Schedule

After selecting a few books on "Occlumency" "Legilimency", and "A Beginner's Guide to Dark Arts" he called for Kreacher once more.

"Kreacher, take Phineas Nigellus Black's portrait to the basement. I don't want him anywhere near the main areas of the house," he ordered.

Kreacher blinked, his eyes narrowing slightly in confusion. "But Master, he is a former headmaster of Hogwarts. His portrait has—"

"I know exactly who he is," Damian interrupted, his tone sharp. "And that's precisely the problem. He can relay information to Albus Dumbledore." Until he knew where Dumbledore stood—whether he was good, manipulative, or worse—he wasn't taking any chances.

Kreacher nodded, still looking confused but obedient nonetheless. "As Master commands."

He watched as Kreacher carefully carried the frame out of the room. There was no telling where Dumbledore's true loyalties lay, but he wasn't about to be reckless. It was better to keep Phineas Nigellus far away from where he could spy on his activities and report back. He was still navigating this world and needed time to observe before deciding whom to trust.

Once the matter of Phineas's portrait was settled, Damian made his way toward another part of the house, stopping in front of the portrait of his grandmother.

The moment he approached, her eyes snapped open, glaring down at him. "What do you want, boy?" she barked, her shrill voice echoing through the corridor.

"I need your help," he said, his tone calm but firm. "Teach me the proper etiquette a pureblood heir should know. Everything about wizarding society, its traditions, its codes. I need to know it all if I'm to restore the Black family name."

For a moment, Walburga stared at him in surprise, but then her face softened—just a little. "You wish to learn the old ways? To restore the honour of the Blacks?"

"Yes," he replied simply.

A sharp smile twisted her lips. "Very well. I will teach you. It is about time someone in this house understood the importance of our bloodline and traditions. We shall start with the basics—wizarding etiquette, the mannerisms of pureblood nobility, and the customs that lesser bloodlines have long forgotten."

He nodded. "I'll arrange my study schedule around it."

For the next few hours, Damian set about creating a detailed plan for the next six months, preparing himself for both Hogwarts and beyond. He divided his time meticulously, ensuring he could maximise every day. 

In the mornings, he would focus on academic subjects—"Charms", "Potions", "Transfiguration" and "Defence Against the Dark Arts" . He'd need to stay ahead of his peers at school and make sure he understood the practical side of magic as well as the theory.

Afternoons were reserved for the more difficult subjects—"Occlumency" and "Legilimency" The mind was one of the most powerful tools a wizard could possess, and he needed to master its defenses if he wanted to survive in this world. The moment anyone found out he knew more than he should, he'd be a target. Mastering the protection of his mind was non-negotiable.

Evenings were dedicated to etiquette lessons with Walburga. She seemed almost eager to teach him, and though her tone was harsh, her knowledge was extensive. The way she spoke of the noble families, their politics, and the subtle art of maintaining power gave him insight he would not have found in any book.

Before bed, he'd spend an hour on light reading—exploring beginner dark arts theories. Nothing too advanced for now, but enough to understand the basics of the more dangerous side of magic. After all, there was no point in being ignorant of the tools his enemies might use against him.

And finally, any mind magic exercises—specifically "Occlumency"—that could be done before sleep would be his last activity for the day. Training the mind to resist intrusion wasn't just a matter of studying; it required constant practice, especially before bed when the mind was most vulnerable.

This would be his life for the next six months—disciplined, rigorous, and prepared. There was too much at stake to be complacent. If he was to restore the Black family's honour and carve out his place in this world, he needed to be more than just a student. He needed to be ready for anything.