Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. However, I do own OC, non-canon and fictional characters.
A/N: Harry will be interested in Hermione as this storyline progresses. I did appreciate Ginny in the sense she is tough. She has to be with seven big brothers; and provided a good foil to Hermione (even though I like to think of them as good girlfriends). However, I did not like that Ginny married Harry. At the time, if Hermione did not get him then I rooted for Luna. Thankfully, I have FanFiction to convey this view. And, JKR did mention in the 2014 interview (see CNN, The Guardian, etc.) J.K. Rowling says Hermione should have married Harry Potter, not Ron/Rowling's Regret.
I plan on doing a few days' worth of edits. Mostly, it will be to tighten the language/add a few more descriptors. Otherwise, no major changes.
Thanks for reading and please review!
1.22.18 update: thank you for y'all's input! Such a silly mistake to switch Rab for Ro as Bella's husband and Rowena with Helena. Ugh, when the Muse strikes at 2 a.m. you forget what mistakes you make! All fixed with more references. Y'all are fantastic to keep encouraging me. I write for us. More to clarify in ensuing chapters (e.g. Narcissa/Tonks meeting Harry and starting that arc in the storyline with Sirius in the mix. I fully agree Harry did not have much of childhood and he did murder Quirrell. However, I made the Prologue and the Timeline Clarification note to explain why I made Harry younger.)
I wanted to also mention no author can be everything to every reader. I usually accept constructive criticism. Ultimately, this is my FanFiction story. Thank you.
"You may return them to Malfoy Manor," Sirius said. "we'll keep in touch, cousins."
Séraphine wrapped her silver-and-black swirls around the Malfoys and lightly deposited them in their Drawing Room.
"Remember," she all but purred, holding up her wrist with their Blood Oath bracelets at them. "Remain silent and follow through…" The House-Witch purposefully dangled her wrist before swirling away.
"Merlin's balls," Lucius said shakily to his wife. He immediately strode toward his chair as his greyhound settled beside him.
Narcissa remained where she was.
I better compose what I'll say. She thought numbly. I have to visit Bella in two days' time.
Harry grinned to Hermione and then Ron. "Guess what?" he asked glancing about him. Hermione sat on Harry's bed while Ron sat up on his elbows. Hermione held onto Crookshanks and Harry gently scratched the cat's ears.
He removed his wand from his robes and cast a Mufiliato Charm* around them, surprising his friends. The Gryffindor Second Year Boys' Dormitories are empty due to the sunny day. Neither Ron nor Hermione wanted to leave in case Harry returned early. Hermione diligently did her homework with Crookshanks keeping her warm while Ron unwillingly opened his Transfiguration book to read.
"You've been practicing," Hermione remarked approvingly.
Ron's blue eyes narrowed slightly. His jealousy piquing. He scowled at Crookshanks who swished his tail and watched Ron regarding his Mistress.
Harry gave her a cheeky grin.
"While I was at the Bank," Harry informed them. His bright emerald green eyes twinkling. "I ran into Snuffles."
"Did you really?" Ron questioned, giving his best friend a genuine smile. "How is Snuffles?"
Hermione stroked her ginger cat.
"He's so...different." Harry said. "I mean, good different." The boy quickly added, seeing Ron and Hermione exchange worried looks. "I'm not exactly sure what happened. Only that he has a House-Elf that's been in his family for generations."
Hermione frowned. "Does he like being Sirius' House-Elf?" She wondered aloud. "You know House-Elves are like indentured servants, Harry." She lectured.
Ron rolled his eyes. "I know you're a Muggleborn and Harry's a Half-Blood who's essentially Muggleborn," Ron said annoyed. "But not all House-Elves are like Dobby suffering from all Purebloods." Even though Ron considered himself more tolerant than the average Pureblood family he felt aggravated by Hermione's inferiority complex being a Muggleborn at Hogwarts. And Harry's just as clueless as a first year. He thought.
Harry could quickly see a bitter argument in the making and promptly called their little friend to them.
"Young Masters and Mistress," the House-Elf said amiably. His golf-ball sized eyes regarding Harry for a moment. I need to speak with Master Harry Potter's Snuffies. He thought. Tonight. "How may Dobby assist you, today?"
"Dobby," Harry began. "Would you mind explaining to us about House-Elves and their relations to wizards? Hermione thinks you're being abused. And Ron says you're not. And, well I…" Harry hedged. "Don't know what to think. We're not abusing you, are we?"
Dobby smiled at Harry patiently. "The Malfoys are abusive." He answered in a surprisingly mature manner. "You and Lady Hogwarts and Master Harry Potter's Snuffies, are not."
Dobby turned to Hermione. "You're half-right, Master Harry Potter's My-My." he answered. He explained to the young witch he knew all about her S.P.E.W. campaign and he decided to set the record straight. No, he did not consider himself abused. Yes, he asked for payment which is unheard of. However, Albus Dumbledore paid him a galleon a week. House-Elves tie themselves to a wizarding family and serve that family loyally. Their magic is tied with ancient House-Magic such as the Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Black and Potter or even to Lady Hogwarts. They do like to serve their masters and are regularly punished because their magic is dependent upon their Houses and their House/Master/Mistress' wills*.
"You'd be doing Dobby and the other House-Elves grave harm." Dobby told her gently. "Our magic is codependent with the Houses someone in our line decides to Bond with or whom we choose."
Hermione barely restrained herself. One look at Harry made her scowl and she stroked Crookshanks, her cheeks pinking.
"Thank you, Dobby." Harry said quietly.
"Does that mean you're Bonded to, er, Lady Hogwarts?" Ron asked, frowning. He liked seeing Hermione get chewed out every once in a while. It's good for her. He thought decisively. "She's not a House, though right?"
Dobby shook his head. "She is a sentient Will cut from each of the Founders," Dobby explained. "She is as cunning as Master Slytherin, wise as Mistress Ravenclaw, compassionate as Mistress Hufflepuff and bold as Master Gryffindor." Dobby straightened. "She must obey the will of the current Headmaster or Headmistress per her contract to maintaining her autonomy."
"Maintaining her autonomy?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Master Harry Potter, sir." Dobby answered, turning his full attention to the boy. "All magic comes with a price," he nodded his misshapen head, "that's why you have counter-curses and suchlike." Harry blinked and nodded. "It's the same concept for a House. They're powerful. But not invincible."
They're powerful but not invincible. Harry repeated. Her Ladyship seemed invincible to him. Maybe I can ask Sirius about it.
Dobby straightened. "Dobby must go," he hesitated for a moment before bowing to the children.
He seemed like he wanted to say something further. Hermione thought perplexed.
"We should finish our homework, Harry." She said as Harry promptly grabbed his own Transfiguration book and read with his friends.
Sirius rubbed his neck and grimaced.
"Kreacher," Sirius said softly.
The elderly House-Elf appeared two feet away from the wizard, accidentally making him jump.
Merlin. He thought startled. He was that close to us?
Sirius took a good look at the Black House-Elf. His eyes are overbright and his lips thinned. Yet, there is a deep-seated rage emanating from him.
"I'm sorry," Sirius apologized sincerely. "But I wanted to be sure of her."
Kreacher nodded curtly.
Sirius hesitated then mildly shrugged. "You may have the day off, Kreacher." he ordered.
Kreacher bowed low and left to return to his Den.
Sirius winced.
"Séraphine," Sirius said without looking up as he sensed her swirly return.
"Lord Sirius?" She asked, settling herself across from him.
"I want you to seek Lady Hogwarts and use what you need to garner her goodwill." Sirius said. "Just place the House on Lockdown," he gave her a half-smile, "and I'll try to manage without you." He quickly added. "For Harry's sake."
His House-Witch nodded her head. "I'll do so tonight when the Headmaster sleeps." she said thoughtfully, her cunning dark eyes sparkling. "I shall present to her reassurances...I suspect she'll know where Lady Ravenclaw's artifact is." she continued, glancing at Sirius. "We know the Gryffindor Sword is untainted since Our Heir utilized it...and I have the Slytherin Locket," she pulled it from her neckline. "I suspect Dumbledore has the Diary," she muttered. "And we have the Hufflepuff Cup." she arched a brow. "Still doesn't answer what the seventh Horcrux is...besides the sixth one as the Young Master." She scowled. "I'll find these answers, Lord Sirius." she told him determinedly.
Sirius nodded. "I've no doubt you will, Séraphine." He said distractedly, before shaking his head. "I'll head to the Kitchen...I don't want Kreacher to be disturbed today," he said quietly.
"Yes sir," the House-Witch agreed softly. In truth, she saw Kreacher barely manage to hold himself together. At least Master Regulus meant him well. She thought. I mean, I now have Lord Sirius.
She blinked. Before, it had been Lord Arcturus. Strange, how we adapt to the living...perhaps the Young Master can help fill the void for ol' Kreacher? She wondered.
Giving herself a mental shake she regarded her charge. "And," Sirius continued oblivious to Séraphine's musings. "I'll be...wandering about...so don't mind me," he hedged as he stood. "Also, if you can," he said half-turning toward her. "check on Harry for me?"
"With pleasure, sir." His House-Witch promised.
"Right then," Sirius said. He walked down to the ground floor where the Kitchen was and purposefully ignored Kreacher's Den* while he rummaged for soup and used a Warming Charm* on it as he made his way upstairs, consuming it before opening Reggie's bedroom door.
Please don't be in here, Sirius prayed.
Thankfully, Kreacher is not in Regulus' former room.
Sitting on expensive rug atop the wooden floor, Sirius ate his soup in silence. He set it beside the door and took a deep breath, before fishing in his pocket.
Gulping, Sirius scowled at himself.
You've dealt with worse than reading a 13-year-old parchment*. Sirius self-chastised. Now man-up!
He carefully opened the aged parchment addressed to him.
12 Dec. 1979*
Dear Siri,
I know I no longer deserve to call you by that beloved nickname...I hope you'll grant me this courtesy since I am going to die as soon as I stop writing.
You were right. You and Grandfather. I know I was a petty, jealous sod of a brother to you. I should have done several things differently. Notably, never becoming a Death Eater and being your brother. Maybe things would have been different and I would've accepted you having James in your life...I know you were trying to replace me. He was the better brother to you. Grandfather was right to be dismissive toward the Death Eaters. He agreed with them up to a point but didn't allow for any of us to inherit anything of substantial value if we declared allegiance to him. He considered it a betrayal to Our House. Oh, how it pains me to realize all of this.
I doubt this will reach you in time―and for that I'm terribly sorry and guilty. I wanted to force Kreacher to take me to you and tell you in person about your traitorous rat friend, Pettigrew, and what he had in store for you, the Potters and your Werewolf friend. Unfortunately, I'm on the Dark Lord's shit list right now and Bella is watching me in the creepiest way possible. I know she's a Master Legilimens and I am so thankful you taught me basic Occlumens. I swear she wants me to marry her so she can get the Black Family artifacts to further the Dark Lord's regime or something. Maybe I'm just paranoid.
No you're not. Sirius thought furiously as guilt rushed through him. I should've protected you from her advances.
Anyway, Bella did something with a book she stole from the Black Libraries. It's essentially a curse which gives us the location of any who dare use the Dark Lord's name. Hence, why we've been slaughtering entire lineages.
I'm so sorry for what I've done. I dare not tell you all the atrocities I've had to commit to prove my 'loyalty.' I am forever shamed and damned. I don't want to lose what little dignity I have left in regard to you. Yet, in this letter I hope to tell you everything so in case I fail...you're able to do something about it. Use Kreacher. I've instructed him to destroy the Slytherin Locket Horcrux I was 'honorably bequeathed to safeguard above all else.' It's also from the same Dark book. Basically, a Horcrux is one of the deepest, Darkest magic around. It's so foul to make yourself live forever. I'm only 18-years-old and my life is well and truly over. Talk about irony.
Anyway...the Dark Lord severed his soul by murdering seven people in order to split his soul seven times. Instead of true possession he welded it to seven artifacts. This way, he would survive and the poor bastard who got near it? Total mind, body, and soul possession until he finds his other Horcruxes to bring him into full power. Always and forever regenerating.
Here they all are. At least there was one good thing about being a part of the 'Inner DE Circle.' I know all his plans.
Slytherin Locket (Me)
Hufflepuff Cup (Bella primarily but Ro and Rab help her indirectly)
Ravenclaw Diadem (the Dark Lord hid this in Hogwarts proper...something called the Room of Requirement? I figured with your pranking you'd be more familiar with this?)
Gryffindor Sword (this is entrusted to Pettigrew. He needs to seal your godson's soul in this because of his 'purity.' The Dark Lord said he figured it's befitting the Light, Gryffindor family. I pray he never does this. I'm so sorry, Siri.)
Nagini the Viper* (the Dark Lord always has her at his side...she obeys him solely and he commands her in Parseltongue) she's a true monstrosity. She's much bigger than a regular viper.
The Gaunt Ring (he hides it at Little Hangleton, in Yorkshire) I've no idea why he likes this place. It was owned by some prominent Muggle named Riddle, originally. But, I suspect he just used it since he liked it. I think he actually hid in the Gaunt Shack which borders the mansion. I know he has some lineage to the Gaunts; but if memory serves (and you know Mother and Cissy were big into lineage because they were ceaseless in their talk. At least Bella rolled her eyes and liked action) their one daughter, Merope died...and no Gaunt Heir was ever born before Morfin was sent to Azkaban. So, how is the Dark Lord related to the Gaunts?
Quirinus Quirrell* a besotted, foolish Ravenclaw (unnatural, I know) hankers for power. He met the Dark Lord in Albania and became the backup for soul possession and is the only living Horcrux aside from Nagini. I doubt the Dark Lord is going to utilize him, Siri. He is definitely a researcher first and not up for action. I think he wanted to be a field researcher on being a Horcrux. I doubt he'll survive long since the strain of one being holding two souls is...unbearable.
Oh, a few more things, Siri.
Your friend Pettigrew is a Rat Animagus and spies on you and the Order. Also, he decided to tell us about some prophecy he heard which targeted the Longbottoms and the Potters. Basically, it's either Neville or Harry which is going to be 'marked as the Dark Lord's equal,' and overtake him. My bet, is it's going to be Harry.
Not just because of your bias or even Pettigrew by association. It's because Dumbledore performed a spell on both boys to determine which had the strongest magical core. It's Harry. Unfortunately, that doesn't matter to the Dark Lord. He'll destroy anyone that's remotely a threat. Bella's got a hard-on for the Cruciatus as you well know and she wants to have a go on everyone with it.
And he'll let her, Siri. I know she...wishes she married the Dark Lord and not Ro. Since she's got supremacy and primacy she can have as many affairs on Ro as she wants. I didn't know this. I shouldn't be surprised, really. Grandfather always made certain the Blacks had the upper hand in everything. Or, maybe it's just Bella circumventing the Black Will. I've no idea how she did it when she stole from the House Libraries. Anyway, Ro can't commit adultery...not that it matters since he finds solace with Rab.
Yes, that's the real secret, apparently. If you commit incest you're automatically sterilized. Bella found out and decided to use the Black Magic upon them. That's why there's no Lestrange Heirs*.
"I think I'm going to be sick," Sirius briefly closed his eyes and took deep breaths for a few minutes. "That's not a mental image I ever want to entertain." he shuddered and forced himself to keep reading.
I don't think Dumbledore is all the Light he claims to be, Siri. There's something off about him. I do think he's more powerful than the Dark Lord. But, I think Harry's the Chosen One and will ultimately destroy him.
I'm starting to run out of time and nerve.
You see, Siri, my plan is to switch a counterfeit Locket with the real one. I've spent the better part of year recreating the Locket. He did a horrific thing to Kreacher. And, I just can't let that stand.
I learned from you to protect my friends. Especially since my only friends were you and Kreacher. I didn't know that the Dark Lord intended to all I've enclosed in this letter. I was just a naïve sod. Now, I hope my sacrifice won't be in vain and won't bugger it up for you.
He has Inferi, Siri. I know what's in store for me. I deserve it for all the crimes I've committed. But, I'm scared. I wish I was four-years-old again with you protecting me from Father and Mother. From our cousins and anyone else who dared look at me the wrong way. I remember when you said I could be Your Heir. I remember when you taught me to read. Held me close, nurtured me. You were always loyal, brave, strong, handsome, capable, and bloody brilliant. But, you had a heart. I wish I'd discovered mine sooner. My morals got all dark, dank and twisted. Now, I hope to atone for what I've done. You were always my hero, Siri.
I decided to protect you, Mother and Father by remaining silent and ordered Kreacher to do the same. I told Kreacher to give you this letter once you've become Lord Black or my death reaches you. Please, please be kind to Kreacher if you have any mercy. I know how much you hated him. But for my sake, please.
I pray you'll forgive me of every transgression I've done; especially in my jealous use of the Imperious. I don't think I can forgive myself for utterly severing myself from your love, Siri.
Eternally yours,
Reggie
Regulus Arcturus Black,
Heir Presumptive to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black
Proud brother to Sirius Orion Black, True Heir Apparent to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.
Sirius jammed his fist in his mouth and barely restrained himself from screaming as he lowered his brother's Last Testament to the floor. It vaguely occured to Sirius Kreacher suffered mentally and physically due his House contract being unable to fulfill a Son of the House of Black's direct order. Therefore, the House-Elf had not purposefully neglected to deliver this letter to him. Regulus assumed Sirius would naturally overtake the Black Lordship and would have remembered the drawer or Kreacher would have told him immediately upon his death.
He looked about Regulus' room and wept.
Séraphine lowered her eyes. Everyone of My House suffers dearly. She thought, her expression both compassionate and fierce. We won't lose anyone else. She vowed. I'll even safeguard Kreacher provided he does his duty to Our Heir and Lord Sirius. She thought decisively.
The House-Witch remained in the Formal Drawing Room to give the men in her life their privacy.
But, she knows everything which transpires within her domain. The House-Witch snapped her fingers and withdrew a small picture of a young Sirius and Regulus with Walburga in a rare show of pride and affection from Walburga's closet in a scrapbook the Mistress had not destroyed. She made a two copies, returning the original.
The House-Witch sniffed and a hot meal was sent to His Lordship's Master Suite along with the photograph. The meal would remain ready when he was ready.
The other photograph she placed against her heart and it melded to her. I'll use another one when Kreacher is ready.
She performed another Lockdown which sealing the Floo passages. She frowned. I'll have to recheck the Floo Network to Our House. She thought. Or I could delegate to Kreacher. I don't know if it even works after so many years of neglect.
Shrugging, the House-Witch Willed herself to Lady Hogwarts' Receiving Room.
She curtseyed low to the ground as one House-Witch to another.
The Hogwarts Ghosts readily appeared.
"Who are you?" Helena Ravenclaw demanded.
Séraphine hid her Black smile.
"I seek an audience with Lady Hogwarts," she answered rising. She could tell Helena stiffened. I may have been a Handmaiden. Séraphine thought coldly. But you're not my Mistress. And I will bow to no one such as the likes of you.
Sir Nearly Headless Nick took one look between the women and cleared his throat.
"Madmoiselle," he said more respectfully, noting her carriage and her symbols. "We represent Her Ladyship. May we inquire," he said giving Helena a pointed look. "What this business is about?"
"Indeed," the Fat Friar interjected while the Bloody Baron remained silent.
"I come in peace in order to safeguard My Heir," she looked around the formal, disused Receiving Room. "I ask that protocol be enacted." Her dark eyes sharpened. "I have respectfully not used magic other than transport and declare House Neutrality."
"Granted," the Bloody Baron answered. House Neutrality meant Lady Hogwarts did not report to the Headmaster or Headmistress in a private audience. Helena glared at Séraphine who ignored her. Foolish chit. She thought in askance. You were nothing without your mother. So quit with your airs.
Relaxing, Séraphine inclined her head to the Bloody Baron.
"I have removed two Horcruxes from the Hufflepuff Cup," she moved the Cup from her skirt causing gasps from the Ghosts. "and the Slytherin Locket." Séraphine announced. "I ask, in return two things." she carefully placed them on the table which appeared before them. The Fat Friar and the Bloody Baron landed and stared at the priceless artifacts.
"They're the Founders'," they said.
"What are they?" Nearly Headless Nick whispered.
"I want to remove the Horcrux taint from all sources including the Ravenclaw Diadem," she held up her hand as the Ravenclaw Ghost sputtered. "I don't care for the artifacts like you do," she said meaningfully. "These Horcruxes are the Dark Lord's." she said bluntly. "My Heir has been infected with one and I have to safeguard him. But before I do," she said glaring at the Ravenclaw Ghost. "I will need your mother's diadem. I can―and did," she turned to look at each Hogwarts Ghost directly. "remove them without damaging the artifacts. I return them to their rightful home in good faith."
"And your second?" The Fat Friar asked.
"Anything and everything to safeguard My Heir from that manipulative monster you call Headmaster." She answered in a clipped voice. "With your permission," she continued. "may I show you all that's transpired with my magic?" She quickly promised. "Nothing more."
The Ghosts looked at one another and Nearly Headless Nick agreed.
Séraphine brought them up to speed about how she discovered the Horcruxes―leaving out her destruction process and Lord Sirius. She also showed them the medical screenings of Her Heir with Dumbledore's magical signature at the forefront.
A gong resounded in the Receiving Room.
"We will do all we can to assist you on your mission," Helena said in a furious, resigned tone as she retrieved her mother's diadem from the Room of Requirement using Hogwarts magic. "Heinous crimes against our students are strictly forbidden and the Hogwarts Charter will use those clauses in it to safeguard any and all students regardless of blood lineage seeking the Headmaster as public enemy No. 1."
Séraphine guessed that as Headmaster he could cloak anything he wanted from anyone until his secrets are bared to the upcoming Headmaster or Headmistress. Explains a lot. She thought grimly. From what My Heir mentioned about some Stone and the Chamber he would have made everyone associated blind to it. Her lips thinned. Who knows what kinds of atrocities he's allowed within these hallowed walls while spying on My Heir and his whereabouts?
"Dobby the House-Elf is pledged to My Heir and to My House while he works here." She said quietly. The Ghosts stiffened. The House-Witch decided to give them a further professional courtesy.
"But how can that be?" Nearly Headless Nick asked flabbergasted. "No House-Elf can serve two masters."
"Because he is technically a Black House-Elf by proxy." the Bloody Baron grinned. "Salazar would be most proud." he complimented Séraphine as she smiled her Black smile at him. "And the boy is essentially a Slytherin in Gryffindor's clothing." he chuckled. "While inspiring loyalty to his House-Elf by saving him from a proxied Lucius Malfoy since the boy is the Black Heir." Séraphine's eyes sparkled. Perhaps Dumbledore foiled the Sorting, too? She thought. I will learn much from My Heir soon enough. "And that House-Elf is the only one without technical loyalty to Lady Hogwarts since he's being paid."
The Fat Friar and Nearly Headless Nick exchanged stunned looks.
Helena settled the diadem on the table and Séraphine regarded her shrewdly. "I will return this as soon as possible," she informed the Ravenclaw Ghost. Helena nodded, accepting the reality of the situation.
"Perhaps you can enlighten me on everything that's happened regarding a certain Stone?" she conversationally asked. "The Chamber, and anything else you deem interesting since My Heir arrived to study at Hogwarts?"
The Hogwarts Ghosts exchanged looks as another gong resounded in the Receiving Room.
Séraphine smiled.
References: courtesy of Harry Potter Wikia and the Unofficial Harry Potter Spellbook: The Wand Chooses the Wizard by Duncan Levy.
Muffiato Spell: Handy spell which sounds like buzzing in your ears if you are an eavesdropper.
S.P.E.W./House-Elves in general: I completely respect that Hermione wants to save the House-Elves and that she essentially practices Magical Law. However, I did not want that to be a fixation which would be problematic for my storyline. I really believe the House-Elves do not mind; provided they have a good Master or Mistress like Harry, AU Sirius/Madam Bones. Furthermore, I will have Hermione focus that beautiful, logical brain of hers in assisting Harry and the House of Black. Furthermore, I took creative license in some of the explanations based on these interpretations throughout canon.
Kreacher's Den: really did exist in canon. There are several references I thought of while recreating the HoB from architectural plans. If you are interested there is a house in New York with a fascinating history called the Merchant's House Museum. Of course, I added to the federalist and Greek Revival styles to be more British when I imagined the HoB.
Warming Charm: canon. I believe Hermione used it during a Hogsmeade trip for Harry. Regardless, I applied it to both cooking and human temperature regulation.
Lady Hogwarts: I do not want any of the characters to be entirely invincible. Dumbledore is a manipulative man. Therefore, he would have held Lady Hogwarts hostage to his will and she would have been largely ill-equipped to help Harry. This will soon change.
Change from Sept. to Dec. 1979: I was thinking of Hermione's birthday (Sept. 19, 1979) and it was brought to my attention that no one would have known about Harry's and Neville's conception by then. Canon states the Potters went into hiding in autumn 1979 because Snape overheard the prophesy being spoken to Dumbledore. I am assuming the Order was abuzz with the new life news and celebrated within earshot of Pettigrew. He would have confirmed it to Voldemort. Also, I feel like the wintry aspect would be after Sirius' birthday (Nov. 3, 1959) which would have added to Regulus' gloom as he missed out on years with his brother and birthday celebrations.
Regulus Arcturus Black: he died in 1979, a year before Harry's birth. The Potters had been in hiding about this time before Harry was born. I figured Regulus would have dealt with a lot by then and worked on recreating the Locket while being under watch made him very unsettled; and with too much time to think and stew in his guilt. I felt like Regulus deserved the last word. I know he technically he did in canon with that note in the counterfeit Locket; but it is not enough to me. I figured since he was part of the 'inner sanctum' of Voldemort's trust then he could spell out everything and enable Sirius to further his interests regarding Harry. In my mind, Regulus and Sirius were very close until their Sorting and everything I have written thus far is AU and is my interpretation of the events as follows.
Regulus' death: according to canon, he died in 'The Cave.' This seaside cave was discovered by Voldemort when he lived in the orphanage and went on a visit. It was always depicted as dark, dank, dreary, foreboding and icy to me so it makes sense to have it in the autumn where he would have died in the cold and alone.
Nagini the Viper: is not the same Internet meme going about as the same snake (a male boa constrictor) that Harry freed. Although, I do believe Voldemort's malevolent magic increased her size to a small Basilisk (and from movies to make her scarier).
Quirinus Quirrell: He was 'actually' or 'earlier' born in 1972. Strangely, the man would have been 19-years-old in 1991 when he met Harry. Timing is just off. I know he is a Ravenclaw; but, to do a sabbatical in Albania then become a DADA professor at 19-years-old? Realistically, he would have had to prove himself no matter which field he was in...so, I decided to make him the same age as Sirius (or would have been had he survived Harry's touch) and it fits better in my timeline.
The Lestranges: They are simply vile. So, I decided to use AU Black Magic lore and Bella's erratic responses to explain why there are no Lestrange Heirs and to coincide with what I predecreed in my FanFiction in Ch. IX: In Tandem Part I. Furthermore, I want justice against the Lestranges in what they did to canon Longbottoms and Sirius. This is my AU poetic justice.