war, so much so that their business was destroyed. They wanted to get it back up, but their competitor families didn't give them a chance.

So for a while, De Bombelles's family has been looking to get a startup in Britain.

House of  De Bombelles

Sitting in a big fancy mansion makes me rethink whether the Bombelles are oppressed.

I looked at the potbelly man who seemed so cheerful, but I knew this was just a mask. No grownup has faced society's hardships, especially him, Éliott De Bombelles. Who has to face the oppression of several families but remains strong.

"Lord Black Lady Lestrange, you mention that you would help House De Bombelles get a permit from the Ministry to start work in Britain. But as far as I know, you both are still fugitives with no legal power to your name."

I sense a magic bubble from Bella; she had a sneer on her pretty face that was about to curse, but tapping Bella on her arm, she stills.

Cooling my face, I state, "I am in the process of getting a fair trial, which will set me free. I will seek compensation from the Ministry, which I can help you negotiate, a low-taxed startup for your family business."

Éliott's eyes got a glint that showed how he had already accepted the deal. Bringing up my legal status was to prop up some chips on his side. I can let that slide since he has a big job.

He leans back, "How can my family repay this gratitude?"

I visibly see Bella clamp down her teeth. I can see why she is mad. Éliott's attitude wasn't that of someone of an ally but a pompous mercenary. Our family didn't help his family, but they fought together. So this alliance is an equal treaty, unlike others.

"Well, I would like you to set up an event and invite some top families. For ..."

He cuts me off, "I don't think that's a good idea to involve my allies in whatever you are cooking up.

As the pressure on Éliott increased, magic in the room gradually ascended, and the air tightened. Magic thumed in existence.

De Bombelles breath quickened while Bellatrix had her wand out and was cackling.

"Elliot be quiet and lesson."

"Frenchman, you have been getting on my nerves. In case you have forgotten, sitting in front of you is Sirius Black, the new Lord of House Black, and me, Lady Lestrange, who was the right hand of a Drak Lord."

The heavy magic disappeared, Elliot slumped on the seat, breathless.

"Huff Huff"

All his jovial nature vanishes. Before he stares intently at us before relenting, "I am sorry, my Lords. I didn't mean any disrespect."

I nod. "As I was saying, set up a big event, invite officials and nobles alike. For this event, request the Malfoy family to come. Discuss How you want to start a business in England."

Before he can reply, "Before you decide to betray the alliance, do remember the Malfoy won't give you the concession I will."

He shuts up before smiling sheepishly at being preempted. "No, how could I dishonor  our sacred alliance."

"Oh, do invite Veela waitresses."

He's confused but still complies.

Now I wait.