Chapter 8: Return of the Grim
Sirius Black paced the floor of Grimwald house. His hands spun a whippy oak wand between his fingers as the animagus moved back and forth throughout the home of his parents, occasionally keeping an eye on the empty fireplace.
"Kreacher!"
Sirius turned as he heard the crack the signaled the arrival of the Black's most loyal servant. The elf was worn. Aged by a lifetime of labor and devotion to the family he had so diligently served. Kreacher looked angry.
"But that was fairly normal at this point." reasoned Sirius. As he thought about the way the old servant had worshiped his parents and carried out their wishes for the acceptance and love the house elf had so desperately craved. "No matter how crazy or sinister the wish was," he mused angrily as he remembered being on the receiving end of Kreacher's magic.
The old grumpy elf shook in rage as he inclined his head in the most sarcastic of bows to the escapee of Azkaban. The elf took a breath as Sirius muttered, "And here it comes."
"The Blood traitor has come back. Ordering poor Kreacher around like a dog! Poor blessed mistress would be so dishonored if she were still alive."
"Kreacher." Exhaled Sirius. Who was already getting a headache from the insane house elf.
"Did anyone in my family leave me anything?"
"Mistress left nasty bloodtrait-"
"ENOUGH with the insults, Kreacher! Did anyone! Especially my parents or my brother leave me anything?" Interjected Sirius who was hoping to avoid more insults from the demented house elf.
The house elf had a grumpy look on his face as he muttered, "Master Regulus and Master Arcturus both left things for you."
"Thank you, Kreacher. Could you bring those things that were left to me?" Asked Sirius.
The house elf smiled happily before nodding vigorously before disappearing with a crack.
"That was creepy. That was really Creepy. Kreacher has never been happy to see me since I left the house." Worried Sirius as he stared at the spot the house elf had disaparated from.
The fireplace roared with green flames as Remus Lupin ducked his head out from under the fireplace lintel as he stepped through the flu network into Grimwauld House. The former teacher looked around checking to make sure that there was no one else in the room before his eyes saw Sirius Black. Sirius who at that moment was sparing at a random spot on the floor.
"Sirius?"
"Hmm. What?" Sirius shook his head.
"What's bugging you? "Remus asked.
"Kreacher. He left and he was happy. It seemed like he was excited about something but I couldn't tell what about." Sirius explained.
"Isn't he the house elf that hated you?" Remus said
"Yep. The feeling was mutual from my side as well. Which is why it's so weird. I kind of feel like I'm in danger or something." Said Sirius.
"Well, beside old batty house elves. I got some of the information we were looking for, Padfoot." Said Remus as he put his hand into his pockets and pulled out a small package about the size of his thumb.
"You figured out a way to cure the boys, Mooney?" Asked Sirius excitedly as he watched his friend wave his wand at the package he had put on a small table by the sofa next to the fireplace.
"Not exactly. But I'm making some progress on why my transformation was so odd. I found an old werewolf from before Greyback's reign. I met him when I was checking the bookstores of the magical communities in eastern Europe this morning. By the way thank you for the money for the Port Keys; Sirius, there was no way I would have been able to afford them myself."
Sirius nodded his head as Remus continued, "Seems this werewolf was from Kazakastan but he told me that the werewolves of today are generally aberrations compared to the wolves of the past. I've only started leafing through the book he gave me. but I've already seen several things that are already helping me out with controlling the wolf inside of me."
Sirius frowned at Remus, "The wolf inside of you? Remus, You've always viewed being a werewolf as a bad thing. What's changed?"
Remus responded while making placating gesture with his hands, " It's just little things like don't eat food that would cause the wolf problems or try to control the animals natural tendencies or align those tendencies with my own. So far it seems to be working better with the wolfish side of me."
Sirius looked a little confused on the subject but decided to move on as he thought, "Well Remus tends to know what he's doing. I can tell him; I told you so about the chocolate later. Plus he's not an idiot. If he can find out something that can help him control the werewolf, then great."
"Did you get the supplies we were looking for?" Asked Sirius while Remus began opening the package while nodding.
"Four illegal Animagus Potions straight from Giza." Remus held up his hand with a potion vial in it. His other hand pulled out a wrapped pack which he started unwrapping as he continued finishing his list.
"Six untraced wands. Potion supplies. The latest books on battle magic. A copy of the Hogwarts files over the past twenty years. And last but not least. Harry's Gringotts Key." Remus finished with a frown as he pulled out an extra wand out of the wrapped parcel.
"You got the files. How did you pull that off? Everyone there thinks that Dumbledore is the greatest thing since Merlin?" questioned Sirius.
"Well I'm still a marauder. Plus Madam Pomfrey has been trying to talk to Harry for the past few years but hasn't figured out a way around the school's proprietary oaths yet." Explained Remus as he sat back on the sofa with a big yawn.
"Remus?"
"Sorry, Sirius. I need some sleep. If I can get a couple hours before we start plotting. I would appreciate it." Remus asked
Sirius nodded as Remus pulled a miniaturized blanket out of his pocket before enlarging the blanket. The werewolf rolled over before letting out an overly acted yawn. Sirius nodded as he left the living room his arms full of the groceries that Remus had bought him as he made his ways toward the kitchen.
"Sirius!"
Sirius turned at the doorway toward Remus.
"I know you want to help Harry. But there is a another way that might help him that you might want to think about." Said Remus.
"What, Remus?" Asked Sirius who was curious. Remus almost never made suggestions before the planning of pranks. But when he did it there was always a good reason behind them.
"I think you should consider Flea's advice to you." Suggested Remus.
Sirius heart stopped. He knew what Remus was suggesting but it wasn't something that he had ever wanted to do. Take the advice the of the fifth Marauder.
"I'll think about it, Mooney." Said Sirius as he turned toward the kitchen. His head was spinning at the implication of taking that advice.
He autopiloted his way through the kitchen. Putting the groceries away as he thought about what Remus had said.
"Master Black, The items left for you."
Sirius jumped three feet in the air. His heart was pounding as he looked around before seeing Kreacher behind him about three feet away. The house elf had an evil look on his face. Obviously enjoying scaring the living daylights out of Sirius.
"Damn it, Kreacher! What is it?" Belted out Sirius.
"Master asked for all the things that had been left for you." Said Kreacher with a smile as he held up a blanket. The blanket contained four letters and a Celtic arm ring.
Sirius reached for the blanket before stopping. Kreacher seemed awfully eager to please at the moment. Which means that he is up to something. Sirius thought.
"Kreacher, are any of these items meant to cause me harm?" Said Sirius suspiciously.
Kreacher's eyes sunk in disappointment. He mumbled for a few seconds under his breath.
"Kreacher, who are these objects from?" Asked Sirius.
"The letters are from masters Regulus, Orion, Arcturus, and Mistress Walburga. The bracelet is from Master Arcturus." Kreacher explained.
Sirius pointed his wand at the blanket and said, "Toxicupus molumbus."
The letters and the bracelet glowed a cerulean light. A few seconds later two of the letters started glowing a pale green. Sirius face grew hard as he turned at Kreacher. Two of the letters were poisoned.
"Kreacher, I told you to bring me the items that were left to me." Sirius said icely.
"Kreacher did. Nasty boy doesn't appreciate poor Kreacher." The House elf started mumbling again.
"Enough! Kreacher, I forbid you to attempt to cause me harm or any of my friends. Who left me the poisoned letters?" Sirius yelled.
"Master Orion and Mistress Walburga. They didn't wish for their blood to continue to stain the honor of the house of Black." Answered Kreacher sulkily.
"Are there any other traps in this house that are meant to cause me and my friends death." Demanded Sirius.
"Yes." Said Kreacher with a grin on his face.
"Kreacher, I have a half a mind to give you clothes." Shouted Sirius as Kreacher shot him a hopeful look.
"On the other hand I know that you would love to go to a pureblooded extremist family and you would probably ask them to send the aurors to my location."
Kreacher smiled broadly at that idea. "Damn it. I just gave him another idea to cause me harm." thought Sirius.
"So instead. I want to take all the objects in this house that are meant to cause me, Remus, or anyone else in this house who is a friend of mind harm and move them into Mistress Walburga's Bedroom." finished Sirius.
Kreacher screamed at Sirius before vanishing with a snap of his fingers.
Sirius looked down at the letters. He conjured a bag and levitated the poisoned letters inside them. He walked into the kitchen as he began reading.
To Sirius
Sirius, I think this will be my last letter to you. I don't know why you deserted the family but you did. You could have had everything from Dad and Mum. The best Robes, Broomsticks, potion supplies. But for whatever reason you chose to leave. It hurt really badly Sirius. Thinking that you just abandoned us because you weren't willing to even pretend that you agreed with Dad. Although putting up those posters in your room probably enraged them more. I don't understand why you weren't willing to be more Slytherin in your approach with them, Sirius. All you had to do was agree with them. It wasn't a big deal. Just lie. You can have your own personal beliefs.
"And pretend that I agree with them. Just because it fits the narrative they want to here, Reg? No matter how twisted their philosophies are? No way. I cared about you enough to much for that." Said Sirius as he turned back to the letter.
I wish that we could have been in the same houses. All though you still made many attempts to come across house boundaries to my older brother but the rivalries were too great I guess. Although as far as were I was concerned you made an effort. For which I will always be thankful.
When the war started I knew that we wouldn't be on the same side. We were more likely to cross wands and blades than anyone in are year, except maybe James Potter and Severus Snape. I've never understood their rivalry. They are fighting over a girl and have been since third year which never made any sense. Why fight? Especially, when there are plenty of more pureblooded women out there just hopping to marry well?
"Woman?! He makes it sound like they're stray dogs who need a home and can be kicked out when you are tired of them. That blasted biased, no good, sexist ass!" Shouted Sirius as he stormed his way around the kitchen before punching the icebox. The impact shot up his arm as he saw a bloody indention on the side of the cooler. He looked as his skinned knuckles as he murmured a healing spell under his breath. The skinned mended rapidly as Sirius cried. Quietly missing his brother despite their differences of opinion.
He walked back over to the table. He didn't want to finish the letter but it was the last thing from Reg. Whatever his brother became he would still miss him and this was the last opportunity to get to know him.
Regardless about why Severus fought over Lily Evans with Potter. And why they continue their dispute on the battlefield. It still saddens me to know that we are likely to fight each other, Sirius.
One thing that I should mentioned is they are trying to set a marriage contract for me. Which while I know that you hate the idea of the very things. To me it is still an honor to serve the family even with my marriage.
But Sirius thank you for fighting beside me that one time to protect the Browns. I couldn't have called on anyone else that day and I'm glad we were able to fight alongside each other that one time. Thank you for being a brother to me Sirius; Whenever you could? You would still give me a chance.
Tonjour Pur
Regulus Black
Sirius walked backed into the living room looking at the family tree tapestry on the wall. Next to the place where his face had been burned off the tapestry stood the face of Regulus Black. The date under his brother was 1961-1979. His brother was dead and there was nothing he could do about it.
He opened the next letter to see the familiar handwriting of Arcturus Black. He hadn't known his Grandfather as much as he wished when he was younger. The older man had always seemed a big torrent of energy as he came through the house which had always entranced Sirius. As the years went Sirius saw less and less of his Grandfather primarily due to his leaving Grimwauld Place. But Sirius still missed the old man even if he was a traditionalist who thought Sirius should stay with his family even after the verbal abuse from his parents began.
Tonjour Pur
The Head of House Black
Arcturus Black.
Sirius, I have been trying to get in touch with you for a while now ever since this blasted war started up. If you were given this note by the hand of Kreacher, I have died of old age, some disease, or maybe even been killed. It was necessary that I speak with you for a variety of reasons. But whatever is the case follow the clues left to you and you will find my final wishes to you.
With full Respect
Arcturus Black, Head of House Black
Sirius held up the arm ring as he examined the letter. It was a made of a combination of materials. Both enchanted and magical. Goblin bronze and Dragon bone wove around each other laced with gold wiring. The arm ring held a script of gaelic Runes which were inscribed on the old black dragon bone. Sirius translated the runes easily before saying them.
"Un iglic gwan hle mae el din gawei ceie ah Tonjour Pur."
"Ouch." Sirius swore as the his hand burned. He dropped the bracelet as he felt blood drip down his hand he saw a gold needle weave itself back into the arm bracelet. He picked up the bracelet quietly as he swore under his breath. Sirius looked at the letter again noticing numbers appearing across the page.
"Stupid Blood magic." Sirius complained. He examined the letter again waving his wand over it. A mark popped into existence underneath the numbers and final words of Arcturus Black. The mark was shaped as a circular line that edge its way around the head of a Hungarian Horntail with three lines that edged the side of the circle forming a rough triangle.
"The Black Rune." Sirius murmured under his breath. Despite what many people knew assumed about him. He was a knowledgeable wizard particularly in his family history. He held up the paper again reading closely. The numbers were obviously some sort of code.
Sirius sat down with a grin. Attempts on his life he never would enjoy. Particularly when it was caused by a crazy old house elf. But Codes were one thing that the marauders always enjoyed. Primarily because Sirius was one of the instigators of the use of codes in his old gang. He sat down at the table staring at the numbers after conjuring quill and paper. This was going to take some time. But he had never given up on a cypher yet and he would be damned if he gave up on this mystery know.
The fireplace roared with a rush of Green Fire.
Remus and Sirius were eating their last breakfast in Grimwauld Place that morning in the kitchen when they heard the flu network come alive. Both men jumped up and sprinted to the living room.
"Stupefy!"
"Obscuro!"
The figure who had stepped out raised his wand saying, "Protego."
A opaque shield raised itself as both jinxes reflected off the surface. The shield went down as Albus Dumbledore stepped through the fading obstruction.
"Hold, Padfoot!" Shouted Remus who noticed that his friend was about to launch a more powerful curse at the man who been their teacher once.
Sirius held back at the last second. Recognizing who they had been shooting at.
"Damn it, Professor. Why didn't you firecall first!" Yelled Sirius.
"Primarily because I didn't want our call intercepted, Sirius. Second, because I didn't wish to make a public display of a private fear which is the reason for my unconventional call." Smiled Albus Dumbledore.
"What fear, Professor?" Said Remus who gave a silent look at Sirius. "Don't blow it, Padfoot. Not yet." Thought Remus.
"I was wondering if Harry Potter was here?" Asked Dumbledore.
"Why are you afraid of that? Beside I'm Harry's Godfather he is welcome anytime he wants. To stay permanently or temporally." said Sirius who put his wand back up his sleave as he spoke. Hiding the knuckles which were white with strain as put the wand away.
"Well my boy. For two reasons. The first is that there was a bit of a hubbub in Diagon Alley yesterday. Which I'm sure you saw in the paper this Morning." Said Dumbledore.
"Yeah, we read the article. Someone was using magic with a traced wand to perform low level spells in Diagon alley yesterday and the aurors are trying to catch said person to make sure someone isn't practicing using a child's wand for a crime. "Quoted Remus.
"Well it has happened again today. Except this time they're were multiple wands being used and some of the spells being practiced were Evanesco and Incendio." Said Dumbledore.
"So some criminals are preparing to do something weird. Plus making fools of the Aurors who are trying to track them down. No big deal. They are just using Diagon Alley to overwhelm the trace on the wands. Which you already know; since you taught us that. Which begs the question, Albus. Why are you at Grimwauld Place?" Said Sirius.
"You knew how to confuse the trace long before I taught you and James how to do so." Said Dumbledore with a smile as he saw Remus and Sirius exchange annoyed looks with each other.
"This Morning I was asked to visit the spell casting sight myself and I noticed that the magic performed had Harry Potter's signature on it." Said Dumbledore who looked worried about the situation.
"Harry was dodging Aurors in Diagon Alley?" Said Sirius as he shared a worried look with Remus.
"Well Harry needs to be home with the Dursleys to renew the ward there for his protection. Plus we don't know if he is in danger due to him being in Diagon Alley." Said Dumbledore.
"Albus, while I agree with you that we need to find out what is going on with Harry. I don't understand why Harry has to return to the Dursleys? He obviously hates it there and I know from experience. A place a child hates can never be that kid's home." Said Sirius.
"So Harry isn't here?" Asked Dumbledore with a look of concern.
"No, although we wouldn't be opposed to the extra company." Said Remus.
"Well then. I must be on my way." Said Dumbledore.
"Hold up, Albus. I was wanting to ask you for a favor." Said Sirius as Dumbledore walked toward the fireplace taking out a handful of flue powder from his robes before stopping as Sirius relit the fire for him.
"As Harry's legal guardian and an innocent man. I was wondering when I could get Harry's Gringotts Key returned to me as well as your help in getting my name cleared?" Asked Sirius who was eyeing Dumbledore like a dog would eye a buzzard.
"I will do all in my power to make sure you get free, Sirius. Remus, would you be willing to join me in my hunt for Harry?" Asked Dumbledore who's eyes seemed to twinkle once again as they always seem to do.
" Sure Albus I would be delighted to help." Said Remus.
Dumbledore left in flash of Green fire leaving behind a smoldering fireplace.
"Remus, Get the fireplace. I'll get the supplies." Barked Sirius who dashed from the room.
Remus turned pointing his wand at the lintel waving it a few times and whispering a few words. The fireplace glowed a light yellow wooden color for a few seconds as networks of runes winked into existence and then out as Remus maintained his spell. The werewolf after all the lights were out checked the fireplaced again before nodding to himself. The flu network was disconnected. No one would be able to enter into Grimwauld Place without permission from that fireplace again.
Sirius came dashing back into the room caring to shoulder bags. He stuffed Arcturus Black's letter down into his bag as he through the other travel sack to Remus. Both men through the straps over their left shoulders with the packs resting on their right hips.
"Kreacher!" Shouted Sirius.
Kreacher popped into existence next to Sirius.
"Nasty Blood traitor calls on poor ol-
"Never mind that, Kreacher. I want you to secure the premises until we return. Don't allow anyone on the property or communicate with anyone. From House elf to Wizard. No one but me, Mr. Lupin, and whoever we bring with us. I don't want you to leave the house but I do want it to be clean by the time we get back. Clean the way my mother would have wanted you to have it. Do you understand." Said Sirius.
Kreacher bowed low, saying. "Kreacher lives to serve the most Ancient and Noble House of Black."
"Thank you, Kreacher." Said Remus as the House elf disappeared with a snap of his fingers.
"Can you do it." Asked Sirius as they exited the front door.
"I think so. Its taken a lot of practice. Years of practice, If I'm honest. But I think I can pull it off."
Sirius nodded as he moved away down the street. Ignoring the odd looks he got from people as he watched Remus worked.
The werewolf began chanting as a flurry of lights began spreading over Grimwauld House. Sirius noticed that the lights were beginning to attract attention as he began using a confundus charm on passerby's distrack them from the light show caused by Remus.
After twenty minutes Sirius was thoroughly tired of using Confundus charms and Memory charms as he watched Remus's lightshow. He had just began counting trees on the block out of boredom when he heard Remus shout.
"Fidelius!"
Remus couldn't remember why they were on that street as he watched his friend keel over from exhaustion. He ran over getting under Sirius's arm as he disaparated them to an isolated park bench that they had used to meet at as boys. He checked around making sure that there was no one around them, before going to work on Sirius.
The animagus ignored his friend's entreaties as he pulled a peace of paper out before writing on it with a pen.
"Come on, padfoot. What happened? If I have too. I'll get Mora to come back here and wring your neck if I don't get an answer out of you. After we get Harry." Yelled Remus
"Settled down, Mooney. Here. Read this." Commanded Sirius.
Sirius took the paper reading it in a second before gasping.
The Marauder Safe House is at Number 4 Grimwauld Place. Under Fidelius charm by Mooney. Secret keeper Padfoot
The Memory of Grimwauld place flashed back into Remus's head as once again remember exactly where he performed his first Fidelius charm.
"Remus, Don't bring up my old girlfriend again. Understand." Said Sirus darkly. He didn't want to be reminded of her again. Remus nodded at Sirius as they pulled out small broomsticks out of their travel bags, he wouldn't bring up Mora again if he could help it.
"Sirius, Did you notice how Dumbledore dodge our questions?" Asked Remus as the two friends took a quick breath.
"Yep, Did you notice how he was trying to read our minds with legilimency?" Asked Sirius.
"We've got to find Harry before Dumbledore or someone else finds him." Said Sirius
They enlarged the Firebolts to full size before applying a notice-me-not-charms on themselves. Afterword they put on a couple of invisibility cloaks before taking off.
"Remus, were not going to fail James and Lily Potter again." Said Sirius as he looked over his shoulder at his one friend left from the old days.
"We're coming for you, Prongslet."