Chapter 321: Consular Meeting 2
"Everyone knows about the connection between the Black and Potter families—especially now that Harry Potter is living with the Blacks. If the Potters become the new consul family, who will really control America? The Potters or the Blacks?"
Borsalino, standing beside Kuzan, muttered this quietly.
Phineas didn't react much. He simply shrugged and responded sarcastically, "Since you know, why are you still nominating your own family? I'm just not as good at hiding my ambitions as you."
"So what do you suggest we do?" asked Corvus, sounding slightly impatient.
After all, the Lestrange family had only been a consular family of the Council of Elders for about ten years. Before that, they were merely a neutral family overseeing the wizarding world in France. As a result, the elders of the Lestrange family were unfamiliar with the constant tug-of-war, disputes, and political games among the four main families during consular meetings. Even Corvus, as the head of the family, held less power and autonomy than the others due to his position as a junior in the family.
Elrond was in a similar position, but his grandson was close in age to Phineas and had already participated in several meetings. He had grown used to the political drama. Kuzan, too, although less experienced than Elrond, was the real decision-maker of the Rich family.
Phineas had only attended the meeting once before. Back then, it was Lisa who did most of the talking, even if the ideas were his. In reality, he wasn't much more experienced than Corvus—but now, he seemed right at home.
He had learned to use his own proposals that will definitely be rejected to ridicule others and strategically narrow their choices.
As the saying goes, If I can't have it, I'll make sure no one else can either. If necessary, we all fall together—better than falling alone.
That seemed to be Phineas's approach now.
"Choose a neutral family," Phineas said. "Just like when we chose the Lestranges to replace the Gaunts, select a neutral family to become the fifth consular family."
Elrond nodded in agreement. Unlike the power-hungry elders of his house, he had little interest in authority or status, so he supported the proposal without trying to compete.
"What Phineas said is right," he said. "That's the best route. If their direct descendants relocate to America, it won't affect our balance of power. Besides, there's little of value in the American magical world except land. It's not worth this constant arguing. Anyway, I won't let the Rich family take that seat—and I don't think Phineas, Corvus, or Kuzan will either. Whether we gain it or not, none of us wants the others to."
Kuzan ignored Borsalino's subtle cues and nodded.
"Fine. If we go with a neutral family, we won't interfere. Like Elrond said, there's nothing in America we desperately need. Let's give it up."
Corvus nodded silently in agreement.
Seeing this, Phineas continued, "Then let's talk about the neutral families available. Families from the Americas are acceptable too. Since the Council of Elders plans to appoint a fifth consular family, the number of pledged families must also be increased. The pure-blood families in America should be required to join the Council and become new pledged families, operating under the authority of the Council of Elders."
The others nodded, even the chief elder at the head of the table gave a slight nod—his opinion of Phineas clearly improving.
After all, Phineas's suggestion served the Council's best interest. Choosing a neutral or American-based family and pulling native pure-blood families into the Council's authority was a practical way to bring America under their control.
Bang bang bang—
The chief elder tapped the table, signaling for quiet. He looked at Phineas.
"Phineas Black, do you have a specific suggestion?"
Phineas was caught slightly off guard. It was rare for the elders to call on one person like this. Still, he responded.
"Some time ago, Elrond mentioned that the Selwyns had some dealings with the Graves family in America."
"The Graves family?" the chief elder repeated, puzzled.
"Yes," Phineas confirmed. "They're an old American family. Their main trade is raising Reom cattle, and they have significant influence in the Magical Congress of the United States."
"Though there was a marriage connection with the Selwyns, it wasn't an alliance. They just exchanged some property. So, appointing them wouldn't shift American power to Selwyn."
Corvus raised his hand. "I agree. I've heard of them too. They've intermarried with many European families, mostly for business, not alliances."
Kuzan also raised his hand, and Elrond followed—naturally, since the Graves were related to them. The family's rise would reflect well on Selwyn.
The chief elder nodded, clearly pleased to see the four families finally agreeing.
Behind them, the long bench where the other elders sat came alive with hushed discussion.
Seeing this, Phineas and the others went quiet.
But Sirius, Borsalino, and the other newcomers to the meeting looked confused. This wasn't what they had expected from the vaunted Council of Elders.
Phineas just smiled. These old men aren't without ambition. In fact, theirs is the greatest—they want to become gods while still ruling the magical world. The entire magical world.
Time passed.
There were no clocks in the room. With no windows and magical lighting, it was impossible to tell what time it was. The passage of time became meaningless.
Eventually, after what seemed like hours of silence, the elders reached a consensus and passed their decision to the chief elder.
Ahem—
The soft cough brought them all back to attention.
"After discussion, we have decided to include the Graves family as a consular family. Simultaneously, we will bring the American continent under the jurisdiction of the Council of Elders and designate native pure-blood families there as pledged families."
"Due to the Graves-Selwyn marriage, the Selwyns will oversee this process. The Blacks, Riches, and Lestranges must also send representatives—if not direct heirs, then official representatives of your houses."
Phineas, Elrond, Kuzan, and Corvus stood and gave slight bows to the chief elder, acknowledging the task and the ruling, then exited the chamber.
Thus ended the first day of the consular meeting.
Outside the hall, under the magical ceiling, they saw that an entire day had passed. The sun had long set; the moon now hung overhead.
"Is that it for today?" Sirius asked once they returned to their quarters.
Phineas shrugged. "That's it. Boring, isn't it? They ask us to deliberate, but really, they already made their decision. All we do is formalize it."
"So you deliberately suggested the Graves family?" Sirius asked, puzzled.
Phineas smiled slightly. "You could say that. But really, we had no choice. We all nominated our own allies just to signal our interest. But we knew none of us would get picked. It would've upset the balance."
"There are very few neutral families strong enough to be consular families, and even fewer in America. We knew the Council would only accept a native family. And since almost no pure-blood lines remain there, the Graves were the only option."
"Elrond, Kuzan, and Corvus figured it out too."
"It's so complicated," Sirius muttered.
Phineas chuckled. "That was just the first day. Starting tomorrow, each family will propose a motion daily. Most will pass—so long as they don't threaten the Council's power."
Sirius looked thoughtful. "So, will you propose reinstating the Malfoys as a pledged family?"
Phineas shook his head. "Not exactly. The proposal is about adding more European pledged families to balance the ones in America."
Sirius looked confused.
Phineas explained, "The proposal doesn't harm anyone's interests. Everyone will support it. If I'm right, everything else will go smoothly."
---
The Next Day
The meeting resumed with the same room, same layout, same seats—and the same attendees.
This time, however, the families brought proposals.
Phineas spoke first. "We need to increase the number of pledged families. Otherwise, we'll be at a disadvantage if America seeks independence."
Kuzan agreed. Elrond added, "Many loyal European families have never been officially pledged. It's unfair. They deserve recognition."
Corvus didn't speak but raised his hand in agreement.
The chief elder turned to Phineas. "How many do you suggest?"
"Four," Phineas said firmly. "There are perhaps a dozen pure-blood families in America. No more than ten would qualify as pledged families. In Europe, after centuries of organization, four more will maintain the balance."
The chief elder studied him closely. He understood Phineas's true goal—but given the rationale and the benefit to all families, he nodded.
"Approved."
Phineas smiled and continued. "The Black family nominates the Malfoys. They were once pledged but lost the title due to the Weasleys' choices during the Elf War. They still hold influence in Britain, have ties to Muggles, and maintain trade with America."
Elrond added, "We nominate the Abbott family. High standing, never pledged, but very suitable."
"The Rich family nominates the Notts," Kuzan said. "They lost the title two years ago due to a conflict with our family, but deserve to return."
Corvus concluded, "The Lestranges nominate the Brienne family. A small compensation."
Phineas frowned at that, but let it go. The Briennes weren't significant enough to oppose and not worth jeopardizing the Malfoy nomination.