Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews! Sorry for the long delay in posting this chapter. Enjoy!

Sirius : Serena's husband, A Riddled Universe

Sirius : Harry's godfather, Original Universe


Chapter 29

Harry studied the Daily Prophet carefully. The continuing saga at the Ministry of Magic was splashed all over the pages of the leading wizarding newspaper, though Harry knew better than to rely only on the information provided by them. The articles were hilariously inconsistent but Harry studied the direction which the articles began to take and was able to read between the lines.

The articles began by condemning Moody and Scrimgeour for submitting allegedly false evidence. After belittling these men as well as their supporters, the paper began to change direction quickly after Crouch's forced resignation. Crouch's illness was suspiciously timed and while Harry couldn't help but sense that Riddle was involved, he couldn't also disregard the involvement of others. The Prophet (pre Crouch's resignation) showed a very flowery and utopian perspective of the Ministry of Magic.

Harry knew that even if the Ministry was filled with only virtuous people, discrepancies were bound to occur. The new direction which the Prophet began to take was so contradictory to its earlier statements that Harry knew that whatever power Crouch used to exercise on the paper had diminished and to make matters more interesting, the Daily Prophet (lead by the bug Rita Skeeter) were determined to lay bare all of Crouch's dirty linen.

Crouch's harsh policies had gathered many dissenters over time but they never had any effect on the Ministry's handlings. Harry remembered that Crouch had even put his godfather Sirius in Azkaban without a trial in the other universe. This clearly spoke of someone who was willing to take matters in his own hands and had no regard for the law. However the Sirius matter in Harry's world had happened as a repercussion of wartime, it was strange that Crouch could behave in the same manner in spite of the different conditions existing between the two universes. If Crouch could behave in a similar fashion in this world, Harry would have to keep his eye out on Riddle too.

Harry worried about the safety of his godfather. Severus had revealed that he had an inside informant in the Unspeakables who was currently tracing the location of the prison where Dorcas was holding Sirius. He could tell that Severus was eager to get his hands on Sirius, but he wasn't sure if it was for the right reasons. Hopefully, Harry would be reunited with his errant but lovable godfather soon. Sirius had strong ideals and if he realized what a huge mistake he had committed when he had attacked Serena, Harry was confident that Padfoot would feel very repentant.

Harry spent most of his days in Serena and Lily's company as they tried to investigate some old unexplained poisonings case. To make matters worse (Harry hated paperwork), Sirius had even provided more bundles of valuable information on the case. When Lily asked him where he had received the additional information, Sirius shrugged and said in a mysterious voice that he had 'sources'. Serena later deduced that Sirius probably got the material from his best friend James Potter as James' father was a retired Auror.

"You want me to tell you about James," said Sirius as he took a seat near Harry.

"How could you tell?" asked Harry, puzzlement sketched on his face. Sirius had deduced his purpose correctly.

Sirius laughed, "You truly are James' son. After spending years in the company of that idiot, I can easily decipher his numerous expressions. You have no idea how closely you resemble him. I don't know if the James in my world is similar to the one in yours but if your father bore the name of James Potter then I am sure he would have been a great man."

"Once a Marauder always a Marauder," said Harry.

"True, those were the fun days. You cannot imagine the trouble James, Peter and I would get into. By our fifth year, Filch used to assign the three of us detention for ridiculous reasons like breathing loudly or looking suspicious, but none of the teachers would support us, because they agreed with Filch. The only sympathetic professor was my Uncle Artie. It was a pity he was the Head of Slytherin. We would have had more fun if he was Head of Gryffindor, unfortunately we were left with his wife Professor Minnie (Minerva)," said Sirius.

"What about Lupin? You only mentioned James and Peter," asked Harry.

"Lupin, the bookworm? A Marauder? Don't be ridiculous!" exclaimed Sirius. "Lupin and Severus were inseparable at Hogwarts, not that I am surprised. Lupin used to spend most of his days, before going to Hogwarts, at the Riddle House. He has always idolized Riddle ever since he was cured. He and Sev practically grew up as brothers."

Harry digested this new information as he watched Sirius floo away. He remembered the first time he saw Severus and Lupin together in this universe. They were comfortable with each other and the camaraderie which they shared was unmistakable.

Harry returned his attention to the newspaper before him. Rufus Scrimgeour had been appointed as the Minister of Magic and Harry had a keen sense of déjà vu. Scrimgeour was riding on the popularity which he had recently gained from unearthing evidence against Crouch. Harry wasn't overly fond of the new Minister. He should not let his past experiences with the Scrimgeour in his world, colour his perception of the new Minister but he couldn't help but wonder at the changes he would bring at the helm.

Harry respected the fact that Scrimgeour in his world had died protecting him and that he did not reveal his location to Voldemort, but on the whole, the war-time Minister didn't have his priorities in the right place. Having him as the new Minister would dent whatever plans Riddle had, though Harry wasn't sure of Riddle's equation with the new Minister. Scrimgeour was no fool and he hadn't bowed to Voldemort in his world, Harry wondered how that would affect the Riddle in this world.

He had only seen Riddle a few times since Serena's attack. Riddle had looked tense and grave stating that he had urgent work at St. Mungos where he was spending most of his days. Harry had never thought of the Healer's age before but now the lines of age and worry began to show on Riddle's face. He resembled the Titan Atlas who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. The transformation was stark. He shuddered to think that Riddle might forget his morals in his quest for vengeance.

Harry had debated with himself if he should leave the Riddles and seek out Sirius on his own. He had never waited for others before and usually, his friends would seek out such situations on their own. Together, they had accomplished many seemingly impossible tasks. Yet, he didn't want to repeat the fiasco of his last escape from the Department of Mysteries. He had recovered most of his strength and magic since then and he was sure that he would be able to easily fight most of the Unspeakables (dueling was his specialty). However, he couldn't abandon Serena now as she needed someone to protect her.

"I don't think I will be able to read a murder mystery novel for a long time," said Lily sadly as she underlined a statement in one of the many documents on her lap, "I am sick and tired of murders."

"I never understood your obsession with crime novels, Lils," said Serena as she studied one of the crime scene photographs, "Harry, you must be tired. Why don't you rest? You can go through the remaining documents later."

Lily piped in, "Of course, you must be hungry as well. Here have a biscuit." She extended a plate with two chocolate chip biscuits towards Harry.

Harry smiled and reached for a biscuit. Both Lily and Serena had taken over the role of mothering him. Though he was eighteen years old, he didn't mind the pampering they were subjecting him to. Their concern for him was refreshing and he wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

"No, thank you. I was just browsing through some of the statements of the victims' families. This experience should benefit me when I become an Auror," said Harry.

"I wouldn't want a son of mine to join the Auror Corps. It's a very dangerous profession," said Lily tilting her head and observing Harry carefully as if trying to influence him subtly to change his career path.

"But, if that is what Harry wants to pursue, then he should," said Serena as she picked up another pile of papers from the table.

"I wonder if you would allow Marianne to become an Auror when she grows older," said Lily.

"I would allow her to pursue her dreams but Sirius would probably go insane with worry," said Serena, "In the end, it should be her decision."

"You are right. I always hate it when Severus tries to mollycoddle me and shield me from any potentially dangerous situation. While I know that this stems out of love, it is frustrating when I am perfectly capable of defending myself," said Lily tiredly as she rubbed her eyes.

"What is the matter, Lil?" asked Serena.

"Since the incident (Serena's attack), Severus has been extremely discreet about his dealings. I know for a fact that he is putting himself in danger and dealing with people of questionable repute. While he doesn't inform me of what he has been up to, I know that he is involved in something dangerous and I fear for him," said Lily as she took a deep breath. "I do not know what I would do if something happened to him."

"My brother can take care of himself," said Serena comfortingly.

"I forced him to wear a matching wristlet so that he has a method of contacting me the moment he finds himself in a dangerous situation," said Lily as she folded her sleeve to show a simple black bracelet on her hand.

"I can't believe you got Sev to wear a bracelet," said an amused Serena.

"Sev was opposed to the idea but agreed when he realized that it would placate me. He calls it a wristlet as it is more macho apparently," said Lily.

"Men and their stupid fat egos," agreed Serena.

"Hey!" protested Harry to which Serena and Lily began to laugh heartily. Harry couldn't help but feel that he was sorely outnumbered and fighting a hopeless battle on behalf of his fellow men.


Miss Waynflete studied the Daily Prophet with keen satisfaction. Riddle never failed to disappoint and she was only surprised that he took so long before springing into action. With the change in Ministry, Dorcas would have to go into hiding. Waynflete smiled, years of planning and plotting had led to this point. The fruits of her actions had blossomed. She had decided to ruin Dorcas' life years ago. Dorcas' grandfather had ruined the lives of Waynflete's family and now she was returning the favour. She always held a grudge and never forgot despite her advanced years. It was amusing that Dorcas never spotted the trap before she walked into it.

Miss Waynflete had a bone to pick with Riddle too. How happy she was to orchestrate the destruction of both her foes by setting them against each other! She had more confidence in Riddle's ability than in Dorcas. She had expected fireworks and now the show was about to begin. How patient she had been with Dorcas, making her believe that she was her friend and well-wisher! Dorcas had grossly underestimated her, calling her 'silly old squib' and other such derogatory words, but she let it all pass because she knew that she would be victorious in the end. She didn't need Legilimens to influence Dorcas; she did it subtly with her own unique brand of inception.

She didn't have any problem with the Crouches. If something happened to them then it was collateral damage. Riddle, on the other hand, was a special case. She respected and adored the man when she was younger. Yet, certain events had prejudiced and turned her against him. She didn't hate him (it was impossible to hate Tom Riddle) but she wanted to make him suffer as she had suffered. She wanted to make him feel her pain. As for his daughter Serena Black, Waynflete hated her. She hated what she represented and symbolized. It was a pity Dorcas hadn't succeeded in killing her.

If Dorcas and Crouch Jr. were captured by the Aurors and they divulged her name and involvement, then it would not be a problem for Waynflete. 'Miss Waynflete' was her creation, her pseudonym and didn't exist in the eyes of the Wizarding and Muggle World. She no longer used the name she was born with. Her appearance was so altered that even her old acquaintances would never recognize her. She would miss brewing more poisons, but it was a necessary sacrifice. She was growing older and her poison brewing days were coming to an end. Her poisons and experimentations had taken away years of her life, yet Waynflete wouldn't trade it for the world.

There was some satisfaction in seeing her creations work. When she was younger, she was able to carry out her mission and attacks on her own. She enjoyed seeing her victims succumb to her many poisons but even that was now robbed from her. Helping Dorcas with the poisonings were a guilty pleasure. While she enjoyed making poisons again, she also knew that she was setting Dorcas up to take the fall. Now, to watch Dorcas Meadows face her ruin and Riddle suffer was what she lived for. That was her mission. Miss Waynflete didn't fear Death, but if it came as a result of the destruction of her foes, she would welcome it.

She walked slowly towards the window. Her knees ached and protested. She sat on her favourite chair and applied a Muscle-Relaxant balm on her knees knowing that the relief would only be short-lived. This was the life she was reduced to. Dorcas' days were numbered, she was sure that Riddle wouldn't let her live. That was one score settled. She didn't care what became of Crouch Jr. If he revealed the location of her little cottage, it would not be a problem. She had already shifted residence. Barty Jr. would never be able to trace her.

Miss Waynflete was waiting for Tom Marvolo Riddle to seek her out. It was her last wish, her final goal in life. If anyone could find her, it would be him even though she had made herself untraceable. She had not made this task easy for him but she knew he would come. She wanted to look into his eyes and tell him the truth. The truth which had changed her life for the worse. The truth which had made her what she was. The truth which she was sure would destroy the Head Healer of St. Mungos. She wanted to see his devastation with her own eyes. She wanted to humble the proud snake before she left the world. What sweet death it would be to die at the hands of the Heir of Slytherin! Miss Waynflete couldn't ask for more.


To Be Continued….

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