Hogwarts: The Greatest Wizard

Chapter 94: Black Family Castle

Phineas left the Lovegoods' home and returned to his old residence at Number 12 Grimmauld Place.

As the ancestral seat of his branch of the Black family, and given that he was a direct descendant, there was a clear set of protocols and preparations required for conducting the Bloodline Sublimation Ritual.

Through research into ancient family texts, Phineas confirmed that the ritual could not be performed alone.

The ceremony would take up to a full week to complete, which meant Phineas might not return to Hogwarts in time for the first day of the new term.

The entire process involved the continual use of magical potions designed to enhance one's ability to contain magical energy and strengthen the physical body. At the same time, the ritual required personal ingredients—such as hair, blood, nails, tears—to brew the core potions necessary for bloodline refinement.

Having written to Professor Dumbledore to request a brief leave of absence for "family matters," Phineas traveled to the true stronghold of the Black lineage. To call it the family's ancestral home, however, wasn't entirely accurate. The original Black estate had long since vanished. The place he now approached was more of a sanctuary, a reclusive haven for the surviving elder members of the Black family.

Nestled deep within a hidden valley, the Black Castle was a brooding, somber fortress—part castle, part manor. It was surrounded by a vast courtyard, lined with statues from the gate all the way to the main entrance.

Each statue depicted a prominent ancestor: legendary wizards and witches of the Black family who had achieved great magical feats in their time. The closer one got to the castle, the older and more distinguished the statues became. The statue standing guard at the main gate was none other than that of Phineas Nigellus Black, founder of the Black lineage and a celebrated wizard of his era.

The castle housed a great number of house-elves—many of whom had served the family for generations, some even since the founding of the house. In addition, a number of young wizards served within the castle, acting as apprentices or assistants. These were mostly dispatched by the Council of Elders, sent in the hopes that exposure to powerful magic might help cultivate the next legendary wizard.

Though the Black family already had one publicly acknowledged legendary wizard, the true number was a closely guarded secret. The Council was eager to learn how many truly remained hidden.

That said, resources for these apprentices had to be provided by their own families. After all, one could hardly expect the reclusive Black elders to supply potions, ingredients, or tools for those outside their bloodline. Even the Council rarely interfered directly here, and no outsider could gain entry without permission.

Phineas, however, was an exception.

House-elves had a natural ability to sense magical bloodlines. They instinctively knew who their true masters were. As a direct heir of the Black family, Phineas held a unique position. Should the elders pass away, this entire castle and all within it would become his by right. Therefore, no one—even the Council—could deny him entry or stop his movements here.

As he entered the castle, an old house-elf suddenly appeared beside him.

"Master Phineas, welcome," the elf said, bowing low. "Rabbi is at your service. How may I assist you?"

Phineas didn't recognize the elf by name, but given where they were, he knew Rabbi was part of the household. He nodded.

"Please inform the elders—I've come to request their assistance with a matter of great importance."

As an heir of the house, Phineas had every right to request aid from his ancestors. It was a privilege that many of the young apprentices here deeply envied. They might spend years in the castle and still not earn even a single word from the legendary figures who resided within.

A short while later, Rabbi reappeared.

"Master Phineas, the Elders have agreed to meet with you. Please take Rabbi's hand."

Phineas held out his hand, and the house-elf grasped it before Apparating them to a dark chamber—a conference hall deep within the castle.

The room was shrouded in shadows. From the darkness came a voice, low and ancient:

"So, this is young Phineas?"

Phineas bowed slightly and answered with respect. "It is, Ancestor."

A second voice echoed around the chamber. "Why have you come, child? Has some family raised a hand against you?"

According to the rules of the Council, no family was permitted to directly attack the heir of another. Property disputes were allowed—if approached legally and indirectly—but direct assault, especially by senior members, was forbidden. If every family's great wizards or legendary mages began fighting, the magical world would collapse into chaos. Rank was determined not by bloodline, but by age, and a younger heir like Phineas would be at a disadvantage in such conflict.

"No family has attacked me," Phineas replied calmly. "I've come seeking help with the Bloodline Sublimation Ritual. I cannot perform it alone. You, my ancestors, are the only ones I trust."

There was a pause, followed by a slow, approving rumble from the third voice.

"Ah... the Sublimation Ritual. A wise choice. I performed it myself many years ago. The effects are powerful—greater magical strength, enhanced resilience, and even the cleansing of old curses."

Then came a fourth voice, this one with a touch of mirth.

"Phineas, do you have enough resources prepared? If not, your Great-Grandfather will help you."

The first speaker scoffed. "Show-off. As if any of us couldn't fund the ritual ourselves."

Then came a deeper, more commanding voice. "Enough. We shall each contribute what is needed. Combine our resources with Phineas's own, and let us grant him the highest-tier ritual possible."

"Agreed."

"Approved."

"Let it be done."

The voices echoed in unison, leaving Phineas with no room to object.

The ritual would proceed.