The Sorcerer’s Legacy

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works, if you recognise it from somewhere else, surprise it isn't mine.

Betad by morde24, Atrius, Hermes, Priapus, Marethyu, Old man of the mountain, TheDonFluffles and Mike, God of Lore

The Sorcerer's Legacy

Chapter 03: Family Meetings

— Yennefer Raum-Black —

Her emotionless stare was clearly unnerving Damian, despite his cocky facade. She knew her children were intimidated by her; honestly, she wasn't a brilliant mother, her own family had been cold, to say the least, and Geralt was no better when he was alive.

They had Triss for the warm, loving aunt, but she was strict and demanding. It had made her children great but at the cost of damaging her relationship with them.

Except for Gray, who had never held her demanding behaviour against her.

Damian was no different, he acted so cockily but she could see how nervous he was.

She already knew how she was going to deal with this little demand of his because while she loved her children and she was far from a prude, she wasn't the type of woman to let an arrogant brat make demands of her.

In fact, this could be a powerful lesson in humility for him.

Finally, she sighed with clear disappointment, making him flinch slightly.

"Is that it? You'd throw away the position of Lord Raum, a seat of power that many would kill for, just for a quick fuck?" Yennefer asked bluntly, her disappointment clear. "You almost impressed me for once, you were so close to actually proving to me that you are smarter than you act, negotiating from a position of power, and this is what you demand?"

Her cold tone and sheer disappointment were clearly cutting into her arrogant son, he hid it well but each word was a knife to his pride.

"I don't want the seats, Gray will be a better Lord than I ever would. I just want an easy life, to be able to do what I want for the rest of my life. Maybe I'll follow in dad's footsteps and become a monster hunter, or maybe I'll just party every night," Damian said with a shrug, hiding his emotions behind that cocky smile. "As for my final request, I want to remember having you moaning beneath me every time you give me that disappointed stare, remember you begging for more every time you scold me for having fun."

"I agree to the first two, I'll transfer the vacation home over to you, as well acquire a pair of house elves since you certainly can't take care of the household duties yourself, and I will set up an annual payment at the salary of a higher-level ministry employee," Yennefer said, staring at him as he blinked, having not even considered who would take care of his new house. He probably thought food came pre-cooked. "As for your final request, is that your final decision? Are you really going to throw away so much just for a quick fling with your own mother?"

If he was smart, he'd change his final request, he could ask for a lot and she'd agree without question, she knew how much he was giving up.

But Damian was a stubborn boy, and he was a boy despite his mature looks, honestly, she saw Gray as more of an adult given his maturity, even with his younger age and appearance.

"That's what I want, you give me what I want and I'll step down from my position here and now," Damian said, his eyes roaming her body as she sighed deeply.

Oh Damian, you poor fool.

— Damian Raum-Black —

His mother gave him a look that just screamed of disappointment, much more than all the times she'd had to clean up his messes.

It reminded him of the time that she'd picked him up from the Auror holding cells last summer, only magnified tenfold.

And yet, she rose from her seat and walked around the desk, stopping in front of him as she slowly pushed her thin robe off her shoulders, letting it pool around her feet, making him gulp as she reached back and unclipped her bra, removing it as she covered her breasts with her arm, giving him only a brief glimpse of her perfect pink nipples, her bountiful milky white body almost completely exposed.

"You will abdicate from your position before we start, and declare that any children you have will have no claim to the Houses Raum-Black," Yennefer started as his eyes widened.

She was actually agreeing?

"You will speak of this to no one, no snide comments, no boasting, if you even imply I let you do this, you'll lose the payments and the house," Yennefer continued, a fierce glare on her face.

She was pissed, and to be honest he'd made that demand to try and throw her off guard, he figured she'd shut him down hard. He wanted her of course, she made the schoolgirls and housewives he fucked pale in comparison, but he didn't think-

"If that is acceptable, I will… agree to your request, for the next hour I will allow you to do as you please with me," Yennefer said, sighing as she moved her hand and exposed her perky breasts to him. "Afterwards, you will move to your new house, you will not return here unless invited and you can forget getting my help cleaning up any of your messes in the future. If you cause a scandal and can't clean up your own mess, I will disown you."

That was harsh, and he was starting to think he'd fucked up again. She wasn't outright disowning him but her demand made it clear that he wouldn't be welcome at home anymore.

Should he say he was joking? Maybe make fun of her for being willing to whore herself out for Gray's benefit, as if he needed any further proof she had a favourite.

Gray was his favourite as well, as much as they tended to argue, and he knew Gray would make their family flourish. Gray was made for this kind of political bullshit, and he knew having this stupid heir ring on Gray's finger would help his brother a lot when he and Morrigan graduated and weren't around to make sure the Slytherins didn't mess with their brother.

Heh, it was probably the only thing he and Morrigan agreed on, that nobody fucked with their dorky little brother but them. Of course, Morrigan also got offended over some stupid pranks, but Morrigan got pissy over everything so that wasn't a surprise.

"Are we in agreement?" Yennefer asked, putting him on the spot as he gulped.

He wanted her, and this wouldn't be his first time with a reluctant or angry partner, if he was honest the reluctance was a turn-on. The angry look in her eyes was as arousing as it was intimidating.

He should back down, but the cold stare in her eyes made him angry, she'd always treated him like an idiot, and sure he didn't always think about the big picture like her and Gray, but he was almost at the top of his year, only falling behind Morrigan who didn't know how to relax.

He wanted to see her on her knees, sucking his cock with those angry violet eyes staring up at him, but was it worth the consequences?

This is why he hated big picture shit, he liked living in the here and now, not worrying about what would happen a year down the line.

"I, Damian Raum-Black, abdicate from the position of Heir Raum-Black, and swear that none of my children will have a claim on the position, yada yada," Damian finally said, the ring in his finger suddenly growing heavy and slipping off his hand.

He never really understood all the fancy talk this shit needed, but with magic, it was the intent that mattered and he intended to be rid of the dumb gaudy piece of jewellery.

Either way, he was ditching the velvet prison that was being the heir of two powerful families before leaving this room, Gray would thrive in it but it had always felt like a weight around his neck to him. Even with the mess he'd gotten himself in, he felt a moment of relief as he looked at the ring, sitting on the floor.

Yennefer raised an eyebrow at his actions, reaching down and picking up the ring, placing it on her desk before she turned back to him.

Without a word, she hooked her fingers into the black lacy panties she was wearing and slowly peeled them down as he gulped.

Stepping out of them, she hopped onto the desk behind her and slowly parted her legs, revealing her tiny slit, she must be so tight.

"Very well, get on with it," Yen said simply, leaning back as she placed her hands on the desk behind her, waiting for him to come and fuck her.

There was a mixture of disapproval, annoyance and disgust in her eyes as she stared at him, offering him exactly what he asked for.

And yet, despite the incredibly hot sight in front of him, he was completely soft, maybe it was the outright disdain on her face or the way she glared at him, but his body wouldn't respond.

He'd never had this problem before, he'd had girls glaring at him as they dropped to their knees, and older women scowling as they moved to the bed and bent over for him, but he'd never had an issue getting hard before.

Her perfectly manicured eyebrow rose at his hesitation, eyes narrowing before her lips twitched ever so briefly as her gaze flickered down to his crotch.

She seemed almost offended when she obviously caught onto his issue, amused and insulted in equal measures but she remained silent, thankfully, he wasn't sure he could take her calling him out.

He stared at her body intently, willing his body to respond, and while he felt himself slowly harden at the sight of her spread legs, a hint of wetness between her legs, he made the mistake of looking up into those disapproving eyes, seeing the disdain on her face and felt himself wilt.

"Turn around, bend over the desk," Damian ordered, his mind racing as she rolled her eyes and hopped down, her body bouncing as she did.

Spinning around so she was facing away from him, a perfect pert ass on display as she bent over for him, ass sticking out towards him as she spread her legs wide without being commanded.

She was presenting herself for him, prepared to take his cock, and as he moved forwards he gently spanked one of her cheeks, watching it jiggle enticingly.

She barely responded, turning around to face him with the same unamused stare, his hand groping the firm flesh as she stared back impassively.

Meeting her eyes, he felt himself wilt again at the sheer disappointment in them, like she was looking at a slug or some other pathetic thing.

"This position suits you," Damian said, hiding his issues as he groped her backside roughly, he wasn't sure if he could go through with it but he needed to prove he could, to himself if no one else.

"Stop wasting time, if you're going to fuck me then do it already," Yennefer said with a scoff. "Well? This is what you wanted, get it out and let's get this over and done with."

His hand moved between her legs, teasing the pussy he came from before he laughed and spanked her one last time.

"You're a bit of a slut, aren't you? All that anger and you're dripping," Damian said derisively. "You're not my type, I just wanted to see if you'd do it."

It was a blatant lie, they both knew it, his cock had barely managed to reach half-mast even with her like this, with his hand on her body.

Still, as she stood up and turned around, crossing her arms under her chest which pushed her cleavage together, she raised her eyebrow again.

She didn't look amused, but much of the anger and disgust had faded, her eyes rolling.

"I wasn't aware you had a type beyond 'female'," Yennefer scoffed, making him smirk. He wasn't that picky, any hole was a goal after all.

"Don't take it personally, it's not you, it's me," Damian said mockingly, and once again her eyes flickered down to his crotch, an eyebrow raising delicately as a reminder that he might want to shut up since she was kind enough not to mention his problem.

Still, some warmth returned to her eyes as he stepped back.

"Are we done here? I've got better things to do than play these stupid political games," Damian asked, hands in his pockets as he gave her a cocky smile.

"Finished already? You still have around fifty-five minutes left," Yennefer said with a sly smirk. "I see you haven't inherited your father's stamina."

"The ladies have never complained before," Damian scoffed.

"I'm sure the little girls and lonely housewives you've pressured into bed haven't, but you'll find that it takes more to impress a real woman. Yes, we are done here. Do not go too far, I will be holding a family meeting tonight, and you will be attending," Yennefer said bluntly, and considering before she'd told him to leave and essentially never come back he took that as he'd made a decent choice.

"Sure, sure," Damian said with a lazy smirk. "I'll be back later."

As he turned to walk away, he let himself frown. He'd dreamt of this moment, and here he was just walking away.

"Oh, and Damian? That might have just been the smartest choice you've ever made," Yennefer said, making him stiffen at how dangerous she sounded. "I'm not one of the younger years students you can pressure into sex, I'd have let you do it, but make no mistake, I would have destroyed you if you went any further."

Not answering, he left the room as he shivered slightly.

He needed to go see one of his friends with benefits, because he needed to make sure everything was working down there.

Then he had a lot to think about, and he hated thinking.

— Yennefer Raum-Black —

Once upon a time, her beloved little sister had attempted to get rid of her from the line of succession by convincing their father to marry her off to an Italian pureblood four times her age, she was barely seventeen and her fiancé was already losing his hair.

Narcissa thought she was so smart, that the position of Lady Black was hers for sure with Yennefer off getting bred on the continent, since Andromeda had already run away and Bella was…

Bella was batshit insane.

Her fiancé expected certain things from her, and she'd ensured that while she seemed willing, he wouldn't be able to perform as she made short work of his mind.

Damian really should have put more practice into Occlumency, if he did then he might just have noticed her twisting his mind like a pretzel.

It was easy enough to implant a trigger so that eye contact with her would cause him to go soft, and while he could have just told her to face away from him, it was easy enough to make sure he didn't consider that solution.

As for her former fiancée, he unfortunately passed away after a tragic accident. A terrible reaction to a black-market aphrodisiac, his family wanted it all hushed up since it was an embarrassing way for their patriarch to die, and she went home.

Her father didn't live to arrange a second marriage, and thanks in no small part due to Narcissa's own efforts, Yennefer became the Lady Black.

Narcissa always did have an undeservedly high opinion of her own intelligence. Her arrogant little sister had been dumbstruck when Yennefer took the position that Narcissa wanted so dearly, and she'd never gotten over it. Even now her sister was probably scheming to get the Ladyship, but while Narcissa was good at the social side of politics, she was an awful schemer. Outsmarting Narcissa wasn't a challenge, it was an amusing pastime.

Plus, Narcissa was still terrified after their father's tragic death, which she made sure Narcissa was there to see.

She wouldn't have killed Damian, little shit he may be, he was still her son, but she could have made his life extremely difficult if he'd actually gone through with it.

She knew of two practically incurable magical STDs Damian could accidentally catch, and naturally, she'd have to put a chastity spell on him to make sure he didn't spread them.

He was lucky she loved him or he'd be dealing with far more than a minor bout of erectile dysfunction.

But she got what she wanted, the ring sitting inconspicuously on the desk. Another step in the right direction for the Lodge's plans.

Unfortunately for the Lodge, it was one of the last steps on the path they'd planned out for Gray before the path diverted massively.

Gray was her pride and joy, and listening to the Lodge's plans to use her children was far easier before they were born. Now that Gray was all but confirmed to be the one the prophecy of Raum mentioned, she was going to start her own game.

The Lodge would simply have to adapt, to bend unless they wanted to break.

— Grayson Raum-Black —

"A fucking betrothal contract?" Keira asks, offended on my behalf as I nod easily. "What is she playing at, you're only fourteen and she said she wouldn't arrange any marriages."

"It won't go into effect until I'm sixteen, and honestly it's a very small price to pay to become Heir Black. Especially since I get to choose my future wife myself," I say, making Keira grumble.

"From a list she's made for you, she's giving you a choice, sure, but she's still taking away your freedom," Keira growls, obviously upset on my behalf.

"I don't mind, I can always just take a mistress if I find a girl I actually care about," I say with a shrug.

Also, with access to demonic magic, something tells me that it won't be too difficult to keep my future wife in line. With my Lust pact, I'm certainly going to be building a harem.

"Ugh, you've always been way too accepting of shit like this," Keira says with a sigh, making me chuckle.

Keira doesn't like all the responsibilities that come with being a noble, but I don't mind them myself. We get a lot of benefits, so it makes sense that we'd have responsibilities as well.

"But fine, even if I think this is ridiculous," Keira says, throwing up her arms as she frowns. "Cho, huh? Honestly, I'm as surprised as you because she was dating Cedric last I heard, and I honestly think she loves him, or she thinks she loves him at least. I'm guessing her parents made this decision. Do you want me to talk to her? Or invite her over?" Keira asks, making me pause before I nod.

"I'd appreciate it, she's not a bad option all things considered, but I'd rather not have a wife or mistress who is in love with another man and hates me for taking that away from her. In the best case I get cuckolded, and worst case she stabs me in my sleep," I deadpan, making Keira snort.

"Fair enough, I'll invite her over, and find out what's going on," Keira says, making me smile gratefully. "Don't worry, if you want her then I'll make sure she doesn't cheat on you myself, plus I'm pretty sure you can just put in a loyalty clause in the contract to keep her loyal and not murderous."

"Isn't she your friend?" I ask, making her smile.

"Yup, but you're my brother, if you want her then you can have her. Besides, if her family is trying to sell her off to you, I'm pretty sure they'll sell her to someone else," Keira reasons.

"True, and thanks," I say, making her smile as she pats my leg.

"You're welcome, I've told you before that I'd do anything for you," Keira says. I can't say I wouldn't do the same for her.

"Funny you should mention that, because I have a favour to ask," I admit, making her raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "Do you remember what you offered to arrange for my last birthday?"

Keira pauses for a second before her lips curl into a smirk.

"Really?" Keira asks, clear amusement on her face.

"I don't particularly want to get married as a blushing inexperienced virgin, and while I don't intend to follow in Damian's footsteps…" I trail off.

Keira has been trying to get me to 'play the field' for ages, trying to set up dates for me. Last year she offered to arrange a threesome for my birthday to lose my v-card in spectacular fashion, as she put it.

So, when I have a Lust pact to fulfil, why wouldn't I take advantage of my loving big sister's offer to get me laid?

I'll obviously be putting in my own efforts to get laid, I've even got a few candidates in mind, but every little bit helps.

"You want to have some fun before you get married off," Keira finishes, making me nod. "Leave it to me, I'll make sure your next year is a memorable one," Keira says with a sly smirk. "Aren't I just the best big sister?"

"You're certainly a unique one, I doubt many big sisters are helping their antisocial little brother get laid," I say, making her giggle.

"Someone has to look out for you, you'd bury your face in books so deeply we'd need a shovel to get you out otherwise," Keira teases, making me shrug.

"As Heir Black, that's not really going to be an option anymore. I'm going to have to be social, but it's a small price to pay," I say with a small smile.

And if I want to build a cult, I'll need to do a lot more than just mingle.

"The horror, you'll actually need to talk to people," Keira teases.

"I know, the sacrifices I have to make," I say with a deep sigh.

"So, any preference on who you want to pop your cherry? You've never talked about your type," Keira asks, making me shrug.

"Honestly, I'm not overly picky. I do prefer older girls, but the girls in my year and below tend to be hot as well," I admit, making her snort.

"So you actually do notice the fairer sex, honestly I was starting to wonder," Keira says, making me roll my eyes. "Though I guess puberty hit you hard, given how much your eyes have been wandering recently."

Her tone is teasing, but she certainly doesn't sound offended as she leans forwards, giving me a direct view of her cleavage, her lips twitching as my eyes flicker downwards.

"Guess I'm just a late bloomer," I say, not denying her claim as I look at her carefully. She seems almost pleased that I looked at her breasts. "But yes, I certainly appreciate the fairer sex. You can't expect me not to look when you wear such low-cut robes."

"Oh, so it's my fault you can't keep your eyes off your sister's breasts?" Keira asks, smirking at me. "Aw, have I made things hard for you?"

"You always have been a big tease," I say, making her smile grow. She's teased me before but this feels different.

I want her, and I feel like she might want me too.

"Am I a tease?" Keira asks, leaning forwards as our faces almost touch, both sitting on my bed as she smiles at me. "I've told you I'd do anything for you, it's not my fault if you don't take me up on my offer."

I go still slightly at the implication, making her giggle again.

"Is that so? So if I wanted some help learning how to kiss so I don't make a fool of myself?" I ask, making her bite her lip.

— Keira Raum-Black —

She knew she was attractive, she'd lost track of the number of fools that had asked her out, but despite teasing Gray about his antisocial nature she hadn't even had her own first kiss, because she just wasn't interested in any of the idiots who wanted her.

"I'd say practice makes perfect," Keira replied, her eyes hooded with arousal as she leaned forwards and captured Gray's lips with her own.

She had issues, because the only man who made her feel anything at all was her baby brother. She'd hinted at it before, but he always took it as teasing.

Until now. Her lips parted and his tongue found its way into her mouth, he was a domineering kisser as he explored her mouth, one hand wrapped around her head, his fingers gently gripping her hair but she didn't mind.

His hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer to him, her breasts pressing against his chest as she moaned into the kiss.

Breaking the kiss after what felt like an eternity, they stared at each other silently for a moment, her breathing heavy as she reached up and without a word, pushed her robe off her shoulders, letting it fall to her waist as his eyes widened.

They were getting carried away, but she couldn't bring herself to stop this. Gray could push her down on the bed and take her and she'd welcome him between her legs with a smile.

She could see the arousal in his gaze, and as his hand reached forward and gently groped her breast, she smiled encouragingly. His thumb brushed against her nipple, the tiny pink nub rock-hard as Gray played with her breast.

"Are you hard?" Keira asked quietly, making Gray nod as she quickly tossed a locking charm at the door, before moving him so he was sitting at the edge of his bed.

Pulling her robe off completely, she stood before him in just a pair of light blue panties, before she moved forwards and gently started to remove his robes, giving him plenty of time to stop her as she removed his robe, undoing his trousers slowly as she pulled them down.

Gray was fairly small for his age, but he wasn't small where it counted as she pulled out his cock, looking at the hard phallus in her hand.

He seemed a good size, from what she'd heard from her friends gossiping, a nice length and girth, she had toys smaller than him, but he wasn't too big.

Her hand started to gently stroke his length, staring up into his eyes, she wanted to make sure he'd remember this no matter how many sluts she set him up with, remember her even when he was married off.

So leaning forwards, she parted her lips and gently took the tip of his cock into her mouth, clumsily swirling her tongue as he gasped slightly, her name leaving his lips as one hand landed atop her head.

She couldn't take him as deep as she'd have liked to, almost choking when he hit the back of her throat, but she made up for her inexperience with enthusiasm as she gave Gray his first blowjob.

She never broke eye contact, making sure his mind didn't wander, that he knew that it was her that was giving him such pleasure, her that was making his cock twitch as it prepared to unleash its seed down her throat.

"Keira, I'm going to cum," Gray warned, her eyes smiling up at him as she sped up her bobbing, a groan leaving his mouth as he started to cum, the salty taste flooding her mouth. It was actually quite nice, not at all as bad as her friends claimed.

She pulled back instinctively as she gasped, some of his seed leaking out of her mouth even as the rest of his load splattered against her face.

Staring up at him, she smiled again as she gulped down the seed in her mouth.

"As I said, I'd do anything for you," Keira promised, wiping the cum off her face as she licked her finger clean. "Make no mistake Gray, I love you."

She'd said the words a hundred times, but she imagined they had a different connotation with her naked and coated in his seed.

"And I love you, Keira, you've always supported me, always had my back," Gray said quietly as she stood up, making her smile back.

He pulled her onto the bed, and as she lay down she thought for a moment she was going to lose her virginity as he gently pulled her panties down.

She wasn't sure she was ready, but she couldn't say no to Gray, but instead, he moved forwards and leaned down, his head going between her legs as her eyes widened.

She didn't expect him to return the favour, a finger sliding inside her wet pussy, followed by a second as she moaned, staring down at him in surprise as he leaned forward and latched his mouth onto her clit, his tongue gently lapping at her nub while his fingers explored her slit, slowly pumping into her.

Her legs almost immediately wrapped around his head, pulling him closer as her fingers gripped his hair. Gray was such a good little brother, always eager to return any favour.

Maybe he was a natural at this, or maybe she was just an easy slut, but it wasn't long before she felt her climax approaching, gasping and moaning as she locked her legs around his head.

A lewd moan left her as she shuddered in pleasure, his tongue still lapping up her arousal as she climaxed, gasping as her legs came loose.

Gray simply looked up at her with some pride, wiping his lower face clean of her arousal, making her blush at the mess she'd made.

Not that Gray was any cleaner, she could still feel his cum drying on her face.

"We should take a shower," Gray said, taking her hands and pulling her up as he guided her to his en suite.

There was a comfortable silence between them as they got clean, both enjoying the sight of the other's body, wet and soapy, and it was nice to have Gray clean her back (especially since his hands wandered a lot). She didn't feel like they had to talk about what happened, not that she could talk as she found herself on her knees again in short order, Gray thrusting into her mouth as she knelt with her back against the shower wall,

Something between them had changed, but she didn't regret it as they got out of the shower, a plan forming in her mind.

— Grayson Raum-Black —

Getting called down to a 'family meeting', Keira and I sigh at the interruption, breaking apart.

I was a blind fool. Keira wanted this and I could have started this months ago, but better late than never as we fix our clothes.

"I wonder what she wants?" Keira asks as we head to the meeting room, making me shrug.

"I assume this is about me becoming the new Heir Black, but we'll have to wait and see," I reply. There's a comfortable silence between us as we walk, our actions haven't ruined our relationship but simply added to it.

There's a sway to her hips as she moves ahead, making my cock grow harder beneath my robes, which makes her grin over her shoulder as she enters.

Taking a seat, she sits opposite me, Yennefer sitting at the head of the table.

Morrigan is already here, next to me with a scowl on her face, and Damian swaggers in a couple of minutes later, sitting next to Keira.

"Good, everyone is here," Yennefer says, placing a ring on the table. "I've called this meeting to announce that Damian has stepped down as Heir Raum-Black, making Grayson the new Heir and the next head of the family."

"Wait, both Raum and Black?" I ask, looking at Damian as he gives me a lazy wave.

"Yup, good luck dealing with all that mess. Better you than me, nerd," Damian says cheerfully, leaning back in his chair.

"Quite. Damian doesn't want to become a Lord, so in exchange for one of our vacation homes and a stipend, he's stepping down," Yennefer says, making me stare at the ring.

I'm both shocked and somehow not surprised that Damian took the chance to ditch his responsibilities.

Keira gives me a proud smile, but Morrigan glares at the ring, another insult as she is passed over for heirship once again.

"Do you have something to say, Morrigan?" Yennefer asks calmly, making Morrigan glare at her.

"Why does Gray get both houses? Why did Damian get to be the heir for years despite his sheer incompetence?" Morrigan asks with a growl.

"Because I wanted to see if Damian would grow up, he's now a seventh-year and it's clear he's a lost cause. He doesn't want to grow up and while that's his choice, it means he's not suitable for Lordship," Yennefer says simply. "As for why Gray? Keira, do you want to be the heir?"

"Ha, you must be joking," Keira scoffs.

"I thought as much. As for you, do you remember those lessons I tried to get you all to attend? Teaching you all how to acquit yourself in high society, how to handle the duties that come with leading a house?" Yennefer asks rhetorically. "The ones you refused to attend, claiming they were a waste of time and that you were only interested in magic? I allowed you to drop out of them, and when you did I decided you were also unsuitable for the position, changing my plans since I originally planned to make you Lady Black and Gray Lord Raum if Damian didn't shape up. You are quick to anger, incapable of simple manners, let alone the etiquette expected of a Lady, and you've shown no signs of wanting to change. That was your decision, but Gray is the only one of you who actually attended those lessons, the only one I believe possesses the temperament for leadership."

Morrigan goes silent at Yen's blunt, cold words.

"Then why did you let Gray into the restricted section, when you've denied me for years-"

"Because you're reckless and arrogant, you refuse to listen to any warnings, believing you can handle any magic. I refused you access because I believed I'd find your corpse down there if I allowed you unsupervised entry, and I'd rather you live to be angry at me than lose my daughter," Yennefer continues. "The fact that you responded to my decision with such childish anger only proves my point. You are incredibly talented, Morrigan, but you're far too reckless. Do not believe that I don't know exactly what spells you practise late at night when you think everyone has gone to sleep."

Morrigan goes pale at her words, frozen in place. Something tells me I know exactly what spells she means.

"I've allowed you to continue your studies into the darker sides of magic because you've been careful enough, despite the material, but don't mistake my inaction for ignorance," Yennefer says simply. "Damian, were you serious when you made your comment about following your father's footsteps?"

"Uh, maybe? I've thought about it," Damian says, making her nod.

"Think about it further. If you wish, I can arrange for you to spend the rest of the summer with Vesemir, your father's old mentor, and get a taste of the life," Yennefer offers, making him perk up before he leans back with a thoughtful frown.

Damian Raum-Black

Lesser Secrets: He owes money to several people, including some goblin money-lenders, due to his gambling problems. He's addicted to pixie dust. He abuses his position as both prefect and Gryffindor Quidditch captain to get laid.

Imagine my shock, Damian really is just a short-sighted moron. I'll have to fix the goblin problem, the last thing we need is some pissed-off goblins adding a mountain of interest onto whatever he owes.

"Now, we will be holding a ball to announce Gray's new position to the rest of high society at the end of the summer, attendance is mandatory and I'll hear no excuses. I'll inform you of the date when it's all been finalised," Yennefer says simply. "With that said, you three may go. I wish to speak with Gray in private about his new position and the duties that come with it."

Damian doesn't need any further prompting, halfway out the door before she's even finished speaking, and Keira gives me a wave and a smile as she leaves.

Morrigan hesitates, still wrapping her head around the fact that she lost out on being Heiress Black because she refused to attend the lessons to prepare her for it, but she eventually leaves as well after one last look at the ring.

Yennefer pauses for a moment, passing the ring over to me as I slip it on, feeling it resize to fit perfectly.

"I told you that we would talk, and I imagine that you have many questions," Yennefer says, smiling slightly as she watches me fiddle with the ring. "Ask away, I swear I'll be as honest as I can."

"What are you planning? Why did you spend what seems like my entire life preparing me for this?" I ask, making her smile.

"What am I planning? World domination," Yennefer says with a sly smirk, making me pause as I stare at her.

"…what?"

"I'm being very serious, that's what I'm planning. I am a part of a secret organisation of powerful witches, aiming to change the fate of the entire magical world. We found a prophecy years before you were born by the first Raum, that foretold that one of his descendants would conquer or destroy the mortal world, the nine hells and heaven itself, and have been planning for that descendant's arrival ever since," Yennefer explains, making me freeze.

"And you think that's me?" I ask, making her nod.

"I'm sure of it, as is the Lodge. They have plans for you, plans I'm supposed to help them achieve," Yennefer says, making my eyes narrow. "Plans I am diverting from just by telling you this because while I agree with the end goals of the Lodge, I will not let them turn my son into their puppet."

"What are their end goals?" I ask, giving her a small smile.

"To rule the wizarding world from the shadows, of course. It didn't start like that, just a group of women bitter that the laws of our world made us second-class citizens while incompetent old men ruled, set in their ways," Yennefer explains, making me immediately think of Morrigan. "We aren't as… progressive as Dumbledore, he and his ilk seek to change too much. We aren't all occultists, only the inner council, most of our members don't even know about the prophecy or our true intentions."

"To control me, and through me, the world?" I ask, making her nod.

"Indeed, Philippa, the… self-proclaimed leader of the Lodge, came up with the plan as the signs said the prophesied one was to be born soon, even my seduction of your father was to ensure the Lodge had an in with you, though I did truly come to love him," Yennefer admits with a sigh. "The next step was to arrange a marriage between you and someone connected to the Lodge, either a member or the daughter of a member so we'd be able to sway you with her, this is where I've decided to start a new path."

"Why?" I ask, eyes narrowed. This goes back to before I was even born.

"Because it was easier to plan to manipulate you before you were born, when it was all just theoretical. I love you, as I love all my children, and the idea of you getting caught up in Phillipa's web infuriates me. I didn't expect to, as my own upbringing was… lacking any warmth, so family meant nothing to me, but I was wrong. Listening to the Lodge's plan to use you as a puppet ruler has grown increasingly infuriating," Yennefer says sincerely. "I even stopped attending the meetings, having Triss report back, she feels the same as I do but that's no surprise, Triss adored you four from the moment she saw you."

Triss is a member? Sweet, fun aunt Triss?

"And how will your fellow Lodge members react to your change of plans?" I ask, making her smirk.

"Poorly, I'd imagine, but we hold the advantage. Philippa needs you, she made a contract with a demon years ago, and in true Philippa fashion she attempted to renege on her side of the deal, costing her dearly, with the demon taking her eyes. Even now the demon tries to drag her soul into the nine hells, her only hope is for you to break the deal. The grimoire you possess, only a Raum with great demonic potential can use it, and she's convinced it's the key to her freedom. Normally there would be no escaping the pact she made, but Raum was a true genius," Yennefer explains."She needs you, and even if I suddenly stop following the plan, she can't afford to openly act against us. Make no mistake, she'll certainly try to manipulate you, and the Lodge won't take this lying down, but they don't act openly, it's not their way."

My first secret society, and they've been planning to manipulate me since before I was even born, but this is the world I've stepped into now.

"So, what are you planning?" I ask, making her smirk.

"To see you become the ruler you're destined to be," Yennefer says simply. "Lord Raum-Black is a start, of course, and this will be a long-term plan, since you'll be returning to Hogwarts soon, but make no mistake, I want to see you succeed."

Me, rule the world? No, rule several worlds if you count the nine hells and heaven. Little weak Grayson, the conqueror of worlds.

"Am I supposed to just trust that after you've spent years manipulating my life?" I ask, making her smile.

"Of course not, you're no fool. I'd be disappointed if you just trusted someone like that, even me," Yennefer says as she swishes her wand, summoning a small box.

Opening it, I look down at the thin black choker with a small silver pendant on it, a pentagram engraved into it.

My eyes and the grimoire tell me what this is, a slave collar, using a demonic art called mind-slaving.

There are many methods of mind-slaving, but the most common is called the 'anchor' method, where an item is imbued with the spells to ensure that anyone who wears the item is bound into the service of whoever places it on them.

"Mother-" I say, making her smile.

"You already know what it is? This is my proof that I'm on your side," Yennefer says as she moves around the table and kneels in front of me. "Place it on my neck, make me your first slave."

I hesitate even as she lifts her chin obediently, my mind racing as I look down at her, but with slow movements, I reach forwards and do as she asked.

Immediately I feel the connection form between us, the pendant briefly glowing a sinister purple as she smiles.

"I am yours to command, Gray," Yennefer says with a sultry tone. "Try it, command me."

"Rise," I order, watching her immediately move to her feet. "Stay still and answer me truthfully, do you love me?"

"More than anything," Yennefer answers immediately, a small smile on her lips.

"Would you kill for me?"

"I've done it before and I'd do it again," Yennefer answers again, making me blink in surprise.

"You are to always tell me the truth when we are in private, the entire truth without any attempts to deceive me with half-truths," I order, making her smirk.

"Of course, my master," Yennefer says simply, and I won't deny that my cock hardens at those words leaving her mouth. "A smart order, you always have to make sure your servants can't wiggle around your orders."

"Do you have any other goals you haven't told me about?" I ask, making her smile.

"To keep Damian and Morrigan alive," Yennefer answers as I frown.

"Not Keira?"

"Keira is a big girl, and more importantly a smart one. She's never gotten into serious trouble or hospitalised herself with a spell gone wrong. I have faith Keira will be fine, though I do keep an eye on her regardless. It's the other two I fear for, with Morrigan's reckless pursuit of power and frankly, I'm surprised Damian hasn't been killed by a jilted lover yet," Yennefer deadpans, making me nod in acknowledgement. "He's certainly been attacked, but fortunately he's a talented duellist."

"Fair enough," I say, rolling my eyes. "So, what happens now?"

"That's up to you, Gray, I will be here to help you but deciding how you want to proceed is up to you," Yen says calmly. "I meant it when I said I'm yours to command. You might not be Lord Raum-Black yet, but make no mistake, you're in charge now."

"I'm going to make a cult, build my own secret society within Hogwarts, at first," I say, making her nod.

"Of course, this year is a good one to start. The Triwizard tournament will serve as a good distraction, and there will be students from other schools to potentially recruit," Yennefer agrees, making me nod.

She told us about the tournament at the start of the summer. I know Morrigan and Damian plan to enter their names.

"Does Dumbledore know about demons?" I ask, making her frown.

"I honestly don't know, if he does he's been holding it very close to his chest, but Voldemort did, and there are rumours that Grindelwald did as well so I believe Dumbledore is at least somewhat aware of the other planes," Yennefer says. "Be cautious, obscurity is your greatest weapon."

"I intend to," I agree. "For now, I'll focus on gathering essence and power, using my eyes to find potential recruits."

"Ah yes, is that what you and Keira were doing before I called, gathering essence?" Yennefer asks, making me pause. "Don't look so surprised, Keira has wanted you for years, I'm honestly surprised it took this long for you two to fall into bed together. You didn't find it curious that she insisted on sleeping in your bed, often in just her flimsiest underwear? Or her constant demand for massages, obviously without her robes on so she could feel it better?"

"…hindsight is indeed a bitch, I'm afraid. I just thought she was clingy," I admit, making Yennefer laugh, genuine amusement in her tone.

"Gray, you didn't find it curious that she's never had a boyfriend? She's been enamoured with you for years," Yennefer says with a smile. "I do hope you'll be more observant in the future, though I suppose Keira has always been a blindspot for you."

"You don't mind that me and Keira-"

"I'm encouraging you to form a cult and take over the world, a little incest between two siblings that truly love each other is hardly notable," Yennefer deadpans. "And have you forgotten that I've placed myself under your control? I suspect you have forged a pact of lust, so I'm genuinely impressed that I'm still dressed."

"I considered it, I won't deny it," I say, looking her over. "But answers took priority over pleasure."

"And I imagine Keira's assistance took the edge off, but you're right, and this is why I believe you'll make a far better Lord than any of your siblings, or your father for that matter. Geralt was an excellent warrior and an intelligent man but he viewed Lordship with the disdain that Damian does," Yennefer admits, making me chuckle.

Everything I've heard about my father has told me how brilliant of a fighter he was, so I'm not surprised he wasn't that interested in the position.

"If I can't manage a pair of houses, I should give up on the very idea of rulership," I say simply, making her nod proudly. "Will there be any Lodge members at this ball?"

"None of the inner circle, except me and maybe Triss. I imagine there'll be some of the lesser members, but I'll let you know when the guest list is finalised," Yennefer says after a moment, making me nod.

"Thank you, for everything," I say, looking down at the slave collar she willfully put on just to prove herself to me. She can't take it off, nobody but I can.

At least that's what the grimoire provides, the knowledge whispered into my ear from the depths of my soul.

"Of course," Yennefer says simply, making me smile.

I want her, but I hold myself back as I start to plan.

"That's all, for now, I'll likely have more to ask you soon, more for you to do," I finally say, her eyes widening. "I'm going to go and read the rest of the contracts, make my preparations for the ball. I imagine you've got plenty of your own work to be doing."

"That I do, Grayson," Yennefer says, a strange look in her eyes. "Good night, Gray."

"Good night, mother," I say, moving forwards and planting a light kiss on her lips, testing the waters and making her eyes widen briefly before she relaxes. "You can move again."

"I did wonder if you forgot," Yennefer admits with a light smirk, finally moving for the first time since I told her to stay still.

"Fortunately not, that would have been embarrassing," I admit, giving her a smile as I turn and walk away, already scheming.

Nobody outside of my family has seen me over the summer, so if I perform a ritual to boost my physical attributes before the ball, it'll seem like a sudden growth spout.

I can think of some rituals to do so, and most of them would work best with a mundane animal since I don't want to boost myself too much or it'll become extremely noticeable.

Secondly, I'm going to be joining high society, and if I've learnt anything it's that eccentric nobles draw less attention than serious ones.

I'm in an odd position where I both want to be taken seriously, and very much don't want people to take me seriously.

So I have a plan.

Returning to my room, I summon my grimoire again and flip through it as I look for a page I saw on my earlier exploration.

This grimoire is a source of all the knowledge in the nine hells, and between my gathering of secrets, knowledge and my earlier actions with Keira have gathered me enough for a purchase.

It's not anything that's going to wildly empower me, but it's the sort of thing that could do a thing or two for an eccentric noble's reputation.

[Art Mastery: Adept Level]

You are a skilled artist, with a true talent for painting and drawing.

Demons are sponsors of the arts, apparently going back to Lucifer's own love of the many arts, from music to painting, so it's no surprise I can acquire such knowledge from hell.

I also happen to have a skill that means I can learn at an incredibly accelerated rate, so I should be able to push it from Adept to even higher.

If you're rich and talented, a lot of bizarre actions are seen as merely eccentric, and this skill was cheap enough to be worth it.

…three pacts was a lot, but after a moment I spot one more and sigh, as I realise that Morrigan and I are more alike than I'd care to admit.

I'm reckless too.

Pact Forged

[Pact of The Arts: Minor]

You have forged the pact of the arts, allowing you to harvest demonic essence through the mastery of the many arts, making masterpieces, and supporting the arts.

Pact Boon

[Pact of Arts: Lord of the Arts]

You have a natural affinity for the arts, learning them at an accelerated rate. In addition, the end result of your work is always a level of quality higher than usual.

I mean, how can an Arts pact really affect me that badly?

Pausing as I spot a landscape painting on the wall, that's been hanging there for years, I frown in distaste, spotting the flaws I never noticed before, insulted to be in the presence of such an inferior piece.

Ah. That's how.

My increased wisdom once again reminds me that I'm an idiot, but I shake my head as I take the painting down and stuff it in a cupboard for now, pausing as a knock on my door distracts me from my snobby thoughts.

Expecting Keira, I open the door and pause as I spot Morrigan standing outside my room, she's never come here before.

"May I come in?" Morrigan asks, not just barging past me as I nod and step back, watching her walk inside as she paces around my room for a moment. "You can take books out of the restricted section, can you not?"

I knew she wouldn't give up.

"Yes, I can, though I'm not sure if they're warded against being read once they're removed," I admit, making her pause.

"Even if they are, you've got the key to the wards around your finger," she points out, gesturing at my new ring. "Name your price."

"Oh?" I ask, making her scoff.

"I want access to certain books I know are down there, you can bring them to me, and mother dearest would destroy them out of spite if I forced you to bring them to me, so name your price already," Morrigan says, rolling her eyes as she scowls at me.

Ah, Morrigan, you really are determined to prove Yennefer wrong, aren't you?

— Bonus Scene — Yennefer Raum-Black

Gray's self-control was truly impressive, even if she suspected that he went straight to Keira once he left her side. Her daughter was probably currently on her knees, assuming they weren't already fucking.

The choker around her neck was actually rather comfortable and it matched her usual style enough that it wouldn't stand out, very few people would recognise it for what it was.

She'd thought long and hard about what she was going to do, and this was truly the best option. This was actually made by Theodore Raum, to enslave his own mother and punish her for her years of disrespect, reduced to a slave to her son, much like Yennefer herself now was.

But unlike Theodore's mother, who was turned into a 'mindless' type slave, her mind trapped within as her body obediently followed Theodore's every whim, she had modified it over the years to make herself a 'reluctant' slave.

She'd keep her free will and personality, not having anything suppressed, while still being forced to obey Gray's commands, allowing her to reason with Gray as needed.

She'd be the angel and the devil on his shoulder, if he went too far too fast she'd be there to pull him back, if he found himself hesitant to push forwards she'd be there to entice him further down the path.

She didn't mean to control him, but to advise him, because while she didn't agree with the Lodge's plans anymore, she would see her son become the God-King he was meant to be.

But for now, she had a ball to plan, Gray's first real introduction to high society needed to go perfectly.