After Bellatrix had departed that morning, it had not been more than a few hours before Antonio received a letter from her.
The letter stated that she had spoken to her grandfather, and that the Lord of House Black was willing to meet him.
Although she had not mentioned whether Arcturus Black would offer his support or not or what his reaction had been when Bellatrix had breached the topic, the fact that the old man was willing to meet at all was a promising sign. It clearly meant that Antonio could be hopeful and that he had a strong chance of securing his support.
If the old man had not been considering it, there would have been no reason for the Black Lord to agree to a meeting at all.
It was not as if Antonio was some highly influential figure whom Arcturus Black needed to honour out of courtesy or obligation. The very fact that he had agreed to meet suggested genuine interest.
Maybe, he thought, he would not end up a fugitive or a runaway criminal after all.
With that, he sent a reply back to her, agreeing to come to Grimmauld Place for the meeting. The date was set for the day after tomorrow, the day following his meeting with Edmund Bones.
Antonio had nothing to do in his house. With his inn destroyed, his usual routine had been completely disrupted. So, he used his free time to patch up the few minor cracks that had appeared in the walls of his home. As for the ruined inn, he left it untouched. He had decided to have it rebuilt from the scratch but only after the Wizengamot hearing was over.
A day later, it was finally time for his meeting with Edmund Bones. Antonio had dressed himself in formal attire, suitable for the occasion.
A portkey had been sent to him by Amelia to arrive near at her manor. He pulled the portkey, muttered the activation key and then vanished with a twist of space.
When Antonio reappeared, he was standing in the middle of a stone paved street. The location Amelia had marked for his arrival.
As soon as he appeared, he spotted two figures waiting for him at some distance ahead. Both the people had red hair.
The first was a face he was already familiar with. Amelia Bones.
The second was an older, tall, and imposing man. Dressed in regal robes befitting a noble, he carried an air of quiet authority. Edmund Bones. Lord Bones.
"Welcome to Bones Manor, Lord Olario," Edmund Bones greeted him as Antonio approached.
"Thank you, Lord Bones," Antonio replied with a polite smile.
Amelia, standing beside her father, offered Antonio a polite smile of greeting, to which he responded with a smile of his own.
"Come," Edmund said, gesturing for him to step inside the wards of the manor. No average person would have been able to feel or spot the exact location of the wards but Antonio's magical perception was far greater. He could clearly feel the exact place where the wards started and Edmund Bones had just been standing on the border.
Antonio gave a respectful nod and crossed the magical boundary of Bones Manor, following behind Edmund Bones. Amelia walked closely beside him.
The manor was located in a small magical village and was perhaps the most imposing building in the entire area.
Constructed from large grey stones, it stood tall and solid, projecting quiet dignity.
A well maintained lawn, filled with an array of exquisite and colourful flowers, surrounded the manor on all sides. The fresh green grass of the lawn and the beautiful flowers formed up quite a pleasant feeling to the eyes.
The trio walked in silence and no one initiated any conversation.
As Antonio walked behind, Edmund Bones, his mind wandered about what he knew about the man from his previous life.
And what he could recall or knew? Nothing. Edmund Bones, probably had no mention, in the entire story. There was some information about Amelia's brother, who had been a member of Order of Pheonix and had been killed by death eaters.
As for Edmund Bones, there had been no mention. He too most likely, had been killed by the death eaters. Bones family was among one of those families who had suffered heavily at the hands of the death eaters.
Antonio crossed the stone-paved driveway and entered the main hall.
Compared to his own modest dwelling, the Bones Manor was in a league of its own. A large sofa set occupied the center of the hall, while various pieces of fine furniture and decorative trinkets adorned the space.
A dozen portraits of former Lords of House Bones lined the walls, their watchful eyes following him as he passed.
A rounded staircase led to the upper floor, but they did not ascend it.
Instead, Edmund led him toward a room whose door opened directly into the hall. Antonio followed him in—it was a study.
A large wooden desk stood at one end of the room, with a high-backed, lordly chair behind it and two simpler wooden chairs placed opposite.
Bookshelves filled with volumes and documents took up one entire wall, while a window offered a clear view of the vibrant lawn outside.
Near the window, two comfortable chairs flanked a small wooden table.
Unlike the grand hall, the study was simple. It was functional, almost austere, with none of the luxury or ornamentation that filled the rest of the house. A place befitting to do serious work.
"Have a seat, Lord Olario," Edmund said as he made his way behind the large desk.
Amelia, meanwhile, took a seat on one of the chairs near the window.
For the first few moments, tense silence filled the room.
Neither man spoke. It was as if Edmund Bones was taking the measure of the man before him. Edmund's eyes were stern and face stoic.
Antonio, on the other hand, was doing the same but with a much calmer and softer expression.
It was going to be a good conversation.
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