Chapter 134: Righteous Ground
Regulus climbed the spiral staircase at an unhurried pace, heading for the Owlery.
The situation had escalated. The school portion was finished.
But beyond Hogwarts, it was only beginning.
He'd elevated the conflict to the level of family honor, which meant it couldn't be resolved within these walls alone. The House of Black needed to make a statement, needed to ensure the Belmonts and every family watching from the sidelines understood that the line he'd drawn was absolute.
He needed to write to his father.
The content would be straightforward. A summary of the evening's events: Arnold Belmont had publicly adopted a condescending posture to pressure the Black heir into a declaration of loyalty, his language carrying unmistakable disrespect toward the House of Black. As the heir, Regulus had responded appropriately and recommended the family apply pressure on the Belmonts to remind them of their station.
No need for excessive detail. Orion would understand.
An incident of disrespect like this could be treated as large or small within Pure-blood circles. If the Blacks let it slide, someone bolder would test the waters next time. If they responded firmly, it established authority and sent a signal to every other family: the House of Black remained the House of Black. Don't provoke it.
Regulus kept the letter calm and measured. Facts only, no emotion.