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

A/N: Such wonderful reviews! I plan on making the Triwizard Tournament in good time and we shall see which characters are added to this complicated storyline. I made a Dark Witch early on and hinted at her in the prequel and sequel summaries and Lacie's findings :-). Mind you, Dumbledore is only 'manipulative,' he does not consider himself anything other than a 'Light,' wizard. And while Sirius does not consider himself a 'Dark,' wizard I should think he is 'Charcoal Grey.'

This witch? Absolutely a Dark Witch. More to come from her. Also, just a reminder: this story will end happily. Please keep my reviews coming. They are my motivation for storyflow, imagination and design. As a FanFiction author I am unpaid so reviews are my currency :-).

P.S. I often do another GSP-check once published. Unless otherwise specified there will be no new descriptions/modification. ~JHS.

Ch. XII: Legalese Part I

Ragnok turned in after a long day conversing with his associates in regard to Lord Black and Vlatifahn Potter.

Sighing, he entered his heavily warded estate below the Bank and checked on his granddaughter.

«You're supposed to be sleeping, kitling.» Ragnok commented in Gobbledygook.

The young Gobliness gave him a thoughtful look. «But, I wanna know what's gonna happen to Vlatifahn Potter.» She pouted. «He promised we'd play together...he isn't like all the other wizards, isn't he?»

Ragnok raised his eyebrows. «Indeed he isn't, kitling.» He answered. «However, he's at Hogw―.» A slow smile began across his lips. «Perhaps, we can arrange a playdate, kitling. Would you like that? »

«Oh yes, Papa Nocky!» The toddler exclaimed gleefully.

«I shall see about contacting his guardian to check on Vlatifahn Potter, and we'll go from there.» Ragnok said, showing a rare, generous smile reserved for his one-and-only granddaughter.

It's perfect. Ragnok thought as he tucked Fangscales in her bejeweled bed and shut the door. It would be the best opportunity to observe young Harry in a relaxed setting while getting a feel about him from Fangy.

Earlier that evening, he felt more indebted to Harry for guarding his granddaughter from those wizards. I wonder if they'll survive their 50 years of hard labor in the Mines? He thought, his fangs making an appearance. It amazed him that the child had a propensity for kindness given his harsh background. Besides, it would not be unusual if Harry is summoned for a Bank reason with 'special permission from his Aunt Petunia,' for the weekend. Furthermore, he wanted to meet with this Lord Black and determine for himself many things he judged on his correspondence from Her Ladyship.

The Black Family House-Elf seemed too silent for Ragnok's taste. He had no idea what Kreacher was thinking as he loitered and listened to the discussion of Lacie and Ragemark.

In sum, the child had many hidden blood wounds that would need to be further assessed with Lacie in the vicinity. She agreed to be 'babysitter' for the children and would keep her eyes on them for developmental reasons.

Ragnok would take them to one of the Bank's observation rooms and make it playful for the children whilst he and Lord Black would remain behind the mirrored walls to see how Harry fared.

It was a calculated risk on Ragnok's part. It would be a show of good faith between the guardians if he risked his own charge and would hopefully endear Lord Black to Ragnok enough for the wizard to speak with him plainly of his plans going forward.

Of course, anyone with Black lineage had to be respected for their cunning and secrecy. He suspected Sirius would be more cagey than his forebears since he is a fugitive who escaped Azkaban for Merlin's sake.

He reread his correspondence to Madam Bones one last time before placing it with an official Gringotts Harpy Eagle owl.

Dear Madam Bones,

The Bank would like to discuss with you the Ministry's official stance and whereabouts regarding the fugitive, Sirius Orion Black.

We believe we have some evidence that would be of interest to you.

Please accept this seal in good faith. We would like to assist the Ministry in any way possible if only to reassure our customers.It will act as a portkey once you say the word 'Golden pearl,' to it and bring you to my conference room.

Respectfully yours,

Ragnok Beastkiller Axeblade*
Director of Gringotts
Leader of the Goblin Nation

In the end, it was decided his team would write a plain request as well as bait the ultra-logical Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement with actual evidence. It would be an official, resounding answer of 'yes,' and a quick lead to leave that fool Fudge would be greatly appreciated. Enclosed was a copy of the Director's Seal bejeweled pentagram coin to show her he meant business.

Now it's out of my hands, Ragnok thought soberly as he watched the majestic owl take it in its beak and fly to the Gringotts Owlery; where it would wait and promptly bring it to Madam Bones during her lunch hour.

Ragnok penned one last letter before settling for bed.

Dear Lord Black,

I have taken the liberty of reaching out to Madam Bones. Your House-Elf would have debriefed you by now of our comings-and-goings regarding your case. Our objective is to clarify and verify if Madam Bones is aware of your missing trial records. That is all. We are bound by our oaths to Her Ladyship and to Vlatifahn Potter's welfare.

Speaking of Vlatifahn Potter, would you be willing to sign this permission slip? We would like to bring it to the attention of Professor McGonagall and circumvent Dumbledore's influence on him for a visit this weekend. My granddaughter, Fangscales, seeks his companionship since they became friends during the summer. I figured Lacie would observe them from a pediatric viewpoint and you and I could discuss our plans in further detail.

Sincerely,

Ragnok Beastkiller Axeblade
Director of Gringotts
Leader of the Goblin Nation

He left it on the front table of his estate knowing Her Ladyship would take it to him. Settling himself to bed he dreamt of avenging Vlatifahn Potter. The pictures taken from his time at Hogwarts thus far unnerved him.

Two in particular burned behind his eyelids as he slept.

The anguished, grim determination of a child who knows he is going to die with one arm around the Weasley girl. He seemed more afraid of reacquainting himself with her parents than he had been of handling a Basilisk. Now that's very telling indeed. Ragnok had thought seeing the moving photograph.

The second image was more of Goblin interest: the bloodied Sword of Gryffindor in the child's left hand. The child's right arm is in a sling from the huge crater on his forearm from the Basilisk fang. I'm shocked he didn't lose that arm. It all but maimed him!

The next morning passed by in a blur of meetings for Madam Amelia Susan Bones* her square jaw tightened in disapproval at Cornelius Fudge's obvious attempts to keep her busy over some stupid, flighty nonsense regarding Cornish Pixies being charmed by a House-Elf to attack some Pureblood family.

Only one more term of him left, Amelia. She thought sternly. She plucked her monocle from her face and shined it as a break from the pandering around her. As if I don't have enough real work, Cornelius.

She could not wait for her lunch break. She actually hoped to Merlin she would come up with an excuse not to be bothered by the sycophantic Minister of Magic of the season.

Surprised, she frowned at the large Gringotts Eagle Owl. Opening the warded missive with a pinprick of her thumb from her letter-opener she read quickly.

"Well," Madam Bones muttered. "This isn't quite what I had in mind but a great deal more exciting." She looked longingly at her lunch for a moment then opened her office door to her secretary.

"If the Minister should call, Kelly." She said drily. "Tell him I have been called away on official business regarding Sirius Black and that I will speak with him once this 'new evidence,' has been verified." It was not a lie per se. Her office received around a dozen 'new sightings,' of Sirius Black a week; and by law, she had to sniff them out with her Aurors.

This time, she would go alone.

Her secretary nodded knowingly at her boss and would make that a note to the Minister since he would personally ask for Madam Bones' assistance.

Séraphine did not like what the Basilisk told her of Their Heir's condition.

Naturally, she had her hands full with practically guarding a new abode and her Lord Sirius from detection across thousands of miles from her homestead and without centuries' worth of spells to guard one Unplottable dwelling to back her up. She had no idea what type of Dark magic infected the boy.

Pursing her lips, she looked at some of the deadliest and Darkest magic in the Black Family Libraries. It could be any number of potent curses, potions, dealings, pacts...but I have to be introduced to the Child before I can 'see.'

Scowling, she ordered Kreacher to make a fine breakfast for their Master.

Sirius awoke bright and early and practically raced downstairs for breakfast. For some reason, he is famished. I guess traveling via 'swirling deadly magic,' takes a lot out of a bloke.

Sitting down at the head of the expensive black cherry kitchen table he saw a letter with his name surprised him since he was unfamiliar with the script.

"It's from the Director, Lord Sirius." She answered his unspoken question. Sirius looked at her first. "What troubles you, Séraphine?" He asked concerned. His House-Witch looked...steamingly furious despite her cold appearance.

"The Basilisk tells me there is a Dark magic infecting our Heir from Dumbledore's doings." She said crisply. "Are you absolutely sure I can't kill him, Lord Sirius?" She was rapidly thinking of infiltrating Hogwarts and speaking with the Lady Hogwarts herself on Harry's behalf. Once gaining official permission, she would go in the guise of a Raven and simply slit Dumbledore's throat herself.

Sirius barked a laugh. "I'm positive, love. In fact, I'm ill-advised from the Goblins to make it quick for him since he'd look like a martyr and Moldypants would probably attack in earnest―and then where'd we be? It can't be that easy to destroy Dumbledore, and like I've been taught from the cradle: vengeance is a dish best served cold. I want to destroy his reputation, his political influence, and even get him kicked out of Hogwarts first before I tear him limb-from-limb. Besides, I know Harry still thinks Dumbass is a good man and professor." Sirius sighed. "I don't want to ruin Harry's very fragile trust this early in the game. I know I'll bollocks it up once I'm an official parent." He grimaced. "And frankly? I need to catch Dumbass in the act before I do anything I want to do to him." Sirius sighed. "Besides, the evidence is stacked up against me. I have to rebuild us," he gestured to her and the room. "Before I have any clout enough to turn the tables on Dumbass and then he'll know who got the best of him."

Séraphine delicately sighed making Sirius laugh again. "I do love a bloodthirsty witch," he teased. Quickly, turning to his letter he mentally berated himself.

Again? Siriusly Sirius?! Will you bloody well stop flirting with a dead woman who's like the same age as Cousin Nymphie for Merlin's sake!

Sirius continued to internally swear. His color rising and if he had looked at Séraphine he would have seen a silvery flush across her cheeks as well. She busied herself with summoning other papers for His Lordship.

Sirius gave a low whistle. All thoughts of his recent gaffe forgotten as he asked soberly, "What do you think, Séraphine?" He handed her the letter. He ate some bacon and drank some tea as she carefully read.

"I think anything that gets Our Heir away from that man's influence is fine by me, Lord Sirius." She answered promptly, handing him back the missive. "And, he seems sincere knowing I could destroy his soul if I wanted if he's treacherous along with showing this Gobliness child of his…." She trailed off, frowning. "Goblins never show their children to anyone outside the family. I wonder how Our Heir knows of her?"

"Good question," Sirius said between bites. "I'll write to Harry first before I respond. I can't risk summoning Dobby too much since I think Ol' Dumbles'll start to notice before too long that Dobby serves...like three masters?" Séraphine gave him a noncommittal shrug.

"Essentially, he serves the Young Master. Who happens to be residing in Lady Hogwarts' domain. Since you will be the Potter Regent," Sirius started at that. He had not thought about it in those legal terms before but gestured for her to continue. "I am more easily accessible to House-Elf Dobby since we struck a House Oath."

Sirius nodded and ate for a few moments before swallowing. "I think I'll need to write to Ron and Hermione as well...not that I don't trust Harry," He said quickly seeing her look. "But I am going to need their timetables so I can monitor the situation." He had completed the Marauder's Map copy the evening before. "And I need to return the Map to the kids."

Sirius bit his tongue as he watched Séraphine for a moment. "What did you think of his friends?" Specifically, he wanted to know if Hermione was safe with Séraphine. He had the sneaking suspicion as to why the witch had a hatred deeper than his parents' for Muggleborns. Quite a feat to accomplish; but her hatred, cunning and coldness stemmed from centuries of drilling deep in still waters.

I think those men that tried to harm her were Muggleborn...it fits with what I remember from the history lessons during the Dark Ages. He thought soberly.

The House-Witch remained silent for a moment. "The Weasley boy is Cedrella Black's* descendant and a Pureblood related to the House of Black...I have no major qualm with him." She rolled her shoulders back. "The Muggleborn has your respect and seems intelligent and discerning enough." She said neutrally.

OK then...Sirius thought, internally wincing. Definitely not going to broach the subject of Hermione anytime soon.

"Right then," Sirius agreed as he finished his meal and left it for Kreacher to clear. He took the proffered documents and headed toward the Study and penned a letter to Harry and enclosing The Marauder's Map for Hedwig to take, too. "One thing that concerns me most about Dumbledore is his renewed interest in Harry," Scowling, he added. "and the fact he knows my secret as an Animagus."

Séraphine grimaced at that. "Unless we have direct contact with him...I wouldn't risk poisoning or anything else." She flipped her unruly plait over one shoulder. "He seems wily enough to have his meals and drink checked by his familiar, the Phoenix."

Sirius nodded. Hedwig appeared before him. "Hello Hedwig." Sirius said politely. "Would you take this to Harry discreetly? We were just discussing Dumbledore and his familiar."

Hedwig clamped her beak and ruffled her feathers at him.

Sirius' eyes widened. "You don't say?"

Séraphine gave him a bewildered look. "You can understand her?" She seemed a little worried about Sirius' mental state.

Sirius chuckled and explained. "I've learned to read Hedwig's body language and Crookshanks' as well when I'm Padfoot...and she's a touch easier to understand, than say Crookshanks, since they're both true familiars as opposed to a regular animal." He quickly changed.

Sirius: What have you learned?

Hedwig: Much! He's harming my Master and my Master is too innocent to see it! Fawkes has given some of his magic to protect my Master's core when that―! Her beak clipped furiously and Sirius had to keep from guffawing as Padfoot since he was certain it is avian profanity.

Sirius: OK, all I can say is try to divert Dumbledore's attention. We're working with the Goblins and hopefully Madam Bones on his takedown. But, I need as many eyes and ears open for my baby...since I have no authority to be there.

Hedwig barked an affirmative before lightly clipping her wing against the bear-like dog's cheekbone looking like a small, stark contrast next to the shaggy Grim as she flew out the window toward her boy-wizard.

Sirius changed and laughed, wiping a tear. "I'd read that about true familiars conveying thoughts and speech with actual words toward Animagi." He said by way of explanation to Séraphine. "We would sneak into the Restricted Section and read up on the Animagi process. It was documented a few times―but since I'd never met a true familiar until I met the kids' pets I had no way to verify the truth of it." Shaking himself, he continued. "She will eventually do a True Bond with Harry. He won't be able to understand her in terms of the English language...it'll be more like pictures or sensory signals than anything. But she'll understand him perfectly."

The House-Witch looked appeased that insanity did not diminish her Lord Sirius. The same could not be said of Mistress Walburga. She thought darkly. Séraphine already dealt with more insanity running in Her House than was normal. She honestly thought she would go insane listening to Kreacher's mutterings whilst Sirius was imprisoned.

"I guess it's out of our hands, Séraphine." He said quietly. His demeanor straightened. "Damn!" He yelled suddenly, startling her. "I can't believe I forgot something important! Bring me the 'Die if you enter,' tablet!"

Perplexed, the House-Witch obeyed his command. "I'm a bloody moron!" He muttered as he took the proffered Blood Quill.

He quickly wrote Peter Alec Pettigrew* the Traitorous Rat.

"Rat bastard," Sirius said viciously. "Him! I will kill with my bare hands! No! I'll do something worse first." He grinned cruelly at Séraphine delighting her. "Is there anyway I can curse him into being a Squib first?"

She shook her head. "Squibs can be officially made using the Goblins as a conduit."

"Oh really?" Sirius asked curiously. "Seems like Dark Witches and Wizards would've perfected that particularly brand of sorcery on their enemies."

She nodded approvingly. "Precisely why the practice was gathered by the Goblin Nation and used only under the Minister of Magic's authority."

Watching the tablet leave gave Sirius a bit of respite in his soul to know that not even Pettigrew could enter his home.

Sirius looked over the Goblin missive for the fifth time. Vlatifahn Potter, he thought speculatively. Tell me everything, baby.

References:

According to Harry Potter Wikia Madam Bones' middle name is actually Susan. I thought that was sweet of her brother to name his daughter in honor of his sister and wanted to convey that. I am unsure if I want to include Susan majorly in this FanFiction or not. We will see as the story progresses. Also, Cedrella Black was banished for marrying Septimus Weasley (Arthur's father and Ron's grandfather) since he was a Muggle supporter. It also confirms what Sirius said in canon to Harry when he said he was Arthur and Molly's cousin.

Otherwise, I made up Peter's and Ragnok's. Goblin names are fun to imagine.

Furthermore, I went total AU on the familiar magic/technicalities. I do not want any of these characters to be Godmoded; which is why I gave that loophole about Sirius in his Animagus form being able to talk to a legit familiar. Crookshanks really helped him in PoA and I wanted to extend that loyalty going forward. As for Hedwig? She is really intelligent and would serve as a liaison between Fawkes and spying on Harry.

While I adore Séraphine...she is not without her limits :-).