The Wolf and the Lioness - The Boys who Lived Part One. (Patreon)

Daphne Greengrass, near Aegon's Tower – Hogwarts.

"Princesses," Mulciber said, bowing his head in complete submission before stepping aside so Daphne, Pansy, and Druella could continue on their way, none of the three witches even deigning to glance at the pathetic young man.

None of the three witches stopped. The Silver Court, as everyone in Slytherin called them behind their backs, had far more important matters to attend to.

"Are you sure you saw Astoria heading up Aegon's Tower?" Daphne asked curiously, prompting Pansy to nod calmly as they began climbing the spiral staircase that would lead them to the Black Heir's private quarters.

"Yes. The little terror stared at the stairs solemnly, nodded to herself, and started climbing. That was the last thing I saw before I returned to the Common Room," Pansy replied calmly, making Daphne frown.

"And you didn't stop her? You know the kind of things Aegon deals with up there. The last thing he needs is my little sister distracting him," the elder Greengrass said with a heavy sigh as they reached the top of the stairs, directly before the entrance to the Black Heir's workshop.

Pansy shrugged and answered.

"I had things to do, and I knew perfectly well she wasn't in any danger."

Daphne frowned but found no flaw in Pansy's logic, and if she was being honest with herself, the only thing that truly worried her was that Astoria might open her mouth and ruin Daphne's opportunity with the handsome dark-haired wizard.

The room's wards detected their magical signatures, immediately granting them access to Aegon's workshop and private quarters, where they were greeted by the familiar sight of the enchanted tower.

High, vaulted ceilings, clearly enchanted, with four enormous pillars surrounding a massive magical summoning circle. Part of the roof was completely open, undoubtedly to better channel the energy of the constellations into whatever project the Black Heir happened to be working on.

Daphne could not help blushing and rubbing her thighs together with longing as she looked at the workbench holding part of the armor the Black Heir had been crafting, remembering the shamefully submissive position Professor Sinistra had been in, completely conquered and dominated by Black virility.

That night they had watched for more than an hour as Aegon took his pleasure from the professor's body, filling all three of her holes with his potent seed, while she never stopped paying homage to Aegon—or to his virility—swearing and declaring before magic itself that whenever Aegon called, she would answer as the most docile of his bitches.

Ever since that day, Daphne had watched with amusement as Professor Sinistra looked at Aegon like a devoted little puppy, silently begging for the attention of her master.

The blonde shook her head and focused on her mission tonight. She could fantasize about Aegon's virility later, in the privacy of her room, but tonight the important thing was finding Astoria.

And speaking of her beloved, yet troublesome sister...

"And then Daph got on Father's defective broom and went flying through the air screaming and begging for help before crashing into the lake at Greengrass Manor!" the little terror said, her voice overflowing with energy and happiness, something Daphne had not heard from her sister in a very long time.

Druella and Pansy snorted while Daphne blushed furiously at the embarrassing story her sister was making her relive.

"That must have been quite entertaining," Aegon said politely, his warm voice making Astoria let out another little giggle.

"It was, but after Father died and my condition was discovered, Daphne and Mother changed a lot," her sister said in a small, cautious voice, filling the blonde with concern, at least until she heard Aegon's next words.

"Well, your sister has nothing to worry about anymore, does she?" the Black Heir said with a smile, prompting Astoria to nod eagerly, clearly excited and happy.

"Yes! As soon as I tell my sister the curse is gone, I know she'll be very happy!"

At Astoria's words, Daphne could no longer maintain her composure and cried out in complete astonishment.

"What?!" Still stunned by her sister's words, Daphne watched as Astoria turned in surprise toward the doorway upon hearing her voice, while Aegon looked in her direction with amusement, evidently having known all along that the three of them were present.

"Daphne!" Astoria shouted before running toward her, faster than the blonde had ever seen her move. In her hand she carried a sort of... purple gemstone, emitting a sickly crimson glow, completely sealed within it.

Daphne stared at her sister in utter disbelief. There was no trace of pallor. Astoria's eyes, once tired and lifeless, were now filled with a vitality and joy that could barely be contained, and the radiant smile on her face made a warm breeze seem to spread through the elder Greengrass's entire body.

With trembling hands, Daphne took the crystal, staring at it with a mixture of hatred and overwhelming relief, while treacherous tears threatened to spill from the corners of her blue eyes.

"This little terror arrived at my workshop a few hours ago, saying that if I was as brilliant as everyone claimed, I'd be able to identify what was wrong with her," Aegon said calmly, looking at the blushing and embarrassed Astoria with amusement.

"I wanted to provoke your ego so you'd help me," Astoria pouted, making Aegon laugh as he gently stroked her head, a gesture the young Greengrass clearly adored, judging by the way she sighed and rolled her eyes at the slightest touch.

Daphne could not help smiling softly, though she said nothing, waiting for Aegon to finish explaining what had happened.

"Anyway, it was a minor curse. Not especially powerful, but extremely elusive. It was slowly draining her life force. If it hadn't been treated... well, I don't need to tell you what would have happened," the Black Heir said with a dissatisfied grimace, while a wave of terror swept through Daphne's body.

Astoria threw herself around Aegon's waist, hugging him tightly, seeking the masculine support and strength that had been absent from the Greengrass family ever since their father's death.

The Black Heir did not hesitate. He simply returned the embrace with calm confidence, taking control of the situation instantly.

"But that's in the past now. The curse has been purged, and this little rascal will live a full life without any problems."

The pride in Aegon's voice filled Daphne with immense relief, which quickly turned into embarrassment when she heard Astoria's next words.

"Then why don't you take Daphne as yours? That would make you my brother, and she was raised to be dutiful and devoted to her Lord Husband! like a good witch!" the little terror declared solemnly.

Aegon laughed at the little girl's words, while a blushing and thoroughly embarrassed Daphne stepped forward.

"That's enough, Astoria!" she exclaimed, mortified, making her sister let out a little giggle before replying.

"I'm helping you, Sister. He's the best match in the entire school, and you know Greengrass women deserve only the very best," the little terror said before running out of the room, undoubtedly pleased with the mischief she had just caused.

Daphne watched her leave with annoyance, though it quickly gave way to boundless relief and happiness. Astoria had not laughed like that in a very long time, and she owed it all to the man standing before her.

Because, in Daphne's opinion, the word boy suited him far too little.

"You cured a Blood Curse, one that had plagued House Greengrass for hundreds of years, in a single afternoon?" Druella asked with extreme caution as she gracefully took a seat in the comfortable sitting room Aegon had in his quarters.

Pansy and Daphne did the same, all three beautiful witches gazing at the handsome young man in complete fascination.

Every time they believed they had discovered the Black Heir's limits... Aegon always did something that astonished them even more.

The three exchanged glances, each knowing exactly what the others were thinking. They all wanted the same thing. They were witches, after all, and hypergamy was a universal law in the Magical World.

Weak wizards died alone and without descendants, failures destined to be forgotten.

Average wizards married weak and ugly witches, useful enough, with mediocre offspring and never truly exceptional.

But powerful and extraordinary wizards... those were rare, and they generally ended up surrounded by beautiful and horny witches, eager to please them.

That was the natural order of the Magical World, one that had existed for hundreds of years, and one that would not change today.

The three Silver Princesses, the famous Court of Slytherin, looked at one another, holding a silent conversation before silently reaching an agreement.

All of them desired Aegon. All of them wished to be the witch who would one day take the arm of such a powerful wizard. And none of them intended to yield.

So... they would have to improvise.

Daphne took a deep breath before fixing her gaze upon Aegon and speaking firmly.

"Heir Black, I wish to establish a courtship between House Black and House Greengrass."

The words escaped on impulse, something more befitting a Gryffindor than a Slytherin Princess like herself, but at this point Daphne truly did not care. This man, Aegon... embodied everything she sought in a husband.

Powerful, both magically and politically. Handsome and refined. Possessing a sharp and brilliant mind that filled the young Greengrass's stomach with butterflies. Aegon made her feel things she had never felt for anyone else.

And that... frightened her just as much as it drew her toward him.

Daphne held Aegon's powerful gaze. His gray eyes seemed to pierce through her thoughts, yet she remained steadfast, determined to prove herself worthy of standing at his side.

"An interesting proposal," he said calmly, looking Daphne over from head to toe, carefully studying every detail of the blonde's appearance.

The Greengrass heiress simply lifted her chin proudly. She was perfectly aware of how beautiful she was. Her face was elegant and lovely, with high cheekbones, blonde hair, and blue eyes that reflected her exceptional pedigree. Her figure possessed the graceful proportions expected of a noble witch.

She was perfect, great tits, big and full, ready to be pawed by her owner, small waist and wide hips, perfect to birth Aegon his future heirs and spares.

As expected, both Druella and Pansy also rose to their feet, offering Aegon the very same proposal.

The Black Heir did not answer for a long while, taking his time to evaluate the three witches with complete calm. His expression remained serene, though Daphne was able to notice a trace of indecision in his eyes.

It was obvious that he desired them—that much was evident—but there was... something preventing him from giving in to the temptation the three witches represented.

With remarkable gentleness, Aegon's imposing figure came to a stop before the three maidens, who returned his gaze without the slightest fear, waiting for his answer. Instead, he merely reached out and softly caressed each of their faces, a gentle touch, a promise disguised within an innocent gesture.

"You do not know what you're asking for, my dears. You offer yourselves to me with body and soul, while knowing nothing of my secrets or my past," he said with a sigh before withdrawing his hands and turning away.

But Daphne was not about to let this opportunity, this growing intimacy between them, slip through her fingers.

"Then tell us. Let us in, and allow us to be good witches and help you carry your burden, my Lord, we will serve you faithfully."

Daphne's words were calm and precise, though there was a hint of desperation in them. She was not willing to let the conversation end.

She was so close. She could feel the desire and the attraction, and the young Greengrass would not allow Aegon to slip away from her.

The dark-haired wizard remained silent for a long while. Instead, he simply took a seat in the room's main armchair, looking at the three expectant witches.

"Once you know the Truth... there will be no turning back. You will become my witches, with everything that entails, and I will use you as I do Aurora, as I do Lily, as I do Bellatrix... and as I eventually will Narcissa."

At those words, the three students gasped in surprise, stunned and deeply excited by the thought of the powerful, mature witches Aegon had just mentioned, all entirely devoted to his service.

The mystery only deepened for Daphne, who had no intention of letting this opportunity pass. She did not know where following Aegon would lead her, but... there were few things she had ever been as certain of as submitting herself to the handsome dark-haired wizard.

So Daphne, going for the decisive blow, replied.

"We are already yours, Aegon."

And when she saw those beautiful eyes cloud over with lust and desire, Daphne danced with triumph inside her own mind, knowing exactly what that look meant.

"Then... have a seat. We have much to discuss."

Daphne swallowed with excitement. She had no idea what secrets Aegon was talking about, but she did not believe they would truly surprise her.

How wrong she was.

Neville Longbottom – Hogwarts, Scotland.

"Are you absolutely sure those were the Headmistress's exact words?" the redhead asked for the tenth time, still unable to believe what young Longbottom had just told them.

Neville frowned in annoyance before snapping once again.

"I'm absolutely sure about what happened, Ron. Professor Dumbledore told me that Aegon Black would approach me for our tutoring sessions. It's a great opportunity," the blond said, and immediately the young Weasley could not help but reply.

"But he's a Slytherin! A slimy snake! We can't trust him!" the redhead exclaimed as usual, raising his voice without the slightest trace of tact.

Neville looked at the redhead in disbelief, but before he could answer, Hermione cut him off, her voice sharp and defensive.

"Aegon Black not only defeated the Basilisk, Ronald, but he also saved your sister and saved me without asking for a single thing in return. The least you can do is show a little respect," the brunette snapped, fiercely defending young Aegon, much to Neville's complete lack of surprise.

Ron blushed, but he did not answer Hermione's hostility. He would have been the greatest hypocrite if he had, especially considering that Aegon had saved Ginny's life.

And speaking of Aegon...

"Mr. Longbottom."

Those words struck the Golden Trio like a bucket of cold water, making the three third-years look toward the imposing figure Aegon represented like frightened fawns.

He was tall, with a lean and elegant build, defined jet-black curls falling to his ears, and a pair of dark amethyst eyes that betrayed his Black ancestry. Even beneath his Hogwarts uniform, Neville could tell there was an athletic, well-defined physique hidden underneath.

Something that, according to the rumors Lavender had shared with him, every witch in the school had noticed as well, since they never stopped gossiping about the new and illustrious Black Heir.

"Aegon... uh... what are you doing here?" Neville asked, cursing Ron's stupidity in his mind while hoping that the young man who was supposed to train him had not overheard the colorful remarks.

If Aegon had heard anything, however, his face showed no sign of it.

"It's time for your lessons. Professor Dumbledore told me she had already informed you about them. Are you ready?" he asked, making Neville's eyes widen with excitement before he began nodding rapidly.

"Yes! I am!" Neville said excitedly, genuinely thrilled by the idea that Aegon... who had defeated Lady Voldemort and a Basilisk with alarming ease... would take the time to teach him magic.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Besides, he still remembered his grandmother's words about the Blacks once again rising within the Wizengamot, making it a wise decision to grow closer to the new Heir.

Aegon smiled softly, nodding at the overwhelmed expressions of the young Lions.

"We can talk in my workshop. We'll create a schedule for your special lessons. Come with me, please," the young man ordered, and without waiting for a reply, he turned around and began walking.

Neville looked at his best friends and said,

"Go to the Common Room. I'll see you there as soon as I'm finished," young Longbottom promised before running after the Black Heir, genuinely excited, completely unaware of the conflicted expressions on his best friends' faces as he began climbing toward Aegon's Tower.

Neville still remembered what he had witnessed inside the Chamber of Secrets: the overwhelming power Aegon possessed, the alarming ease with which he had subdued a millennia-old beast...

Having the opportunity to learn a few tricks from this wizard was an incredible opportunity, one he had no intention of wasting.

Neville followed him in silence, climbing unfamiliar staircases until he reached an enormous wooden door bearing a... peculiar symbol.

It was not the Black family crest, but the three-headed dragon he was looking at was no less imposing. It appeared elegant, powerful, and deadly, its three heads biting a tail coiled around itself...

Neville was certain it had to hold some meaning, though he had no idea what it was. Frankly, every thought about the dragon vanished the instant the doors opened.

"Merlin..." the blond whispered, staring in utter amazement at everything around him. The immense tower was clearly magical, yet completely unlike anything Neville had ever known.

Everything felt older... wilder... and more powerful. It was difficult to explain. The magic was entirely unfamiliar to Neville, and incredibly fascinating, especially a beautiful specimen of an unknown tree that swayed gently in one corner of the room.

Perhaps Aegon would allow him to study it later, the young plant enthusiast thought excitedly.

"Come on, get inside," Aegon ordered as they both took their first steps into the enormous workshop.

There were a thousand and one fascinating things inside. Statues, books, and workbenches stood out the most, though Neville also recognized what appeared to be an enchanted anvil in the center of the room, surrounded by forging tools crafted from an unfamiliar metal.

"Alright, I've taken the liberty of preparing a schedule to coordinate your lessons. They'll be three times a week after classes. A couple of hours should be enough to teach you a few tricks," Aegon said calmly as he wandered toward a massive bookshelf, though Neville's attention had settled elsewhere.

The object was clearly important. It was made from a bronze-like material, with a familiar black gemstone levitating at its center, glowing softly. Beside the strange device rested the ruined diary that had possessed Ginny a few months earlier.

Aegon noticed his curiosity, so he simply walked over and said,

"That's a commission from Professor Arianna. A device capable of tracking specific cursed artifacts, like the one used on young Ginny. It's still a prototype," Aegon explained with a smile.

Neville stared at him in complete astonishment before looking back at the device, now with even greater fascination.

"Does it work? Can we test it?" Neville asked eagerly, never having seen an artifact of such complexity before.

Aegon merely shrugged and replied,

"Sure. I haven't conducted enough tests yet, so the results may not be entirely accurate," Aegon said before drawing his wand and beginning to move it across the strange device beneath Neville's excited gaze.

Poor young Longbottom had no idea that his life was about to change.

Forever.