Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. However, I do own OC, non-canon and fictional magic.
A/N: My apologies for the delay and thank you kindly for your patience and reviews. Please keep the reviews coming. They are an amazing boost to my imagination and speedy updates. Enjoy!
Ch. XXI: Sirius Blackmail Part II
Harry took a deep breath and immediately wished he had not.
Ugh, he thought disgustedly, rotting flesh never smells any better. How long will it take for this thing to well and truly die?
Harry stayed behind Kreacher as the House-Elf wielded some of his House-Magic.
It glowed around the beast as a murky greenish brown.
Damn. He thought dismayed. It really is the same signature.
"What's going on, Kreacher?" Harry asked quietly.
"I have to make a few reports to Lord Sirius," he finally said. "In the meantime, Young Master, where would you like me to take you?"
Harry blinked. "Would you take me to Gryffindor Tower, please?"
Maybe Hermione can make better sense of what just happened? He wondered. For some reason, Harry felt he should not press the issue with the old House-Elf.
Taking his hand, Harry Apparated to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom where he promptly sealed the Chamber.
Kreacher bowed low to Harry once he returned the boy to his empty dormitories.
"Young Master," he said in an oddly subdued voice. Harry bit his lip and nodded once the House-Elf disappeared with a soft Pop!
Harry glanced at the clock. 2:30 p.m. already? Harry wondered. He decided to try the library to find his best friend. And Ron, too. He guiltily added.
"There you are, Kreacher." Sirius said. He had to take a second bath after allowing Padfoot free reign in the Training Room. He walked toward the morose House-Elf.
"Did something to happen to Harry?" he demanded sharply.
"No, Lord Sirius." Kreacher answered honestly. "Kreacher performed House-Magic upon the Black Quill so in the event the Young Master cannot call out to Kreacher," He said more decisively. "then Kreacher would come to him."
Sirius raised his eyebrows. "I'd no idea you could do that," he remarked impressed. "So why the long face?"
Kreacher straightened his spine and regarded Sirius for a moment. "Begging your pardon, Lord Sirius." He said bowing low. "Kreacher was under oath from Master Regulus not to reveal anything to the House of Black or its inhabitants." Kreacher grimaced. "Especially not to you, sir."
Sirius arched a brow. "And you're telling me this now, because…?"
"Because the taint on the Basilisk is the same one wielded on the Young Master, the Cup and…" he gulped. "The locket Kreacher was commanded to destroy." His pale blue eyes watered. "Kreacher did everything he knew how to do, Lord Sirius." His voice quavering.
Sirius almost did not hear the House-Elf. He slowly knelt before him.
"And what happened, Kreacher?" he asked, softening his voice and feeling guilty at the now-healthy Kreacher explain things to him in the politest and most logical manner he had ever heard.
He could not fulfill an order, Sirius surmised guiltily. Therefore, he became insane and suffered dearly as if he'd been in Azkaban. And, I made things undeniably worse for the poor bastard.
"Kreacher has the Slytherin Locket gifted to him from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, sir." Kreacher began, flinching and edging slightly away from Sirius.
"I'm not going to hit you or punish you, Kreacher." Sirius said firmly. "Please tell me everything."
Kreacher relived his worse memory of being used by the Dark Lord for an experiment with the Inferi. How Master Regulus saved him and profusely apologized. He did not know that the 'great honor,' from the Dark Lord would practically ruin his best friend, Kreacher.
Sirius felt sick.
"Go on," he whispered, with dawning comprehension.
"Master Regulus ordered Kreacher to keep the locket a secret and to destroy it." Kreacher repeated. "Kreacher did not realize he could not since he needed the House-Magic to do so with Her Ladyship." He shook his head in wonder. "She's very powerful and capable of destroying that monster in the Cup." He shuddered. "Master Regulus had a letter he wanted Lord Sirius to have."
"Where is it?" Sirius asked curiously.
"Hidden in Master Regulus' dresser, sir." Kreacher said. He was about to Apparate when Sirius held his hand to his House-Elf.
"Let's go in together, shall we?" He asked, his heart breaking. Kreacher nodded uncertainly. Together, Master and House-Elf trekked up the three flights of stairs to Regulus' bedroom.
On the door, written in matching script upon his study, Master Regulus Arcturus Black. Sirius smiled faintly at Séraphine's thoughtfulness.
The door swung open. Its Slytherin appeal in emerald, silver and black adorned the walls and the black oak masculine furniture.
Sirius walked over to the dresser and opened a small compartment hidden in the back. When the two were boys they often hid 'secret messages,' to each other after Sirius discovered his compartment from the matching set.
The wizard withdrew an aged letter addressed to him.
He glanced at the clock.
No time. He thought grimacing. He placed it in his breast pocket of his Mage robes.
"Where's the locket?" Sirius asked. Seeing his House-Elf's expression he quickly informed Kreacher of the impending meeting between himself and the Malfoys.
"They're not to be trusted, Kreacher." Sirius reminded him. "I want you to remain hidden and silent. Watch everything."
"Yes sir." Kreacher said immediately. "The locket is in Mistress' small room, sir."
"Small room?" Sirius echoed. He needed to leave Regulus' oppressive room. "In the Study, sir." Kreacher said.
They walked together down a flight of stairs to see his Study and Kreacher opened it with great trepidation. He wondered if this would cause Sirius to finally kill him for his misdeeds.
Sirius stared at the hidden room filled with Mother's most precious cargo. Jewels, plans, and Dark Lord paraphernalia did not surprise him.
The fact she obviously thought Father was interested in another woman nearly made him laugh. What other reason could she have created this room to spy on Father? The only room she was barred from? The peepholes made him gag.
I mean, really, Sirius thought stunned. You thought Father was seeing someone? Surely, Grandfather made certain of that.
In the Black Family, a spell was casted upon marriage to any House of Black members.
No adultery is permitted. The offended party would immediately know and consequences ranged from disownment to sterility to Squib status.
No dalliance is worth those consequences.
Bemused, Sirius felt dark energy emanate from the locket as it tried to latch onto Sirius. He barely had time to gasp―much less defend himself―as it rose from its place atop the central pedestal.
Kreacher immediately stepped in front of Sirius and shielded him with the House of Black's Raven bursting from his chest. "Not again!" Kreacher snarled. The Raven cawed. Its wings creating a shield around Its Lord. Beak snapped in warning.
Séraphine appeared. Her Basilisk fangs sprouting as she summoned the Basilisk to wrap around the locket.
The House immediately held in place the Slytherin Locket as Séraphine yanked the Basilisk fang from her skirts. The Black Blood Dome shielded Sirius as Kreacher took up arms with a bejeweled short sword Sirius vaguely recognized.
She nodded to the Raven and they repeated the Horcrux removal procedure with the Basilisk.
"Three down, seven to go Lord Sirius." She commented as she carefully replaced the fang into her skirt. The House-Witch placed the locket around her neck.
Sirius sat down at the settee.
"What happened?" The House-Witch demanded of Kreacher.
"How much time do we have until we invite the Malfoys?" Sirius interrupted.
"40 minutes, Lord Sirius." Kreacher answered.
Sirius took a breath. Shaken from the dark energy emanating from the locket. That thing has my godson. He thought furiously.
"Kreacher saved my life and is not going to be punished." He said meaningfully at his servants.
"My Lord," Kreacher murmured, stunned.
Sirius quickly explained how they had the Slytherin Locket to his House-Witch. He chose to leave out the more…intimate details to spare Kreacher further angst.
"Lockhart?" Sirius prompted.
Séraphine smiled her Black smile.
"He won't be bothering anyone." She said simply. "I made sure he wrote his Last Will and Testament along with every witch, wizard and child," She spat the word, thinking of Her Heir. "he victimized with his Memory Charms." She straightened from her sudden intuitive crouch. "I had it delivered to Madam Bones."
"Very good," Sirius murmured. "I am going to have a strong cup of tea." He informed his servants. "And I want us to meet in the Formal Drawing Room." He continued, as he stood. He changed the plan to meet from the Study at the last second, too spooked from a near-possession to reenter. "I've asked Kreacher to remain hidden." He told his House-Witch. "I'd rather you remain visible behind them."
"Yes milord." They echoed.
Sirius left the Study to settle his nerves as he ate a small snack and drank before he settled himself in the Formal Drawing Room.
He surveyed the Grand Piano and the overstuffed settees and chairs. I'll have to play again. He thought wistfully.
Shaking his head, he replaced his Lord Black persona as his armor and shield.
"Bring them in," Sirius commanded, flinty grey eyes sharpening as he sipped his tea.
Narcissa Druella Black Malfoy* arched a perfect blonde brow at the Gringotts letter she received. She and her husband, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy sat in their Drawing Room. He lightly scratched his greyhound as he read the Prophet.
"Lucius," she said. "did you read this?"
Lucius lowered his newspaper. "No Cissy." He answered. Pale blue eyes regarded his wife's expression. "What is it?"
"It's a formal summons…" she answered tightly. "from the Gringott's Director himself."
Frowning, her husband stood, causing his greyhound to start as he dropped the newspaper on his armchair. His long strides led him to read over her shoulder.
Lips thinning, he glanced at his wife's grey-blue eyes. "We'd better make haste." He said quietly. He flicked his wand from his cane and summoned their cloaks as Narcissa stood and walked over to their Drawing Room fireplace and took a pinch of Floo powder.
Together, the Malfoys said "Gringotts!" Lucius looked about him coolly while Narcissa looked vaguely ill. Her thoughts whirling in her mind as she hoped to Merlin the Goblins had not founded her out.
"This isn't Gringotts," Narcissa said slowly. She stared at the oxblood red, black and beige décor uncomprehendingly.
"Astute as ever, Cousin Cissy." Sirius said smirking at her. Lucius made a grab for his cane.
"I wouldn't Lucy," Sirius said mysteriously. "Welcome to my humble abode." He gestured to the settee before him. "Do please sit down." He said politely. "Your tea is growing cold."
Narcissa edgily did as she was told. Lucius looked proud and murderous. Sirius arched a perfect black brow.
"House," Sirius commanded. "Bind the Malfoys of their magic and Lockdown this room."
Horrified, the Malfoys' wands flew from their person. Exchanging frightened looks the Malfoys realized their bodies are bounded to the settees. Each one stared at the magnificent House of Black Lockdown the room and felt the Dark magic of Narcissa's family.
"As you can see," Sirius remarked calmly. "I am the new Black Lord…and it has come to my attention, Cissy," his flinty eyes flashing at her, "that you've been stealing from your former House."
Narcissa's mind raced. "Be very careful, Cissy." Sirius said softly. "I'm no longer the merciful trickster you knew from our childhood." He glanced at Lucius. "Nor from Hogwarts."
Lucius wisely remained silent as his own mind raced.
"Now, to business shall we?" Sirius continued as he sipped his tea. "I'm very much aware you've been meeting with Bella? Hmm?" Narcissa remained silent but looked down, confirming Sirius' understanding. "In short order, dear cousins. You're about to reach financial ruin for a few reasons. For one, you've both deigned to steal from your former House, Narcissa." Sirius said. He held up a hand as they began to struggle and protest. "I think," Sirius said setting down his teacup. "You two better stop trying to play dumb." Sirius glared at Narcissa. "It insults your intelligence, Cissy." He ignored Lucius for the time-being.
"I know all about your timely plan of ruining the House's fortune for the Malfoy Heir." Sirius continued. "I also know you've been convening illegally," Sirius nearly spat the word. "with Bella, Cissy. You can still save yourself, you know." Sirius said, his voice nearly hypnotic. "That bitch you call 'sister,' is on a fast-track to meeting Judgement. She will be cursed to Squibdom―," Sirius steeped his hands, resting his elbows across his knees as he casually withdrew a parchment. "In fact? I have here a parchment containing permission from the Goblins for our magic to return to the House of Black and it even affects you, dear Lucy," Sirius said smiling coldly at his cousin-by-marriage. "by proxy, since I've invoked supremacy and primacy."
Narcissa and Lucius stared at Sirius. Their horror and dawning comprehension obvious. Even rats get caught. Sirius thought with malicious glee.
"After all, dear cousins," Sirius lightly passed the parchment close enough for them to see the end of their livelihood and magical status, "one should know not to mess with Goblins―especially through bribery, tut tut, Cissy." Sirius paused. Theatrical effect. He thought smiling his Black smile at them.
"And you two should know not to fuck with Lord Sirius Orion Black of this fine estate." Lucius looked like he was working himself up into a fit. "Ah, ah, Lucy. This House brays for your blood and magic per my will," Sirius said. "I can offer you this one merciful chance to redeem yourself."
Lucius settled. He disliked how the master briber became the bribed. He stiffened at the realization.
Sirius focused on Narcissa. "I know you're accustomed to a certain," Sirius pretended to think, "lifestyle. I could make life only just stable or very uncomfortable for your Malfoy junior―assuming of course he listens to me by leaving Harry alone."
"Harry?" Lucius scoffed, speaking for the first time hearing that idiot boy's name. "That ratty, orphan boy? Or is it because you're infertile, Siri? Who'd want to shag with you, you filthy―,"
"Careful Lucy," Sirius coolly reminded him. "The House might maim you before I do―as you both recall I am a confirmed DE killer with more than 20 confirmed kills. Furthermore," Sirius inclined his head to Narcissa's direction. "I'll not stoop to ungentlemanly conversation for my delicate flowered Cissy."
Narcissa glanced at him and blushed. Her blue eyes sharpening. "Lucius," she said under her breath. Her Black lineage warned her what Lucius had in store for him.
Besides, Narcissa thought disgustedly as she glared at her husband irritably. That was uncalled for…stooping so low as to consider Line Extinction.
She straightened suddenly. "No," she whispered fearfully.
Sirius gave her a charming smile. "Oh you always were perceptive and political, cousin." He complimented genuinely.
He snapped his fingers and the Malfoys were bound in chains. "Kreacher!" Cissy cried in a last-ditch effort to circumvent the Black Will.
"Did you honestly think I let him live?" Sirius snorted. "Don't tell me you actually cared for him, Cissy."
Narcissa quipped. "No, of course I don't care about servants." She crinkled her nose. "Dirty, simpering thing. I only did what Bella did because she said he'd be useful."
Ouch. Sirius thought. He is thankful he could not break his Lord Black persona since he did not know where Kreacher hid. I, at least, was honest in my relations with people.
"You're both to give me several assurances, including an Unbreakable Vow to Her Ladyship―as the witness and purveyor of My Will―in what I've graciously spelled out for you both to further the interests, needs, loyalty and suchlike to the House of Black or," Sirius glanced at his neatly trimmed nails. "this ends here and I will take everything you have. Everything and everyone you love since," Sirius smirked, looking at them. "I don't much care for either of you but," Sirius shifted placing his ankle over his knee. "in the spirit of hospitality and good manners instead of mercy," Sirius chuckled. "neither of you came to my aid, or were merciful to me. Instead you stole from Our House and thought to gain what was never yours to begin with. I've decided to ruin and utterly destroy you from within." Sirius finally looked at them. "All's fair in love and war, as they say…" Sirius trailed off before his fierce expression cowed his cousins. "and believe you me, cousins." He continued. "we are still at war. While your allegiance to the Dark Lord is interesting," he sneered. "I wonder how truly interested you will be once I disclose to you his self-proclaimed style as the Half-Blood orphan Tom Marvolo Riddle, Jr."
"Wha―?" Narcissa said staring at her cousin imbecilely.
"Yes Cissy," Sirius encouraged. "Your husband," he pointedly looked their arms. "or perhaps, you too?" Narcissa straightened affronted. "No?" Sirius taunted. "swore allegiance to a man who actually was barred from owning his own vault due to his orphan status* and who is related to the Gaunts, from his poor, abused mother Merope." Sirius actually felt for the poor witch. "She loved a rich Muggle who disowned her and since then, Riddle, Jr. has had the Pureblood interest to retake what he considered is rightfully his." He glared at his cousins. "Oldest trick in the book," he spat. "In fact, I know our respective families did plenty of that in the Dark Ages. Hence why they've got clauses in place for such events like Line Extinction, Line Theft, etc." Sirius waved that aside. "He wanted to rule the Purebloods and turn our entire political and magical systems against us. And you decided to band with him. Have a think, cousins." Sirius all but snarled. "Why do you think he specifically targeted the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and all who married into this family? This family." Sirius said saluting the House. "Is known for its purest bloodlines, its Darkest magic, and loyalty." He laughed darkly. "Funny, how life turns out?" he asked rhetorically.
"So? Shall we carry on?" Sirius queried. "I have a job for you both to pretend normalcy in your daily affairs while I'm kept abreast of changes in Riddle's whereabouts as I snuff him from the face of the earth using his magic he acquired from Bella." He glowered at Narcissa. "Which I've no doubt you assisted her in. Your punishment, Cissy," he snapped. "is to deliver her a Last Rites before I pull the plug on her." He turned away from tearful blue eyes. "Your punishment, Lucy," he remarked candidly. "is going to be my spy to figure out his whereabouts…I have a feeling you're aware of the places he frequented, hmm?" He smirked. "Also, I've destroyed now three of his Horcruxes."
Oh, I wish I had a bloody camera. He thought, grinning at the mortified―and oddly relieved―expressions on his cousins' faces.
"That's right," he crooned. "I've destroyed the Slytherin Locket," Lucius stiffened. So you did know about Reggie. He thought viciously. "The Hufflepuff Cup," Narcissa flinched. "Riddle's diary," he spat in Lucius' direction. "Now, would you kindly tell me of the others?"
"I honestly don't know of them," Lucius said sincerely. "His top DEs were Bella, Reggie, Rab and Ro…and Pettigrew." He finished quietly. Obviously, the blond wizard did not want to push his luck with Sirius.
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Of course it was," he thought nodding at Lucius. "You're going to help me find out." Sirius said between them. "I suggest you ask Bella questions before delivering her sentence, Cissy." He commented. "I want you to tell me," Sirius asked suddenly. "what has your Mark been telling you?"
Lucius shifted uncomfortably. "I felt my Mark burn me three times." He answered quietly. "It felt so bad I almost asked for a sedative if not to directly cut my arm off." Narcissa stared at him.
Sirius' nodded, You're still on my shit list. "I suggest you keep me posted on Pettigrew's location and the like." He informed them softly.
Resigned, the Malfoys' regarded each other in silent, furious capitulation. "Yes, Lord Black." They chorused. One clipped, the other demure.
Meanwhile, a certain Werewolf got the door slammed in his face. I'm out of a job, again. He thought morosely. He needed to return to his mother's house. He had been evicted earlier that day from his flat. At least I always travel light. He thought ruefully. Apparating, he wondered at his fate for the umpteenth time. D'you think I'm being punished because I didn't help Sirius? Sure, I sort of helped him with Snape this last time. But, I doubt he'll see it that way. The Werewolf sighed as he made his way home. He had maybe a week's worth of finances before he lost it.
Mum's unwell. He thought as he heard coughing. I can't lose her, too.
He physically recoiled at realizing how utterly alone he is. His father died three years prior. I've no James, Sirius or even that rat bastard. He thought piteously.
The Dark Witch glared at her Scyring Pool. "Where are you, my little Serpent?" She asked. Her distinctive features are partially hidden from her cowl. "Enjoy your time, while you can." She murmured as she ignored two teenagers beside her. One had a wrap around his eyes and the other mute. "Spider," she quipped. The first boy turned to her voice. "Go to that Muggle house…see what you can find." She smirked cruelly at him. The teenager bowed as he Apparated as close to Wisteria Walk as he could. "Scorpio, my pet." She said to him. "Go to Hogsmeade, see if you can learn anything useful." The burly, mute boy nodded and Apparated.
"You're mine…I'll use you for everything you've got and finally have my united Gorgons to serve me…then I will overtake Dumbledore and the Dark Lord. They just made things easier for me…but I will reap the rewards. And, no one will think twice on a trio of orphans." She chuckled darkly as she glanced at the sign. Plenty of children to harvest…with 07623 as my ultimate prize. Her red eyes burned through her contacts as her straight, black hair began to fall. I'll be young again before too long. She vowed. I'll live long and my reign will institute a new world order.
The sign read: Madame Jocelyne's Orphanage.
References: all noted from Harry Potter Wikia.
The Malfoys: Narcissa's middle name is fictional. Lucius' name is canon.
Tom Marvolo Riddle, Jr: could not inherit a vault or claim a vault because of his orphan status. I suspect Harry is able to since a) the Dursley situation/Dumbledore's influence and b) He is the last of his Light Pureblood lineage.
Remus John Lupin: I am going to make things complicated between Sirius/Remus since I thought a) it was too easy for Sirius to readily accept Remus based on his vengeful/proud character b) I understand Sirius had his last living Marauder friend but I want these characters to be flawed and real. Also, I really liked the Tonks/Remus pairing and find it convenient that she is Sirius' second cousin. Furthermore, he will be thoroughly utilized.
The Dark Witch: she is an awful person. In the future, I will label *WARNING* whenever she is around. You will be able to read the chapter and capture the gist.