Sorry for the wait, I was ill for a good few months at the end of last year and I've just gone through exam season. The bits in bold are from the books and any recognisable brands from the real world belong to their respective owners.
With a yawn Luka opened her eyes. Unlike when she had gone to sleep she was now snuggled under the warm bed clothes, after glancing down she narrowed her eyes.
"Really Remus, any excuse will do for you won't it?"
"Well, you'd worn those clothes all day and they did smell like alcohol... Housekeeping took them last night," smiled Lupin who was also under the covers.
Luka rolled her eyes at his attempt to justify his behaviour although as she watched he seemed to get more pensive.
"What's wrong, has Dumbledore sent a Howler for me 'cos of the tardiness or something?" she asked as she cocked her head to the side.
"No, it's just that your phone rang whilst you were sleeping and I... accidentally answered it,"
"So how's that bad?"
"Your mum made me promise that I'd come round for lunch as soon as the summer holidays begin,"
Luka blinked still trying to work out the problem. Seeing the look on his girlfriend's face Lupin sighed and abandoned all pretence of subtlety.
"What if they don't like me?!"
"Of course they'll like you, you're a nice guy-," replied a stunned Luka as she finally twigged.
"But I'm a werewolf and unemployed. What am I to say if they ask me about my future prospects?" asked an increasingly worried Lupin as all the worst case scenarios ran through his mind.
Leaning in Luka tried to soothe the werewolf.
"One; they know I'm a nephilim and they were fine with it so I doubt they will have any trouble with you being a werewolf. Two; you don't have to say anything about your future prospects as you call them and my family's not rude enough to pry. Besides, you're a sweet, intelligent man and I've never seen you act in an obnoxious manner. I'm sure they'll take to you, well, Augustus won't but he hates everyone,"
Lupin smiled, he'd seen photographs of the bantam cockerel in full attack mode. Before any other words could be exchanged there was a loud banging on the door.
"Moony open up! You've got see the paper!" shouted Black from the other side of the door.
Lupin sighed again as Luka fished around in the shadows for her clothes. A pair of black jeans and a plain t-shirt from her interdimensional store room would have to suffice. As she and Lupin hurriedly dressed the latter had to call out for Black to stop the banging as he seemed to have assumed no one had heard him and was continuing to make a ruckus every couple of seconds.
"What's wrong?" asked Remus as he opened the door, his shirt buttons still skew wiff.
"You're in 'The Prophet'," replied Black as he laid the paper on the room's small writing desk. Luka spied the news of his acquittal on the front page before Black turned the page. The nephilim frowned at the sight of a plump, slack jawed woman in a cardigan that would undoubtedly be a sickly pink if the photograph was in colour.
'WEREWOLF IN PROFESSOR'S ROBES
The Daily Prophet can exclusively reveal that Remus John Lupin, the most recent Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcratf and Wizardry, is a werewolf. The appointment was made by Professor Albus Dumbledore, whom despite Lupin's lack of registration knew and accepted his condition, without the knowledge or consent of the parents and governors. In fact, it has been found by this reporter that without Minister Fudge's intervention the werewolf would have continued in his tenure of moulding and influencing our next generation of witches and wizards. This harrowing news will no doubt chill every parent down to the bone. In a comfortingly fast response Undersecretary for the Minister Delores Umbridge has redoubled her efforts to bring the latest Werewolf Control Bill into law. This bill will confine werewolves to the lowest echelons of employment so that their destructive influence will be reduced to a minimum. The punishment for wrongful employment or failing to register will result in the offending werewolf being sent to Azkaban rather than being fined which is the case under current legislation. Apothecaries and potioneers who supply Wolfsbane Potion to unregistered werewolves will also be convicted as accessories under the new law.'
Inset in the text there was also a picture of Lupin looking distinctively unkempt and shabby. The real life Lupin had finished reading the article at around the same time as Luka was now sinking down onto the bed. For a moment he sat silently.
"I'm ruined," he said quietly evidently still shell shocked.
Standing next to him Luka nibbled her lip uneasily. She hadn't wished to tell him so soon but now that he was away from the influence of mages and Black was hardly likely to agree with the establishment it was probably safe to confide in the pair.
"Not necessarily Remus," Luka replied as the colours shifted around the three of them.
Black's head flicked around as he took in the now muted and blurred surroundings.
"What did you do?" he asked astounded.
"A dimensional shift. It will thwart all means of surveillance since what I have to say isn't to leave this room, is that clear?"
The two wizards nodded after a moment although Black was more reticent evidently wary of what Luka was about to disclose.
"In direct violation of your Ministry's precious Statute of Secrecy the werewolf population may be going public this August. If the referendum favours it there will be a near worldwide reveal," said Luka.
"The Ministry won't allow them," replied Lupin who was still looking forlorn.
"They don't have a choice, there's a limit on the number of people they can obliviate and I've been checking all the sources I can and it seems that the latest technologies are alien to wizards. With the internet the weres will succeed,"
"What's the internet?" asked Black.
"An international network of information reservoirs called servers that allow people to disseminate information that can be viewed potentially by every person on the planet with computer access. The reveal is set to be synchronised, by the time the wizarding authorities find out about it the number of Muggles with the knowledge on weres will number in the millions. There aren't enough Obliviators in the world,"
"Luka, you're not going against the Ministry of Magic alone. You're going to have to deal with the International Federation of Wizards, they won't take this lightly. All the weres will be facing life imprisonment, perhaps the death penalty in some countries," said Lupin, he had to make her see sense.
"It's out of my hands Remus. Whilst I do have a vote it ultimately rests in the claws of the international were community. Besides, at the very least the weres in my area are quite safe. I plan to ward some safe houses and any Ministry meddlers will soon find themselves intercepted," smiled Luka.
Lupin glanced up, he didn't like the look of that smile.
"You intend to use your job as an excuse to continue your vendetta against the Ministry,"
Luka cocked her head to the side, "My hatred of the Ministry is unrelenting. If my role as Executioner gives me license to attack those I despise then it's a case of two birds and one stone. Although, I do intend to use a more lateral move rather than a direct assault on wizards,"
"Which is?" asked Lupin with increased worry.
"I intend to bind the offender's magic. Unfortunately I can't do it permanently yet as I haven't had any subjects to experiment on but it should still prove entertaining. Most wizards are hopelessly dependent on their powers. I can only imagine the look on their faces when they try and obliviate someone when they have no magic. Perhaps the police will have them sectioned," smiled Luka maliciously.
"You'll never let it go, will you?" sighed Lupin.
"Of course not, it would a shame for such good hatred goes to waste. Besides, my current personality is built on my feelings and memories. If I were to cast those aside I would no longer be me and I quite like who I am," replied Luka coolly.
Lupin shook his head. He should have known reasoning would be pointless, who makes a contract with a demon if they don't intend to go all the way? Black on the other hand was watching the pair silently. Remus had said that she was a good woman despite her clearly sadistic predilections and hatred of the wizard population however he would reserve judgement. Perhaps he could try to get to know her when the three of them were redecorating Grimmauld Place.
"So when are you free next? Moony and I can get started on Grimmauld Place but it would be better to have as many people on the job as possible," asked the wizard.
So that was what the werewolf had asked her to do.
"My weekends are pretty full up with Hogwarts work so I'm afraid it won't be until the summer holidays and then it'll have to be worked around my new job with the world cup," Luka replied.
"Speaking of work, where's the Funtomhive bar? I would like to have another look at that notice board," said Lupin.
"It's in the centre of Nottingham, just up the road from Subway," replied Luka.
Lupin nodded, if the notice board had as much work on it as it had when he had seen it last he would be alright for a while.
"Erm.. I have to head back to Hogwarts. Dumbledore's going to be naffed off enough at me for not returning immediately after St Mungo's," said Luka as she stood up. Kissing Remus on the head before putting on her shoes she made her goodbyes and headed off. Time to track down the laundry.
XXX
"Euuugh. Can't we give this up Hermione? We've been here for two days. We didn't even go to Hogsmeade," complained Ron as he closed what seemed the thousandth book.
"No Ron, we need to find out more about this 'Miss Reginold'. From what we've got I can't believe Professor Dumbledore lets her stay at Hogwarts," replied the witch tartly.
"And what do we have?" asked Harry as he rubbed his eyes blearily, he was sure his book's print was cursed to shrink as it was read.
"First of all she has better control of the Dementors than the Ministry and Professor Dumbledore said she could control Inferi. I asked Professor McGonagall what Inferi were and she said that they are animated corpses controlled by a Dark witch or wizard, apparently they were one of You-Know-Who's favourite weapons. Then you've got her strange appearance. It could be just transfiguration but why would anyone go those lengths to change their appearance and then hide it for most of the time?"
"It doesn't really fit the ideal picture of a teacher," replied Harry.
"I just think we should watch her, just to make sure she isn't really evil," said Hermione.
"That and she's with Lupin, what if she's enchanted him? What house was she in? If she was a Slytherin she definitely can't be trusted," asked Ron.
"That's just it. I can't find any records of a Reginold in Hogwarts records, although it is possible that she was either homeschooled or sent abroad," replied Hermione.
Mulling over the last snippet of non-information the trio lapsed into silence. Finally, once the skies had begun to darken and Hermione had decided enough research had been done the three made their way to the Great Hall for dinner. As they sat down they took the time to observe the object of the enquiries talk to a petulant looking Professor Snape.
At the breakfast table the next day any possibility of discussion was destroyed by the appearance of the owl post. Since he hadn't sent Hedwig out for anything Harry continued to pour milk on his cereal as the birds flew into the hall. However, just as he was about to dig in a small tawny owl zoomed into view, its mad twittering only slightly muffled by the letter it held in its beak. Seeming to decide that delivering the letter was more important than landing the owl decided to hover like a fluffy, oversized hummingbird. Slightly surprised by the bird's demeanour Harry hesitated a moment before relieving the bird of its burden. Once letter free the owl proceeded to circle Harry twittering even louder as if immensely proud that it had delivered its cargo to the correct recipient. Doing his best to ignore the high pitch squeaks Harry opened the parchment envelope. As his eyes skipped to the name of the sender his heart skipped a beat.
"It's from Sirius," he said in response to Hermione's unasked question. At that even Ron left his toast and scrambled eggs and scooted over to view the letter with the other two.
'Dear Harry,
I hope this finds you before you reach your aunt and uncle. I don't know whether they're used to owl post. From what I remember of your parents' wedding they weren't particularly fond of any element of the magical world. On the topic of your aunt and uncle whilst Grimmauld Place may not be fit for human habitation immediately that's no reason to let you languish at the Dursleys' during the days. I'll pick you up the day after you get back to Little Whingeing.
There is also something I never got round to telling you during our brief meetings. It was I who sent the Firebolt, Crookshanks took the order to the Owl Office for me. I used your name but told them to take the gold from Gringotts vault number seven hundred and eleven- my own. Please consider it thirteen birthdays' worth of presents from your godfather.
I would like to apologise for the fright I think I gave you, that night last year when you left your uncle's house. I had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting my journey north, but I think the sight of me alarmed you.
I'll write again soon,
Sirius.
P.S
I thought that your friend Ron might like to keep this owl, as it's my fault he no longer has a rat.'
"Cool, I really get to keep him?" smiled Ron as he attempted to coax the hyperactive bird down with some bacon, "Of course, I'll have to get Crookshanks to take a look at him..."
"That's wonderful Harry," said Hermione encouragingly as she and Harry tuned Ron out to concentrate on the letter.
"Yeah, but I just wish I could move in straight away," replied the young wizard as Hermione smiled understandingly.
XXX
The week had passed relatively well for Luka, despite the pangs of loneliness the move had gone well. The territory disputes with Professor Snape and a visit to a new friend as well as her homework had taken up most of her time. However Elise was still in snit. As well as the owl having deemed her new dungeon quarters as not particularly owl friendly due to the small window Elise seemed most aggrieved at delivering a package to Sirius. Luka was sure she'd put a weightless charm on it as well as shrinking the item. Sighing as she put on her maid uniform Luka chanced a glance at Elise. Just as before the bird was on her perch with her back to the nephilim. Luka sighed, at least the fish and Mel were easier to please. As long as the snake had a warm, cosy den and a never ending supply of reheated rats he was happy. Slipping on her Mary Janes Luka knocked on her flat mate's door to tell him she was off for the night.
Slipping out of the shadows near the bar the nephilim headed to the back door to clock in. In the staffroom there was a notice not to disturb the goblin meeting in the back room. Muttering about the clean up that would be necessary afterwards Luka entered the bar flinching slightly as the noise level assaulted her ear drums. Moving quickly under Sebastian's watchful eyes she worked at the quickly filling bar. Dealing with the customers orders and cleaning up spills it took Luka over an hour before she noticed two familiar faces in the crowd. Walking past a table she whirled around when someone had the temerity to hold her wrist. The snarl and curse on the lips died instantly as she saw Lupin and a worried looking Black.
"Remus... what are you doing here?" she asked as she got over her surprise.
"I've moved into Pineview Meadows, I saw the advert when I came here to look for a job on the notice board," replied Lupin.
"Oh, that's where Mike an' Jim live. Do you know about the banshee sewing circle?" asked Luka with concern.
"Yeah, Moony made me take the laundry to the cellar and they were all there huddled by the driers. If I was a superstitious man I would have died that night given all the ill omens they heaped on me," replied Black with a small smile.
As Luka's lips curved into a smile she suddenly felt a chill. Looking over her shoulder she saw Sebastian, his eyes like flint with displeasure. Her smile fading Luka turned back to the conversation.
"Sorry, I have to go. Will you be here in an hour's time? I'll be on break then," she said quickly before departing without further ado.
From the corner of his eye Lupin watched as the demon slunk back into the shadows his jaw clenching as he realised the reason for Luka's swift departure.
Moving around the bar Luka worked ceaselessly until it was late enough to ask for an early lunch break. Grabbing her lunch box from her locker she was glad to see that Lupin and Black were still at their table. Sitting down next to them she smiled as her boyfriend slid his hand over hers after she had opened her tupper ware.
"How are things going in the renovations?"
"Not too bad, we've begun on the kitchen and the pipes are no longer spewing filth. Pity I can't say the same about Kreacher," sighed Black.
"Kreacher?"
"He's the house elf," replied Lupin as Black snorted.
Luka frowned slightly, "If there's a house elf there shouldn't the house be in good condition?"
"Usually yes, however the loathsome little creature seems to have gone mad after my mother's death. He just skulks around all day talking to himself or my mother's portrait. When we're around he gives us nothing but grief. I'm unfit to be called a Black apparently and Remus is a filthy halfbreed," smiled Black bitterly.
Luka narrowed her eyes, if the house elf said things like that in her presence he would be likely to be reunited with his mistress.
Seeing the dangerous glint in her eye Lupin decided to change the topic of conversation. However he soon had cause to regret it.
"I've got a new job," he chirped.
"Oh, you got around the new Ministry rule? Good for you Rem!" said Luka as she clapped the werewolf on the back.
Immediately a flush came to his cheeks as he lowered his to reply.
"Actually... I haven't even stepped foot in the Wizarding world since I resigned from Hogwarts," he said quietly as Black also avoided Luka's gaze.
Feeling awkward the nephilim tentatively continued the conversation.
"So how did you get a job?"
"Mike came round to see who his new neighbours were and we got I'm working at Pizza Xpress on the weekend, I told him I'd be spending most of my time helping Sirius with the renovations... It's not much but at least when I see your family I can tell them I have a job and I get a free pizza each day I work there. That said it simply doesn't compare to the Wolfsbane I got at Hogwarts," said Lupin as some of the bitterness, and alcohol, rose to the surface.
Luka cast her eyes to the table as Lupin played with his drink. She had thought of working her evil on the offices of the Ministry and 'The Daily Prophet' in return for the suffering they had caused but unfortunately her record and association with Lupin would make a strong circumstantial case. She didn't want to get him into further trouble by people deeming him guilty by association. However, she simply couldn't let the remark on the lack of Wolfsbane go unanswered.
"Yeah, it's a pity you don't know anyone who can make pharmaceutical grade potions. Someone who's potioneer experience is supported by years of laboratory work and a master's degree in chemistry," she drawled as she purposely stared in the opposite direction.
"You'll make it for me?" spluttered Lupin, "But what about the cost? The ingredients are expensive and I can't let you do it for nothing-,"
"Chill, I'll do it at cost," replied Luka dismissively.
"Thank you," smiled the werewolf, "but I want to see the apothecary receipts,"
"Are you trying to suggest I'd rip you off?"
"No, I just don't want you to financially burden yourself by paying for the ingredients,"
"Burden myself? Hell no, I'm a miser to the core," replied Luka with a wink as the topic of conversation drifted onto different topics.
"Did you receive the package Sirius? I had thought to drive it over but I thought it would be too impertinent,"
"Yes, I'm glad Hagrid kept it in such good condition. Your owl didn't seem too pleased though. I take it you're a motorcyclist as well then,"
"Yes, I have a 500 CC Ninja. Unfortunately, due to the nature of my work the poor thing is severely underworked," replied Luka.
"Ninja?"
"A Kawasaki,"
As the cordial conversation swiftly turned into a debate of British versus Japanese motorcycles Lupin decided to busy himself with his drink. There was no way he was going to be able to get a word in now.
XXX
As Luka gathered her belongings from the staffroom locker at the end of her shift a cool voice emanated from behind her.
"I know I have released you to do as you please in your personal life but I must reiterate that this dalliance of yours is utterly foolish. It will not, cannot, end well," said Sebastian calmly.
"And why not?" asked Luka half tired half exasperated.
"I have been monitoring your core when I feed from you," replied the demon as he stepped forwards, "and it is becoming more stable. I would hypothesise that the increased use of your powers now that you are no longer wearing a collar is allowing the discordant parts of your core to amalgamate. You will outlive your 'lover' by centuries if not by millennia. I can only hope, for your sake and my own, that I will not be saddled with an eternal widow but that his face and memory will fade until you can no longer recall his name,"
As the last of his solemn whisper passed his lips the demon looked down upon is charge with a look that may have been pity. Turning on his heel he left Luka in the silent staffroom, the shadows that should have shrunk with the departure of their master only seemed to grow as he closed the door.
XXX
The eagerly anticipated end of term came swiftly. For most it meant a long reprieve from arduous school work and in the case of a certain Gryffindor the chance of a real home. For the staff on the other hand the break was to be unusually short owing to the upcoming Triwizard Tournament. Luka in particular was going to suffer since due to the loan for the Quidditch world cup, an irritation that had been multiplied since Sebastian had learned that foreign teams were playing. As it turns out a servant who cannot converse fluently in Bulgarian simply isn't worth their salt. On the upside her 'holiday' would allow for more time to be spent with Lupin by pitching in with the renovations, Luka was sure he was beginning to notice the distance she was putting between them and she didn't want the problem to grow further. She had already finished packing and after the end of term staff meeting she'd off to her mum's before beginning the summer slog.
XXX
Back in Privet Drive Harry couldn't sleep. He didn't know what time Sirius was coming for him but that hadn't stopped from waking at four in the morning. Now he sat on the windowsill stroking Hedwig, after he'd dropped the bombshell on the Dursleys that the serial killer they'd seen on tv was his godfather he doubted he'd ever be forced to keep her caged up again. Smiling as he recalled Uncle Vernon turning puce with anger at the mention of a wizard coming to the house, he wondered what they would be doing today, he'd already laid out his best clothes...
Hours later Harry padded down to the kitchen for breakfast. Only Aunt Petunia was up, her hair still in rollers under a pink net as she bustled round the kitchen polishing cloth in hand.
"What time will he be here?" she asked not bothering to look up from the kettle.
"I'm not sure," Harry replied quietly as he tried to contain his excitement.
His aunt just snorted before leaving to attend to the sitting room as Harry helped himself to the granola.
XXX
Exiting the shadow gate Luka looked around the quiet London street. In front of her was a row of terraces that in their heyday would have been very nice but had now been left to decay. Doing a quick scan Luka swiftly found number twelve Grimmauld Place. Gingerly she knocked on the flaking door. As she was ushered in by a flustered Black her immediate thoughts were centred on the fact she was lucky she didn't have asthma. The narrow and dingy hallway was well populated with spider webs and dust clung to ever tear in the deteriorating wall paper. Somehow she didn't think the handheld vacuum cleaner and the couple of bottles of bleach she'd brought would make much of a difference. No wonder Black didn't want his godson to move in straightaway.
"Whatever you do, don't disturb this portrait. It takes ages for her to shut up," whispered Black as they moved past a set of red moth-eaten velvet curtains.
As they descended a flight of stone steps Luka was greeted by the smell of freshly made coffee and toast. The kitchen was quite a contrast to the hallway above, the large room had been cleaned to a meticulous level with both work tops and floor polished to a shine. At one end the fireplace was flanked by a filled wood basket and copper coal scuttle. The only thing to mar the room's appearance was the slight smudging of smoke and grease that seemed to have engrained itself into the walls' paintwork.
"Morning Luka," smiled Lupin from beside the cooker.
"Morning," she replied breezily, there was no need to start the day off on an awkward note. Not that the awkwardness wouldn't make an appearance later when they were alone for the first time since Sebastian's comments.
"How do I look Moony?" asked Black as he ran a nervous hand through his hair.
The werewolf rolled his eyes good-naturedly, "For the thousandth time you look fine, just go and pick Harry up,"
Nodding and thanking the pair for their help with the cleaning effort Black pulled an old leather jacket off the back of a chair before running back up the stairs.
"He's been like that all morning, I haven't seen him anxious to look his best since he started dating back in Hogwarts," chuckled Lupin.
XXX
It had been Uncle Vernon who had come down for breakfast. Despite the fact it was a Saturday he was wearing his best suit. Aunt Petunia was also power dressing with her latest frock and her hair was now net free. Dudley however was nowhere to be seen, Harry didn't know whether it was because he was sulking at the diet proposed by the school's nurse or due his fear of wizards. Eagerly Harry watched the kitchen clock in between drying the dishes, as the small hand approached ten there was a knock on the door.
"Get the door boy," growled Uncle Vernon from behind his paper.
Hoping that it wasn't just the postman with a sign for delivery Harry quickly folded the tea towel he was holding and trotted to the hall almost tripping over his turned up jeans in the process. Wrenching the door open his face split into a grin as he saw the figure before him. His godfather was smiling widely as he stood in the door way in a black and red leather jacket and jeans.
"You came,"
"Of course!" replied Black as he pulled Harry into a hug, "Now where are your relatives? I have to tell them how long I'm having you for,"
Pulling back so he could enter the hallway he looked Harry over, his clothes were many sizes too large with the checked shirt almost coming to his knees over a baggy t-shirt. Looking up from his godson Black noticed that they had been joined in the hall. Looking at the Dursleys it was disturbing how little they had changed since he had seen them at the wedding. Sure there was a little more grey in the hair and Vernon had grown even more corpulent but the vast majority was the same. The look of haughty disdain in Petunia's cold eyes, such a contrast to Lily's, and Vernon's aura of arrogance.
"What time would you like me to bring Harry back?" asked Black thinking that it was best to at least try to be civil.
"Keep him as long as you want, the more he's out of our house the better," replied Vernon in tones as clipped as his moustache.
"In that case I'll have him back by eight," said Black before turning back to Harry, "ready to go?"
Smiling Black led the exuberantly nodding teen out of the door. If it was possible Harry's grin grew even wider when he saw the powder blue motorcycle and sidecar from which his godfather pulled a helmet and overcoat.
XXX
It was surprising how much work had been done so far in the Black family home. As well as the kitchen the bathroom and main toilet plumbing had been fixed, Black had picked out one of the bedrooms for Harry which was now halfway though being cleaned up and he'd even started on his own room. Although, Lupin had joked that making that teenage pit fit for human habitation would be nearly impossible. The plan for building restoration was to start with the most used parts of the house, make them habitable, redecorate and then move onto the rest of the house and garden. The main hallway and stairwell would be left until last due to the expected traffic and possible spillages of paint and the like and also because of the portrait of Black's mother. Unfortunately Luka's offer to try Fiendfyre and the Killing curse had gone down like a lead balloon so it would seem the old bat would be there for the foreseeable future. Now in the dining room the two werewolves were elbow deep in spider webs in the dresser. If Luka had skinks rather than snakes she wouldn't need to buy much food for weeks with all the arachnids they removed. Instead the plumper specimens would be bumping up her potions ingredients stash.
"So, are we going to talk about what's going on?" asked Lupin as he pulled out dust bunny covered plate.
Damn. Why couldn't he adhere to the male stereotype of emotional insensibility? Well, there was no going back now.
"Nothing's going on... my core is becoming more stable,"
"That's wonderful! That means you won't have to worry about it killing you," beamed Lupin, "what?" his smile fading upon seeing how Luka didn't share his exuberance.
"That's true but it also means that there is an increasingly large chance of me outliving you, not just by the usual human amount but... by centuries,"
"Who told you this?" asked Lupin as he returned his gaze to the dresser, he knew who was to blame he just wanted conformation.
"Sebastian ," Luka said quietly, as she watched she could see his jaw working.
"You know he only says these things to drive us apart, he is a twisted, evil and possessive being. He only knows how to manipulate, he wouldn't know what it is to be in a true relationship with someone. No one who would make a murderous pact with a child is capable of true affection," replied Lupin. Why did she have to listen to her 'master', they were perfectly happy before he stuck his oar in. Of course, this wasn't the first time the demon had been poking around and he would bet his life it wouldn't be the last.
"Are you having second thoughts about us?" the werewolf enquired quietly, part of him not wanting to know the answer.
Genuinely surprised that Lupin would ask her that it took a moment for Luka to answer.
"Of course not... I-I just don't like the thinking about you dying and me being left alone," Luka winced, that had sounded whiney and pathetic.
Lupin smiled as he pulled the nephilim into a dusty hug, "I don't like thinking about you dying either, it's why I hate seeing you go off to court. I don't know whether I'll be seeing you again,"
"Filthy mongrel in mistress' house,"
Luka's narrowed eyes locked in on the interloper, so that was Kreacher.
XXX
The day had been an absolute dream for Harry. Sirius had taken him to Diagon Alley and after a leisurely morning spent at Florean Fortescue's discussing Quidditch and Sirius' time at Hogwarts the pair meandered through Muggle London. His godfather had seemed equally impressed and worried as they talked about Harry's first two years at school with Voldemort and a basilisk. When the subject of the Dursleys came up Harry tried to down play their neglectful behaviour. Whilst he thoroughly disliked them he didn't want Sirius to get into trouble, the dark looks his godfather had shot his uncle had not gone unnoticed. As the older wizard dropped him off in Privet Drive he promised to be back the same time the next day. Still glowing from the day Harry strode up the drive past the smashed remains of a Play Station. It seemed that Dudley would be dieting after all.
XXX
"How did it go?" asked Lupin as soon as Black came into the now partially cleared dining room.
"Great," Black paused for a second, "but I can't wait to bring Harry home. It doesn't look like the Dursleys are intent on taking good care of him. They don't even give him clothes that fit,"
"Does it look like he's being mistreated?" asked Lupin with concern.
"No, it just seems to a general air of dislike. You can see the resentment in Vernon's piggy eyes," replied Black.
"I don't think the memory of what you did at the wedding will help the situation. If I remember correctly Petunia didn't like magic before that," replied Lupin.
"What happened at the wedding?" asked Luka as she looked up from scraping the grime off the windows.
"It was at James and Lily's wedding, she had invited the Dursleys in an attempt to reconcile after being away at Hogwarts for years. Unfortunately for Lily it didn't work. The rift between the two sisters was obvious with Petunia's dislike for magic and jealously over Lily's talent. Then Vernon kept calling us 'you people' and freaks under his breath and after a couple of drinks I'd had enough so I levitated him and made him do somersaults. Made him squeal like a pig," chuckled Black as he reminisced, "Of course the hexing I got from Lily did take away some of the enjoyment,"
"Well, past pranks aside Luka and I have found another problem,"
"Another one? The dirt, mould, Kreacher and my mother aren't enough? This is precisely why I didn't want to have to come back here," sighed Black as he stopped himself from flopping onto a dusty chair.
"Grimmauld Place has rats and they've been here a while. We found a few skeletons and latrines as well as places where they've gnawed through the plaster," replied Luka, "fortunately I know some people- well I know someone who knows a group of individuals who will get rid of them all for free,"
"Who'd do an extermination for free?"
"A bunch of starving rattlesnakes. An acquaintance and I paid a visit to a rattlesnake round up, whilst I freed the snakes she dealt with the humans," smiled Luka, it was the perfect win-win situation; Black got a rat free house and the weakened serpents got to feast on plump London rodents. If necessary the adders from Hogwarts could be brought in as reinforcements.
"Who did you go with?"
"That Lamia I met at court a while back, after the fight when I was serving drinks we got talking. She found out I was a Parselmouth and it went from there. It turns out she runs a basilisk breeding program in her master's dimension, judging from the photos she showed me she's got a real good collection of morphs," replied the nephilim.
"So, you'll just let a bunch of snakes loose here?" asked Black in disbelief whilst Lupin settled for silent frowning.
"Yep, I just need to set up a few hot spots and some water bowls,"
"So we won't be able to continue cleaning whilst they're here and what's to stop them wandering off?"
"The cleaning doesn't necessarily need to stop. I can just tell them not bite and if you watch where you put your feet snakes are generally no problem anyway. As for wandering off the weather here's too cold for their taste so they'll stay close to a reliable heat source," assured Luka.
Black mulled over the prospect for a moment, "If you're sure you can control them bring them over when you're ready,"
"Great, I'll make the arrangements. See you tomorrow," replied Luka as she exited through a shadow gate.
"Well, it's one surprise after another with her isn't it?" said Black.
The next few days passed with Black splitting his time between renovation work and taking Harry out. The former was a relative easy albeit dusty task of finishing clearing the dining room whilst avoiding Luka's small platoon of enthusiastic vipers. The latter however had become harder since neither Black or Harry wanted the boy to go back to Privet Drive when the day ended.
"Why can't I come with you to the flat or Grimmauld Place?" asked Harry as he stood in the drive way.
"Remus' flat's only a two bedroom and Grimmauld is still filled to the rafters with dust and poisonous snakes," sighed Black.
"Can't I help clean?"
"Harry, you're not a house elf and you're supposed to enjoy your summer holiday not spend it cleaning an old house,"
"But I'm good at cleaning and I find it relaxing. If I help out Grimmauld Place will be habitable sooner," pleaded Harry.
Damn, thought Black.
XXX
"So you caved in?" asked Lupin as the pair discussed it over tea.
"He's got Lily's eyes, and you know how she used those to get what she wanted," replied Black as Lupin smirked at memories of how the green puppy eyes had always made Black and Potter melt.
"So what are you going to do?" asked the werewolf.
"I think I'm going to ask Andromeda over, the more of us there are in the house the less chance Harry will get hurt if he finds anything dangerous,"
"Luka said the rattle snakes should be out by tomorrow,"
"Good, that's one less thing to worry about,"
The next morning Black tentatively ushered Harry through the front door of 12 Grimmauld Place. As he entered Harry's eyes darted around the dank hallway before resting on the troll foot umbrella stand images of shattered bathroom stalls immediately springing to his mind.
"I'll put your rucksack in the kitchen, Remus and Luka are in the drawing room. It's just up the stairs, the first door on the left," said Black.
"Ok," smiled Harry before trotting up the stairs making sure not to make too much noise and wake the portrait he'd been warned about.
The next floor was no better than the hall, the faded and patchy carpet was covered with a layer of dust thick enough for foot prints to be discernible and the wall paper was peeling. The door to the drawing room was open with a smiling Lupin in the doorway.
"Hello Harry," said the werewolf as he gave the boy a light hug.
"Hello professor,"
"There's no need to call me professor, I'm not your teacher anymore," replied Lupin good naturedly.
"Good morning Mr Potter," said Luka stiffly to disguise her unease. What was she supposed to call him? She was here as a friend of the family but she still a member of Hogwarts staff.
Harry nodded in response before following Lupin into the room. Like everywhere else the room was coated in dust and the cabinets that lined the room had windows that were opaque with grime. Coming to a halt by the dusty curtains Lupin handed him a large handkerchief, spray bottle and a bucket.
"Today we're getting rid of the doxy infestation in this room. Spray them and then throw them in the bucket. The handkerchief is to cover your face, this stuff is pretty noxious,"
Meanwhile Luka was sniffing around. Something about the room was setting her on edge and she couldn't figure out what it was. It felt like some sort of dark presence. Moving over to the desk she stretched out her senses, she was definitely going in the right direction but all the cursed objects in the house were creating a hell of a lot of interference. Stepping forward her eyes flicked to the desk as it gave a quick shake. Pulling open the draw telekinetically Luka sighed. One measly boggart, that certainly wasn't what she was looking for.
"Out!" she ordered as she pointed her thumb to the door, with a distressed squeak the boggart exited the room in a swirl of shapes.
Harry watched as Luka continued on her way to the other side of the room. What could get rid of a boggart without the spell Professor Lupin had taught them? That and was it his imagination or had the boggart been scared? He would definitely have to pass this on to Hermione and Ron.
Coming to a halt before the cabinet Luka cocked her head to the side. The presence was definitely emanating from inside. Opening the door she scanned the various objects. The snuff box? Nothing. What looked like an old music box? Nope. Finally her eyes rested on a golden locket. Hovering her hand over it she felt for curses, finding none she plucked it up. Oh my, this was an unusual find.
"Luka, what have you found?" asked Lupin, Harry hadn't been the only one following her unusual behaviour.
Luka ignored him for a moment, calling Shattered Soul she compared the two items to make sure her hypothesis was correct before answering.
"This locket contains a fragment of a human soul. I sensed it as a dark presence so I'm fairly sure this is from a very powerful Dark mage," Luka said as she turned around.
As Lupin opened his mouth to enquire further a loud crash was heard downstairs.
"Sirius!" said Harry as he hurriedly put down the spray bottle and bucket before trotting out of the room with Lupin at his heels.
Luka followed at a more sedate pace. She could smell the newcomers and truth be told she was more worried about going deaf from Mrs Black's screeching and the fact that one of the presences felt oddly familiar than Black's safety.
"BLOOD TRAITORS, STAINS ON THE HOUSE OF MY ANCESTORS!"
Luka grimaced as the portrait hit a particularly high note. She could hear Black apologising to his new guests and closing the curtains. Alas, it only muffled the cursing slightly. Rounding the corner at the bottom of the stairs Luka heard a gasp. Looking towards the source the nephilim couldn't help but smirk. The pink haired goth from the Ministry was there wand raised but the tremble in her limbs was discernable, so pathetic it was almost cute.
"Nymphadora! Put your wand down this instant," scolded the woman next to her as the wizards looked on.
Slowly the witch lowered her wand but never took her eyes off the nephilim. Painfully aware of the mounting tension Black hastily made the introductions.
"Remus, Harry, Luka this is Andromeda Tonks, my cousin and her daughter Nymphadora Tonks. Andromeda, Tonks this is Remus Lupin, Harry and Luka Reginold. Would you two like a cup of tea?" since Tonks was still staring at Luka her mother assented for both of them and the group made their way to the kitchen.
As he poured out the hot beverage Black noticed the locket dangling from Luka's hand as she examined it.
"What that?" he asked as the others turned round to watch her.
"A locket I found in the drawing room. I can't get it to open, but I suppose that's lucky considering the contents," replied the nephilim.
"What's in it?" enquired Mrs Tonks.
"Part of a Dark mage's soul, I had to check it against Shattered Soul to check if it was authentic-,"
"You put that back! That is Master Regulus' locket, Kreacher did wrong by failing his orders but he won't let you take Master Regulus' locket!" screamed the house elf as he lunged at Luka.
"Kreacher! Stop that at once and explain yourself at once," shouted Black.
The picture of unwillingness Kreacher stepped back before beginning to mutter to himself, "Kreacher shouldn't tell Master Sirius and his blood traitor friends. Master Sirius was a bad boy and broke my mistress' heart with his lawless ways. But Master Regulus had proper pride; he knew what was due to the name of Black and the dignity of his pure blood. For years he talked of the Dark Lord, who was going to bring the wizards out of hiding to rule the Muggles and the Mudbloods," Black paled as Luka harrumphed, "and when he was sixteen years old, Master Regulus joined the Dark Lord. So proud, so proud, so happy to serve..."
The old elf flopped to the floor tears rolling down his filthy lined face. Bringing his knees to his chest he began to rock back and forwards.
"How did my brother serve Voldemort?" asked Black his voice barely above a whisper.
"One day, a year after he had joined, Master Regulus came down to the kitchen to see Kreacher. Master Regulus always liked Kreacher. And Master Regulus said... he said... the Dark Lord required an elf," Kreacher's rocking increased in speed as the tears ran faster, "And Master Regulus had volunteered Kreacher. It was an honour, said Master Regulus, an honour for him and for Kreacher, who must be sure to do whatever the Dark Lord ordered him to do... and then to c-come home. So Kreacher went to the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord did not tell Kreacher what they were to do, but took Kreacher with him to a cave beside the sea. And beyond the cave there was a cavern, and in the cavern was a great, black lake..."
Everyone waited in silence as the sobbing house elf steadied himself and continued. They listened as he described how he was made to drink the torturous potion and how Voldemort left him to his fate with the creatures in the lake. Black paled further and took a seat when Kreacher went on to say how his brother had told Kreacher to return the pair of them to the lake, and how his last request was for the locket to be destroyed before he was drowned in the lake.
"So how did you fail your orders?" asked Luka with more compassion than she would usually bother with, if the usual house elf punishment systems had been in effect all these years they would account for a large portion of Kreacher's mental instability.
"Nothing Kreacher did made any mark upon it," moaned the elf, "Kreacher tried everything, everything he knew, but nothing, nothing would work... so many powerful spells upon the casting, Kreacher was sure the way to destroy it was to get inside it, but it would not open... Kreacher punished himself, he tried again, he punished himself, he tried again. Kreacher failed to obey orders, Kreacher could not destroy the locket! And his mistress was mad with grief, because Master Regulus had disappeared, and Kreacher could not tell her what had happened, no, because Master Regulus had f-f-forbidden him to tell any of the f-f-family what happened in the c-cave,"
As the elf hiccupped himself into silence Luka toyed with then locket swinging it back and forth ion the long chain, "So Sirius what are you going to do with this chunk of Voldie's soul?"
All eyes returned to last remaining Black as he gawped for a moment, "We have to destroy it, I'm certainly not having it in the house, it's just a case of how. I'm not sure even the Ministry would know how to get rid of it,"
"We could take it to the Department of Mysteries, I'm sure they'd know how to get rid of it," said Tonks.
"Ah yes, your magnificent Ministry of course they'dknow what to do. It's not as if they're known for their criminal level of incompetence is it?" replied Luka snidely.
"Who do you suggest then?" retorted Tonks.
"I know a guy,"
"Of course you do, let me guess, he makes these for a living?"
"I wouldn't put it past him although it's not his normal line of work,"
"Is it Sebastian?" asked Lupin.
Luka sighed as she noted the barely concealed aggression in his voice, "No, it's not Sebastian. It's Undertaker, the one who helped me get the collar off,"
Lupin nodded, he'd been told about the retired grim reaper by both Luka and the headmaster.
"When can be go see him?" asked Black.
"Right now if you want,"
"Well then, Andromeda can you take Harry to yours? It's not safe here and I don't want him to go back to the Dursleys' so soon,"
"Of course, I would love to get to know your godson better," replied the witch with a smile as she got up to leave.
Beckoning the young wizard to follow her Tonks got up to leave her mother. Black smiled at his godson apologetically but even he wasn't about to take Harry to witness the destruction of part of Voldemort's soul. Once they had left Luka looked from the still sniffling Kreacher to Black.
"We should bring him along," she said calmly knowing that it would probably precipitate a heated response.
"Why?" scoffed Black, why would he want to take Kreacher anywhere?
"He should have a chance to see the order he was given fulfilled," Luka replied, hopefully with the locket destroyed the creature would have some peace.
Black was about to utter a retort but upon seeing the meaningful look closed his mouth.
"Kreacher! You are to accompany my friends and I, you are not badmouth anyone you see or to show me up in any manner," he barked as he strode towards the kitchen steps before remembering that he didn't actually know where they were going.
Chuckling Luka strolled up to him along with Lupin, grabbing one of their arms she apparated to Undertaker's front door. A moment later Kreacher appeared with a loud crack.
"Are you sure this is the right place?" asked Black as his looked at the run down shop front.
"Yup," replied Luka with a smile as she strode in.
Hesitantly the two wizards followed with Kreacher bringing up the rear. He detested his master but he wanted Master Regulus' last order finally fulfilled, finally the stain of failure would be wiped from him.
Closing the door behind the little group Luka looked around as her eyes adjusted to the gloom. For once Undertaker wasn't resting in one of his coffins but was working on icing some of his bone cookies along with the assistant he had purchased from Luka. The blonde young woman had waist length hair and she was wearing what appeared to be a woman's version of Undertaker's garb although her eyes were obscured by a strip of mesh fabric. As she brought over another baking tray of biscuits stitches could be seen encircling her wrists and throat. Seeming surprised at having a customer so early the reaper looked up. Upon seeing who it was his trademark grin appeared.
"Well if it isn't Miss Reginold, what can I do for you on this fiiine morning?" he purred.
"You can help us identify and destroy this object," replied Luka as she held up the locket.
Still grinning like a lunatic the undertaker took the object, his long black fingernails gently caressing the case.
"Where did you get this it's a very rare item?" he asked.
As Black replied that they had found it in his family home Luka began to worry. Undertaker wasn't giggling, nor was he smiling and a serious Undertaker was never a good thing.
"This is a Horcrux, unlike the receptacles used by a lich a Horcrux only contains a fraction of the soul and is made by the killing of someone not on the 'to die' list. The energy resulting from their death cleaves the soul of the killer and destroys the soul of the deceased. Only an echo is left behind, a ghost to you," said Undertaker as he opened one of the cabinets behind his work bench.
So that explained Moaning Murtle.
"The only way to destroy the object is to open it and then destroy it with my death scythe," he continued as he pulled the dust rag from his skeleton shaped scythe.
"How do we open it?" asked Lupin as he eyed the locket.
"If it's Voldermort's perhaps Parsetongue would work," suggested Luka.
"Then I will destroy it with my scythe," chirped Undertaker getting back to his usual self.
"No," croaked Kreacher, "I will destroy it, for Master Regulus!"
Undertaker shrugged as he handed the old elf the scythe and Luka took back the locket. Seemingly aware of its impending fate the locket was rattling and growing hotter. Looking at the engraved 's' Luka whispered a random phrase in Parseltongue ignoring the awed look she was getting from Kreacher. As soon as she spoke the locket sprung open revealing a red eye in a sea of ectoplasm, however before the phantasm could take further form Kreacher screeched and attacked the locket with abandon, recklessly cutting through the revealed film reels. Fearing for her fingers Luka dropped the locket as the demented elf continued the attack until the scythe was confiscated by its proper owner.
"Well, at least that thing is destroyed," said Black as he eyed Kreacher who now appeared to be weeping with relief that he had finally completed his task.
"A most interesting problem you brought," added Undertaker who had been watching the cinematic record for the short time it had been playing.
"What do you want to do with the locket?" Lukas asked Black.
"Throw it,"
"Why not give it to Kreacher? He spent so long working on it," suggested Luka.
Black sighed, he had no idea why the nephilim was suddenly so concerned about the vile elf.
"Fine,"
Luka smiled before picking up the locket and disappearing in a swirl of shadows. Before Black could turn to ask Lupin where exactly she had gone off to she was back.
"Kreacher, would you like to keep Master Regulus' locket as a reward?" the nephilim asked as she held out the now seemingly repaired locket to the elf.
Kreacher looked to Black uncertainly, as the wizard told him to take it large tears began to run again down the elf's cheeks so overcome was he that he was being given a Black family item for his very own. After he had collapsed in a weeping ball on the floor Luka placed the locket near one of his hands, pulling it towards himself Kreacher opened the locket his eyes bulged even more when he saw the contents and his sobs increased tenfold.
"What did you put in the locket?" Black asked Luka accusingly.
"Your mother's portrait. You always complain about it and now Kreacher can always be by his mistress' side. It's a win-win," replied Luka coolly.
"How did you get it off the wall?"
"The Killing Curse, it gets through everything,"
Lupin shook his head at Luka's continued fondness for finding novel uses for that Unforgiveable. Black stared at the witch before his eyes moved back to Kreacher who was still crying on the floor.
"Who's going to carry him home?"
As he heard this Kreacher snuffled as he tried to control himself. To carry a house elf was beneath the dignity of a Black said he looking at Sirius with new found fondness and under no circumstances would he allow himself to be touched by a filthy halfbreed so that ruled out Lupin. Shrugging her shoulders Luka picked up the less teary elf and as Undertaker waved them good bye the three mages Apparated back to Grimmauld Place.
"Well at least that business with soul fragments is over," said Lupin as he prepared some tea after they had deposited Kreacher in his nest.
I imagine eagle eyed readers will be wondering why Luka couldn't sense the Horcrux in Harry. From what I understand by the time Voldemort had gotten round to the Potters his soul was a fraction of its original size due to repeated Horcrux production so the signal given off by Harry's scar is very weak. I also decided to supersize Pigwidgeon since Black has more funds available because he's free.