Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I do own anything non-canon, OC, and fictional magic.

A/N: This might seem choppy and is my shortest chapter. However, I wanted to be sure there would not be any confusion for what I have planned. There will be lots of characters and moving parts in the next two or three chapters along with more references. Keep the reviews coming! They serve as motivation for speedy updates:-). Enjoy!

Update 11/30/2017: Based on my reviews I need to flesh this chapter out a little more. So new material abounds. Please review to be sure I am on-track with story flow. *WARNING*: this is graphic at the end. Just know this story will end happily. Thank you!

Ch. IX: In Tandem Part I

Albus Dumbledore perused several parchments on his desk.

One in particular caught his eye.

A timetable belonging to one Harry James Potter.

Well, my boy...what to do with you? He thought curiously. Dumbledore was not a cruel man. However, he believed the child needed a push in the 'right' direction. Preferably before Halloween. I have just the idea. He thought and chuckled.

Fawkes did not trill in nearly a month. Something his Master should have taken note. He watched Dumbledore open a warded desk drawer and pull a thick folio from it before calling him.

"Deliver this to Harry's trunk, please." Dumbledore asked politely.

Fawkes did as he asked. It saddened him if only because his Master had begun to turn from the Light. For whom could ever harm a child with something so personally tragic? The Phoenix thought. He was bounded for life to the wily wizard and would do as commanded similar to a House-Elf.

"Harry!" Ron called, looking up. Hedwig flew and landed on Harry's outstretched arm. "Oh! Look! You've finally gotten a letter from him, mate."

Harry smiled sideways at his friend. It could not be helped that Ron would see it. In truth, Harry felt guilty hiding anything from his friend. Although, Harry could admit he liked getting closer to Hermione. She was more stable than Ron, who got jealous on every little thing he perceived being ousted from.

Something Harry did not want to admit he shared in spades with his other best friend.

Harry quickly pocketed his letter seeing others become curious.

Oliver Wood came up from behind Harry and clapped him on his back. "We'll be training straight after classes today." Harry nodded. They had been in school for nearly a week and he could tell Oliver was impatient to get started. There had been some talk about a tournament of some sort shortly beginning around Halloween where it would continue before the school year ended. What made it odd is that even second years could compete. It mattered not a whit to Harry. As far as he was concerned, he wanted to have a nice, 'normal' school year.

Of course, by 'normal' Harry meant he hoped not to be given a wide berth because many in the school still believed he was Slytherin's Heir and often made hissing noises behind his back. It seemed rescuing Ginny had been Harry's saving grace from being a complete pariah. Furthermore, Harry heard people laughing at his boggart. They are unable to understand why Harry was so afraid of a blasted Dementor. It was just a skeleton in a cape for Merlin's sake. They could not understand Harry's real fears. It was not only 'fear itself' like his former Professor Lupin said...

But losing Sirius―or Hermione and the Weasleys―would be detrimental. He knew deep down where no one else could see; that he would not survive long without his 'family.' The Dementor's Kiss is a very real threat to Harry having witnessed it nearly suck Sirius' soul―and his own―last year. It stood to Harry's mindset it could happen again because there is no such thing as safety when a Dementor decides he wants your soul.

At this rate, I'll never get a chance to look at my letter. Harry thought annoyed. He partook in conversation while Ron gave him a knowing look. They had a busy day with double Potions, Transfiguration and Herbology today. However, Harry is grateful Oliver still spoke to him and frankly did not give two Knuts about Harry's 'Hogwarts Adventures,' as long as Harry played to win him the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup while Oliver is Captain of Team Gryffindor.

Hermione appeared and buttered toast. She caught Harry's eye and he shrugged.

Perhaps, Harry thought. I'll have a relatively normal week for a change. Although, I'm not counting on it with Snape.

Lacie acknowledged her secretary going out to lunch and she sighed in relief. She rubbed her temples, feeling drained. She had taken half the night looking over Harry's vitals, health records and wanted to get her papers in order to assist Lord Black with his healing venture as well.

She felt cold surround her and looked up sharply. Her long fingers wrapping around her ruby encrusted letter-opener.

The doors and windows had wavy shields cover them.

"Wise Gobliness," Séraphine approved. "I have come to deliver the signature you require." She leaned over and dropped the folio with several Lord Black signatures on it and questions written in Sirius' hand. "Is there anything you would like me to say to Lord Black?"

"Yes, My Lady." Lacie said, relaxing a touch. She purposefully put her letter-opener down and to show herself unarmed. It surprised her how real the Lady House of Black is. She's not a ghost...but neither is she fully human. Lacie opened her bag and handed Séraphine the warded folio. "Would you take this to Lord Black? I would like him to peruse our plan from every member of the team and see if he is on board with the proceedings."

Séraphine inclined her head as she disappeared in black-and-silver mist removing her shields against eavesdropping and returned to the Black residence.

Lacie chuckled as she pulled her lunch from her drawer.

I do hope he likes what he sees.

Sirius paced in his Study. He was nervous for some reason. He had hoped Harry would have written to him by now. Surely, the boy had a break from classes. Or have they changed everything since the '70s when Sirius went to Hogwarts?

The room became cold. The wizard turned in time as Séraphine made her appearance. "Lacie wanted me to deliver these to you. It is the Goblin Team's plan."

Sirius arched an eyebrow. "Hmm? Well, this should be interesting...Séraphine?" He asked, taking the folio from her and putting it on his desk. "Is there any way you could ward the House? Like a Fidelius Charm*? I know I'm being paranoid…" Sirius admitted with a self-conscious shrug. "But I almost think I might need an ambassador...and I would prefer it to be this Lacie woman since she's actually interacted with Harry and I've no idea why the Director would really take notice of my Heir so much other than generic CYA." Sirius turned from her and began pacing. "But I have no intention of letting anyone know where I am. I suppose I could ask you or Kreacher to simply Apparate me there...but I guess I'd feel safer with you around―," Séraphine straightened, practically glowing from within, surprising Sirius for a moment. "And I think it would be good practice not to put all my trust in the Goblins...especially considering that blasted Account Manager Jawcracker bloody gave my money away. Tell me again what he did?" Sirius asked suddenly. His mind working almost too fast for his words.

"He embezzled you while under bribe from Narcissa Black." Séraphine said disgustedly. "What do you have planned, Lord Sirius?"

It was one thing for the House of Black family members to oust one another. It was an entirely different matter to do it while claiming the House of Black's allegiance when Narcissa clearly served the House of Malfoy's interests.

It angered Séraphine to no end. Especially, since this was done against her beloved Master Arcturus' direct orders in his will. It appeared banning Narcissa Black and her spawn was a smart move from her new Lord.

Sirius smiled cruelly at her. Séraphine's dark eyes sparkled in anticipation.

"I have several ideas for dear cousin Cissy," Sirius admitted darkly. "However, a legal way of doing things would require Goblin aid...perhaps we ask if we can use some of Jawcracker's money as a tracker on her? Personally, it would give me great pleasure to remind her of Our Family's motto: Toujours pur. It doesn't just mean 'Pureblood,'" Sirius pointed out. "It means not double-crossing The Family and to fulfill Her Interests," Sirius said inclining his head to Séraphine. "Did we discover how long they have been stealing from us? With compound interest and suchlike?"

Séraphine thought for a moment. "I know he stole 190 million galleons from the Black Vaults since 1982," she said slowly. "I believe Narcissa Black wanted several heirlooms for Draco Malfoy and she intended to drain the Black Vaults through the passage of time. I do not know if they've access to any Black properties like the Manor, the Château or the Island."

Sirius scowled. "Well, I'll add that to the list then." Sirius muttered as he strode over the the fourth quadrant on his Hogwarts-styled blackboard. He wrote in his elegant script Discover C.C.'s property influence. He meant it as 'Cousin Cissy,' since Kreacher seemingly still loyal to Cissy and would recognize what he was doing otherwise.

And possibly Bellatrix. Sirius thought irritably.

"Séraphine," He said slowly. "Is there any way you could keep an eye on Kreacher to not betray us with Cissy or Bella?"

Séraphine smiled. "Absolutely, Lord Sirius." In fact, she relished the opportunity for a fight with the House-Elf. He had done a grave disservice to her these past dozen years. Keeping her unclean was not what Master Arcturus meant when he cursed Kreacher and Lady Walburga*.

"Tell me," Sirius continued. "Did Bellatrix ever have a Lestrange Heir?" His mind was spinning with another coup d'état Séraphine could clearly see.

"Nay, Lord Sirius." She answered. "The Lestrange lineage is extinct once Bellatrix Black and Rodolphus die because his twin brother Rabastian―the only one left in the male line―is infertile*."

Sirius bark-like laughed. "If he weren't an evil, freaky bastard I'd almost feel sorry for the bloke." He said. "Well, I believe the Goblins can help me with that." Personally, I want the whole lot of them dead...since I've escaped, I don't doubt for a bloody second that they are reenergized...and they would come after Harry to offer him up like a trussed up turkey on platter to Voldemort as soon as they can!

"We could do something about a Fidelius Charm*." Séraphine answered reminding Sirius of his original question. "But who would you tie it to?" When he looked at her she shook her head. "It must be tied to a living soul, Lord Sirius."

Sirius nodded. He should have expected as much. "I'll think on it...I'd rather it not be me if I can help it." But who else can I trust? Not that I don't trust Harry or Hermione but they've done enough and...I'm the adult in the room now.

It felt funny thinking that.

Because it is true.

He was no longer the Hogwarts prankster anymore (although he allowed Padfoot to reign much of the time). Nor was he a Martial Auror Hit Wizard* attacking Death Eaters. He may have lost his best decade; but he would be damned if anyone stole time from him again. I'll destroy the whole bloody Ministry in this Dumbledore takedown if I have to. He swore to himself.

Sighing, he called Kreacher to make him a good meal for he had more reading to do. Séraphine left and watched over the Lord and House-Elf invisibly.

Dobby Apparated just as Hedwig flew and landed on his shoulder.

"What're you doing here, Mistress Heddy?" Dobby asked curiously as Dumbledore's phoenix flashed appeared.

Dobby stiffened. Hedwig barked*.

Fawkes trilled sadly to Hedwig who ruffled her feathers angrily.

Uncertain of what to do the House-Elf could feel himself beginning to hurt.

House-Elves physically hurt if they disobeyed or did not fulfill an order in a timely fashion. Later, it progressed to infertility and insanity*.

Hedwig purposefully flew in Fawkes' direction and landed on another bed so the phoenix would not face Dobby. The House-Elf quickly and quietly nabbed the Marauder's Map and Apparated to Grimmauld Place.

Shuddering, the House-Elf bowed and passed the Marauder's Map to Sirius. Dobby shuddered again and bit his lip, clearly distressed.

"Dobby! What is it? Sit, sit," Sirius said standing up and pulling a chair for the little House-Elf, and kneeling in front of him in concern.

"Master Fawkes appeared in Master Harry Potter's room, sir!" the House-Elf said upset. "Dobby has never seen such a thing! If it weren't for Mistress Heddy Dobby would have had to fulfill your order later, but Master Fawkes...he would've stayed and reported to the Headmaster!" Dobby winced. "Dobby must return, Master Harry Potter's Snuffies." He returned to Hogwarts Kitchens since the Master House-Elf summoned him to assist with baking bread for the upcoming lunch.

Sirius swore. What would a phoenix be doing in Harry's room?! The wizard would find out. One way or another...he smelled treachery.

"Séraphine! Kreacher! To me!*" He shouted.

Fawkes trilled sadly to Hedwig as he placed the document within the young boy's trunk using his magic.

Hedwig barked angrily and would have physically attacked Fawkes had she not seen the phoenix's remorse. Fawkes trilled again to Hedwig and bowed to her before flashing out to meet with the Headmaster. The snowy owl eyed Harry's trunk warily. She perched herself atop Harry's trunk and stood guard until her young master appeared.

Harry sighed before entering Snape's dungeon lab. He sat in his usual space beside Ron while Hermione is at the next table. Harry was thankful they did not have the Slytherins until later that afternoon.

He ignored the Ravenclaws' curious stares.

To think I would've been a Slytherin had it not been for Ron...Harry thought frowning. He was beginning to wonder if he were really a good enough Gryffindor. He ignored the little voice that said he pulled the Sword of Gryffindor last year.

That was to save Ginny. Harry thought dismissively. That was an emergency. Here I am lying by keeping Sirius safe...not that I'd change that viewpoint anytime soon...but I hate attention and Gryffindor is―.

"Am I interrupting something? Or is that actual thinking I can almost see between your ears, Potter?" Snape asked his silky voice.

Harry's emeralds focused on Snape's and he could have sworn the wizard internally flinched.

The boy noticed that his shin had a bruise from Ron who obviously was trying to get Harry's head out of the clouds before the top Slytherin himself spoke to him.

"No sir." Harry said quietly.

"10 points from Gryffindor for an obviously stale answer to paying attention and general disobedience." Snape said dismissively. Harry's temper flared and he quickly looked at the vial in front of him as he tried to brew the blackboard's instructions.

Unfortunately for Harry, the vial exploded all over Harry's hand. Severely cutting his fingers and it took everything in Harry not to swear and make it worse. I haven't exploded anything since Dudley messed with me. Harry thought frantically.

"How did it do that?!" Ron exclaimed. "I didn't have anything in it!"

"20 points from Gryffindor for ruining equipment." Snape scowled. "Wrap that up before you head to the Hospital Wing―no Weasley, Potter doesn't need a nursemaid. He can go off by himself."

Harry haphazardly wrapped his hand in his robe and exited heading toward the Hospital Wing.

He nearly ran into someone and quickly apologized before realizing it was Dumbledore himself.

"Now why aren't you in class, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, adjusting his half-moon spectacles.

"Oh, I, er, hurt my hand in Potions, sir." Harry stammered. Showing his bloody hand somewhat from his robe.

"Be more careful, Harry," Dumbledore said smoothly before walking away. For some reason, Harry felt chilled to his core.

Madam Pomfrey chided him and healed his hand and Harry was actually allowed to leave as opposed to staying the night like he normally would.

It dawned on Harry. He just missed Potions.

Internally swearing, the child knew he would have to pay for it along with entrusting his satchel to his friends. The boy rushed to Gryffindor Tower a good 10 minutes before break.

He opened his letter at last in the privacy of the second-year boys' dorm.

Dear Prongslet,

I wanted to reach out to you and ask if I may have your timetable? So I could stay abreast of your day and not bug you while you're in class or at Quidditch practice.

Furthermore, I wanted you to know something very important: I have some...help. I want you to also know, kiddo, that I care very much about you and want you to be happy and healthy. So if you do need something―anything at all―please tell me. For I am happy to claim you and keep you if you're so willing.

Yours,
Snuffles.

Harry burst into tears and held the letter to his chest. Hardly believing what he just read. It was as if Sirius knew how out-of-sorts he felt today. Hedwig hooted at Harry and nibbled his ear as she settled on his shoulder.

He opened his trunk and frowned at the folio beneath him. "What's this, girl?" Hedwig ruffled her feathers suspiciously.

Harry carefully put Sirius' letter in a hidden compartment where he hid his money. The Black Heir quill remained on Harry's person at all times and he felt it poke into his side. He readjusted it while opening the folio.

*WARNING*

Lily J. Potter's* horrified rictus mortis stared at him. Her knees were protectively guarding her stomach while her hands were raised to protect her face as her body had been blown backward against what Harry surmised was once his crib.

In a Healer's neat hand were the words, "Pregnant: 19 weeks. Infant Gender: female. Died: Killing Curse guarding 16-month-old Harry James Potter. Age: 21."

Harry choked. Tears spilling from his eyes and he jammed his fist into his mouth as he sank to the floor.

The crime report was very detailed and thick. He saw his parents' stricken faces and their bodies being opened by Healers performing autopsies.

It left an indelible mark on the child's mind. His heart pounded too fast causing him to gasp around his tears. When he inhaled, dust entered his lungs.

It is no ordinary dust.

Albus Dumbledore was back in his office. A few of his instruments brightened then dimmed intermittently. Ah good, the wily wizard thought. The compulsion should be taking effect now. Soon the boy will be under my full control and come running to me and me alone. Phase One: complete.

Fawkes hunched within his wings and resolved to find Hedwig as soon as he could without the conniving wizard knowing.

References:

Fidelius Charm is canon but I found an interesting article. Here is the citation: Kendrick, Christine. "The Secrets of the Fidelius Charm." Beyond Hogwarts.

Master Arcturus and Lady Walburga: Since Sirius is the new Lord Black, his Grandfather Arcturus is now simply 'Master Arcturus.' Due to there being no official Lady Black it would be akin to 'Dowager Queen/Queen Mother,' and why Walburga still retains her Ladyship title in this case because Sirius is a bachelor. However, should he get married (or his Heir) then whomever the lucky witch is (**no promises here. Simply spelling it out from a logical hierarchical title angle**) would become the new Lady Black while Walburga would become Mistress Walburga.

Rodolphus and Rabastian Lestrange: There is not too much about the Brothers Lestrange on the usual sources other than they, along with BellaBitch, tortured Alice & Frank Longbottom into insanity. In addition, the Lestranges all survived, thrived and escaped twice to wreak havoc from Azkaban as canon tells us. Therefore, I decided to make them twins. Furthermore, Bellatrix did not love Rodolphus (she had a love child with Voldemort...Cursed Child) and did not have a child by him. She made an acceptable Pureblood marriage as was expected of both Rodolphus and herself. It never said if Rabastian had any dalliances or marriages, etc. so I claim complete license. Also, because they are an infamous Pureblood family (although not as powerful or as 'royal' as the House of Black―they would have had the same bloodline disorders that marrying your first cousin *cough Walburga and Orion cough* would have had such as insanity or infertility).

Sérephine: Sirius summoned her first means Kreacher does not know her name. Therefore, the contract between House-Witch and Lord is not breached whenever this happens.

Hedwig: Her owl species actually does bark and hoot.

House-Elf orders: OK, I totally made this part up with the House-Elves receiving pain on all levels for not complying with orders. I draw this distinction from self-punishment because I felt there had to be more of a reason for their behavior. Willfully or otherwise.

Martial Magic/Hit Wizard (Aurors distinction): I noticed it was called Martial Magic which is what the Hit Wizards (or the top Aurors) were called. I chose to include both since in my FanFiction I am distinguishing an upper echelon of Aurors with Sirius. I never imagined him to be professor or anything but a canny man-of-action.

Lily's middle name is listed with a 'J' initial according to Harry Potter Wikia due to the Hogwarts Artefacts book page reference.