Chapter 114: The Decision of the Council of Elders
Everything proceeded just as Phineas had anticipated. Not long after he returned to Hogwarts, representatives from the Council of Elders arrived to discuss the surrender of the Flint family.
"Hello, Mr. Phineas Black. I'm Evans, from the Council of Elders' Department of Magical School Affairs."
This department operated under the Council of Elders, typically staffed by Animagus masters and accomplished shapeshifters. Every few years, they sent representatives to each magical school to observe and record the progress of young wizards—their talents, temperament, relationships, academic performance, and notable actions during their schooling. The goal was to assess which students might pose a future threat or be worthy of special training. After all, families like the Blacks, Gunters, Selwyns, and Riches were rare legacies in the wizarding world.
The elite institution, Skuller, which trained powerful wizards for the Council, usually accepted only the scions of families aligned with the Elders. The Department of Magical School Affairs existed to ensure promising talents weren't overlooked—and that threats like Grindelwald, who had once nearly challenged the Council's interests, would never rise again.
The department also handled day-to-day affairs involving magical schools. Hence, it was this office—not the Pure-blood Family Management Department—that had sent Evans to speak with Phineas.
"Hello, Evans. Are you here on routine observation, or did you come specifically to see me?" Phineas asked with a calm smile as they shook hands.
He needed clarity. Whether the Council was treating this as a routine matter or a high-priority one would determine how much value the Flint alliance had traded for protection. That, in turn, would determine how much of the spoils the Black family could claim.
If Evans wasn't sent specifically to him, it meant the Council wasn't placing high importance on the issue—implying the Blacks could secure significant gains. But if Evans had come just for him, then the Flints and their allies had paid dearly, prompting the Council to intervene and limit Black's rewards out of political obligation.
Evans glanced around cautiously. After confirming their conversation wouldn't be overheard, he leaned in and whispered, "I'm here specifically to speak with you. But not for the reason you think. It's true the families paid a high price, but the Council isn't overly invested in this matter."
Phineas's brows furrowed. He wasn't surprised that Evans had anticipated his question—Dumbledore and other Headmasters often dealt with this department. Still, Evans's candidness was unexpected. His answer raised even more questions.
"So?" Phineas asked simply.
Evans blinked, then chuckled. "Just as our Minister said—you don't think like a student at all."
With a sigh, he drew his wand.
Phineas instantly tensed, setting his cane against the floor to trigger the protective enchantments. His right hand gripped the wolf's-head handle, ready to draw his wand if needed.
But Evans didn't attack. Instead, he cast a shielding charm that surrounded them both.
"This will block any spell-based surveillance. Only Council agents learn this spell. Now we can speak freely," Evans said.
He continued, "The Rich and Lestrange families petitioned the Council to intervene in the Black–Flint family conflict and proposed judging Black as the loser. Naturally, the Council rejected such a blatant miscarriage of justice. But after the two families presented certain... offerings, the Council agreed to step in. Not to reverse the outcome, but to show 'fairness.'"
"What those offerings were, we don't know—only the senior Elders do. But word leaked, likely through the Selwyns, that the items were of great value. The Selwyns aren't on good terms with the Rich family, so they spread the news deliberately. With both sides making moves, the Council must handle this with care. That's why I'm here—to inform you. The Pure-blood Family Management Office will follow up."
Phineas nodded thoughtfully.
"So, if the Selwyns hadn't intervened, I might have been forced into a weaker position—and possibly lost some of my gains?"
Evans nodded. "Exactly. Also, the Selwyns asked me to pass something on to you."
"Oh?" Phineas asked.
Evans said, "There are rumors in the Council that the Gaunt family has vanished. That leaves only three consular families, creating an imbalance. The Council is considering elevating the Lestrange family to fill the vacancy and restore equilibrium."
Phineas nodded again. Since this news was being shared, it likely meant the decision had already been made behind closed doors, but not yet formalized. The matter would probably come to a vote during the Christmas session of the Council.
The Selwyns' motive in sharing this was clear—they wanted to draw the Black family away from the Lestranges and isolate the Rich family. A political realignment was taking shape.
Phineas suddenly looked at the round-faced wizard in front of him. Anyone able to deliver such sensitive information was likely connected to the Selwyns—either directly or through a vassal family. That, too, was part of the message.