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

A/N: Hello everyone! Has anyone else had trouble publishing new chapters during the weekend? Finally able to post! I wanted to ask y'all for a vote. Do y'all consider it distracting when I put italicized words unrelated to thought or language? If yes, then I'll reedit the entire storyline since I want this FFN to be the best I can make it. Thanks for your consideration! Please review. -JHS.

Ch. XXIII: Wormtail, Werewolf and Witches

Séraphine listened carefully to the Hogwarts' Ghosts recitation concerning Her Heir's educational concerns and his misadventures.

Thankfully, the House-Witch thought grimly, he has sheer, dumb luck on his side until now.

The House-Witch remained silent for a few tense minutes after the Ghosts finished speaking.

"This has been an enlightening conversation." She said politely. "I shall convene with Lord Black and keep you abreast of our plans regarding Our Heir and the Headmaster."

She curtseyed as the gong resounded.

Séraphine Willed herself to Harry's dormitory as the clock struck 10:30 p.m. A small frown knitted between her brows. This took longer than I expected.

The boy has showered and lain in bed tossing and turning from nightmares. The House-Witch rose above him as Lady Hogwarts' magic cloaked them.

Séraphine felt a surge of gratitude to Lady Hogwarts. She knows I cannot exhaust myself needlessly away from my dwelling. She mused. I am so glad I had the foresight to return two of the four artifacts she kept!

She watched over Her Heir like a dark angel. Her plaited black hair nearly touching his hand. The House-Witch checked Harry's vitals. Lord Sirius will be pleased at one thing at least. She thought approvingly. His potions are working well and his body seems to accept the increased nutrition without much rejection.

Harry squirmed in his sleep. His soft, frightened cry unsettling the House-Witch. She thrust her magical consciousness along all the sorcerous routes she knew.

Nothing.

Whatever torment it is, she thought darkly. it's not from Hogwarts or the Headmaster.

Hesitantly, Séraphine reached toward the child's visage. Surprisingly, Harry leaned into her touch despite shivering from her natural coldness. He clutched her hand between his cheek and shoulder. Gulping, Séraphine placed a Warming Charm* on her person and the child relaxed into her hand.

"Don't hurt Snuffles, Wormtail," Harry muttered, upset. "I'll do anything, just don't hurt him again."

Séraphine's eyes narrowed dangerously. I am going to kill that rat myself for exposing his vileness to Our Heir. She softened as Harry snuggled into her hand again. I can see why Lord Sirius thinks the world of you. She thought awed. Harry's innate goodness and magic touched Séraphine's ancient Black Magic and something deep within her settled.

I'll protect you, Young Master. She vowed, blinking back tears as she Willed herself to Grimmauld Place. Harry's eyes fought to reopen as he sensed the feminine presence disappear.

Meanwhile, Sirius spent most of his day mourning his late brother and reconciling his tormented feelings.

I'll just add you to the list, baby brother. He thought determinedly. I'll destroy every Death Eater I can find for exposing you to their lifestyle and Moldypants for leading you astray.

Sirius had a fairly good idea as to what sort of atrocious acts Regulus had to commit in order to prove his 'loyalty' to the Dark Lord.

The wizard frowned as the clock struck 7 p.m. as he made his way from Regulus' room to the Master Suite. Padfoot's enhanced sense of smell informing him a fine dinner awaited them. Sirius smiled at the display, knowing the feminine touch is entirely do to his House-Witch.

He dined and mused on his next course of action. Sirius wanted to leave Kreacher alone for the night and let the ancient House-Elf reconcile himself.

POP!

"Dobby?" Sirius asked, beginning to smile until he saw the House-Elf wring his hands. "What is it, my friend? Sit, please." Sirius served Dobby a cup of tea as the House-Elf seemed at a loss being served by a Pureblood Lord.

"Oh come off it, Dobby." Sirius chided. "We're friends. Please tell me what's on your mind. Is it Harry or Dumbles?"

"The Headmaster," Dobby said angrily, surprising the wizard. "he commanded Dobby to spy on Master Harry Potter, sir! Dobby is supposed to report everything he does with magic and to give Master Harry Potter toffees coated with some sort of magic, sir."

"Toffees?" Sirius' grey eyes flashed. "Did he say for what purpose? Can you tell what's in them?"

The House-Elf shook his head and sipped his tea.

"Hm," Sirius mused. "Dobby, have you found out anything about Remus?"

Dobby blinked at him, surprised by the sudden change of topic. "Only that he recently got fired from his job as a clerk, sir." Dobby remarked. "And that his mother is very, very ill." he added quietly.

The wizard paused for a moment. It's sneaky enough that Father would've been proud. He thought darkly. "Indeed." he murmured. "Alright Dobby," he said cracking his neck. "Keep me posted on Dumbass but don't endanger yourself or Harry." he said sternly.

Dobby nodded then winced. "Dobby must go, sir." The Head House-Elf was in rare form today regarding pastries the Weasley Twins stole. He set down his empty teacup and bowed before Disapparating.

Sirius lazily flicked his wand and sent the dishes to the Kitchen sink.

Scowling, Sirius rose from his seat and headed toward his Study.

Swearing, Sirius summoned a Dicta-Quill and began to pace and speak haphazardly as he wanted Séraphine to check his work.

No choice but to reach out to Mo―Remus. He thought disgustedly. I'll have to play my hand to get him here.

He glanced at the clock 8:15 p.m. Where is Séraphine? I hope Harry had an uneventful day. He thought, worrying his bottom lip.

Peter Alec Pettigrew* scurried about near Hogsmeade. He managed to find a small nook in the sewers uninhabited by any other vermin for the time being.

I'll have to make my way toward Lord Voldemort. He thought edgily. My Mark has been excruciating and none of the other DEs have anything I can substantiate without giving myself away.

It is an agonizing thing to be a traitor to both sides in a war. All he wanted to do was live. But am I living? The Rat Animagus thought dourly. I wonder where Sirius is? Wormtail continued fearfully. The Dark Lord's side is better than being on the receiving end of the Blacks. His small rat head flinched from recalling Bellatrix and Sirius. Merlin, I'm glad those two never saw eye-to-eye. They would've been hell unleashed.

Sighing, Wormtail ate what trash he could find before embarking on a journey to follow his pulsating Dark Mark wherever it led him.

Tom Marvolo Riddle, Jr. barely survived the past three Horcrux destruction. Who the bloody hell is hunting me?! He thought enraged. Thankfully, Nagini found him in his hiding place deep in an Albanian forest. Where are my so-called followers? He had heard of Sirius Black's escape.

If that fool could escape then why can't Bella? Or the others? He thought aggravated as his living Horcrux slithered toward a hawk to feed whilst he attached his consciousness to her senses. Four Horcruxes. He thought, a deep roiling fear abounding in the vestiges of his fractured soul. With only three remaining.

The diary and that stupid Quirrell destroyed by that Potter brat. Voldemort thought disgustedly. But the Locket and the Cup? Has Dumbledore finally tracked me down?

The wizard's body no longer existed. His call went out and reached his unusually old and cunning viper, Nagini and she latched her body to his soul remnant. I have to make my way to Little Hangleton. The evil wizard thought determinedly.

The viper lunged and squeezed the hawk and feasted while Voldemort sighed in contentment as he watched embedded into his viper's mind the satisfactory feeling of slaining prey.

Soon, he thought wickedly. I'll find my Horcruxes and destroy you, Potter. He fully intended on summoning Wormtail as soon as he had his strength from the viper's meal. He is disloyal; but his fear will bring him back to me. He thought with sadistic triumph. And his first task will be to go to Azkaban and retrieve Bella. Nagini swallowed the hawk and Voldemort smirked within her consciousness. I'm willing to bet he'll know how to enter Azkaban because I've no doubt Black shared his secrets with his beloved friends. He scoffed. Friendship...look what it cost you, Black.

Satisfied, he settled in and allowed Nagini to continue hunting for them. He would summon Wormtail and any other DE within range using the Dark Mark.

Séraphine arrived in her Master's Study.

"Lord Sirius," she said sincerely. "I've another Horcrux to destroy and much to share with you regarding Our Heir."

Sirius turned from the blackboard. "And I've got to send Kreacher before too long to Remus." he said flatly over his shoulder. "Dobby just told me he is ordered to spy on Harry and to give him laced toffees."

Séraphine bared her Basilisk fangs. "Lady Hogwarts and I have an agreement." she informed him. "She will assist us in our endeavors to safeguard Our Heir and Her Students."

Sirius curtly nodded. "I see your plan of 'good faith,' worked." He made it a statement. His eyes almost twinkling as faced her.

"Why must you reach out to Lupin?" She stopped herself from saying, 'Werewolf,' knowing Werewolf rights are a sore topic for her Master.

Every Black Lord lends his quirks to her as his House-Witch. She would not directly harm Muggles due to her current Black Lord since he held them in high esteem. She nearly rolled her eyes. I don't see why. This is a major concession for Séraphine after centuries of personal and professional hatred in regard to all things Muggle and Muggleborn.

Regarding the Werewolf, she sensed his complicated feelings. His reluctance to have anything to do with his former friend did not surprise her. His petitioning did.

Sirius ran his hand through his hair. "I'm not trying to put off destroying the Horcrux." he hedged. "But I would like for you to read this."

Obligingly, she took the parchment from his hand and began to read.

Dear Remus,

If you're so inclined to assisting me protect Harry, please take with you only your wand and I will meet you at Gateshall near the forest's edge.

Padfoot.

"Does it sound vague enough?" he asked.

"Yes, sir." she answered, eying her master carefully. "Do you plan as going as yourself?"

Sirius nodded. "I know you need to rest, Séraphine." he admitted.

His House-Witch blushed silver and Sirius cut her off. "Séraphine," he said concerned. "You've done a lot for me. It's time for Kreacher and I to pick up some of the slack." he said, making Séraphine gape at him. "I know you're very powerful." Sirius said quickly. "But you've been Horcrux Hunting and traveling the most you've done in years…" Sirius trailed off. "and I know you need time to rejuvenate."

Séraphine quickly rearranged her expression. "That's very kind of you, Lord Sirius." She said, amazed. Generally speaking, the Blacks are a demanding and exacting Pureblood Family. Only Master Arcturus ever did anything nice for me. She wondered.

He nodded, feeling uncomfortable. "What Horcrux did you find?" he asked, wanting to change the subject.

"The Ravenclaw Diadem." she answered promptly.

Sirius' signature laugh echoed in the Study. "Merlin," he said amazed. "Definitely let me see what it looks like before you return it, Séraphine." At her confused look he readily explained. "Oh, James once promised Lily he'd make a replica for her." His expression sobering.

Nodding, Séraphine rose and said. "I'll be in the Training Room, Lord Sirius." She felt her magic return to her in spades now she is at her home base.

Exiting, she summoned the Black Basilisk and Raven. The House-Witch glared at the diadem's Horcrux. It's put up more of a fight than the previous two combined.

Returning to Sirius, she showed him the Ravenclaw Diadem in its platinum, sapphire-and-diamond glory with a mounted eagle*. "He's fighting us more, Lord Sirius." She informed him.

"Wit beyond measure," Sirius read aloud. "is man's greatest treasure."

He took a mental note of this. Perhaps I can make it into platinum and onyx?

He returned it to his House-Witch. "Then we need to be on our toes, Séraphine." Sirius said firmly.

"Lord Sirius," Séraphine added, her expression tense. "The Young Master was having a nightmare...and it was about Wormtail."

Sirius froze.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his temper igniting.

"He thinks that Wormtail is coming for you and is willing to sacrifice himself for your safety." she answered quietly.

Sirius balled his fists and swore.

"Damnit!" He exclaimed aggravated. "Kreacher!"

The House-Elf obviously cried for some time and briskly wiped his tears away. Sirius gulped and turned away from his House-Elf to leave him a modicum of dignity.

"We have to visit Remus now," he said dismayed. "it's been brought to my attention that he can help us protect Our Heir." The wizard glared at the Hogwarts' style blackboard. "Her Ladyship must return to Hogwarts and give the Founders' Horcrux back―this is the last one, isn't it?" He asked suddenly of his House-Witch who nodded once. "He can track Wormtail the best without gaining too much attention...and I have an offer he can't refuse," he added disgustedly, piquing his servants' interests.

Kreacher straightened. "Kreacher will do anything to safeguard Our Heir, Lord Sirius." he said decisively. "What is it you require of Kreacher?" I won't lose another one.

"Transportation to Gateshall," he answered. "Then I will need you to guard me from anyone and conceal me to all except Remus." He scowled. "We're overdue for a long conversation and the ultimate aim is to protect Harry at all costs." Sirius began to pace in front of the fire. "Unfortunately, until my rights are restored in wizarding society I cannot overlook the opportunity of help in any guise or person to protect my child." Sirius said simply. He put on a plain, black cloak with a deep cowl next to his desk and transfigured his Black Lordship robes to plainclothes. "I can't imagine our Horcrux Hunting is going unnoticed by Moldypants or Wormtail or even the DEs rotting in Azkaban." he said bluntly. "We have to strike while time is on our side."

He walked over to Kreacher and tore his parchment up. "Enough writing," he said to Séraphine. "it's just a farce anyway when all I want to do is punch him in the face." He held his hand toward Kreacher.

Séraphine nodded. "I'll return the diadem to Lady Hogwarts and replenish my stores until you return."

Kreacher Apparated his wizard to a small, modest home on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. Gateshall* is located farthest away near the forest, perfect for anyone infected with lycanthropy.

Sirius hid himself behind his House-Elf as Kreacher placed complicated Black Blood Wards. To all outward appearances nothing is amiss. Mrs. Lupin slept peacefully and Remus read in the living room. "Kreacher has shielded you from the Auror Wards, Lord Sirius." The wizard rolled his eyes. "Seriously? Casing the place of an impoverished Werewolf for my whereabouts?" Idiots.

Sirius rolled his shoulders back and replaced his Lord Black persona like a shield. "Make sure we're not disturbed and Remus doesn't raise any alarm to the authorities." Kreacher readily agreed. His pale blue eyes watchful and alert to any threats regarding his Master.

"Hello Remus." Sirius said much calmer than he felt.

Remus jumped. "Bloody hell!" he shouted before lowering his voice. His alarmed expression staring at Sirius like he grew six heads. "How'd I not sense you?" he demanded unnerved.

Sirius waved his hand dismissively. "We've much to discuss." he said simply. "I thought of writing and figured that'd be a waste of ink and parchment."

Remus gulped and gestured to the other chair.

Tea appeared, courtesy of Kreacher, as Sirius casually served himself. Despite his plainclothes he looked every inch a Pureblood Lord. The Werewolf blinked and could not help noticing his clean shaven friend disbelievingly and comparing him from several months ago.

"What would you like to discuss?" Remus asked uncertainly, finally recovering himself.

"To put it bluntly," Sirius answered. "Wormtail is still on the loose while I am making strides on clearing my name in order to protect Harry from the Dark Lord," he glared at Remus not to correct him. Before, they made it adamently clear to call Moldypants by his real name in defiance. "apparently BellaBitch decided to curse Tom Riddle, Jr.'s self-styled name which lead his DEs to slaughter whole families." Sirius sipped his tea. "My team and I are eradicating the seven Horcruxes Moldypants issued."

Remus nearly dropped his teacup. "Well that's a nice right way to run an outfit." he sputtered sarcastically. "What's this have to do with me again? And how many have you actually destroyed? You do know it's damned difficult to take one of those on, much less seven!"

Sirius eyed his former friend coolly. "Did you know you were being tapped by Aurors in regard to yours truly?"

Remus gaped at him. Still can't fake your surprise. He thought acidly. "We've managed to destroy four of them." Not a complete lie. Harry is technically a part of this team.

"So to be even more direct, you can't be rid of my influence tainting your future whilst I exist and am on the run." Sirius continued conversationally. "It's been brought to my attention that your dear mother is very sick." he looked at his nails. "And I happened to like your mother and wish her the best but;" he glanced at Remus. "you're in need of funding to get her the best care she needs at St. Mungo's, aren't you?"

Silence.

"So I propose hiring you to be my…" Sirius trailed off, trying to think of the proper term since Remus was a stickler for such things. Didn't think this part through.

"Lackey? Or do they call it a 'personal assistant' these days?" Remus hissed.

You'll receive no pity from me regarding another unemployment stab and Werewolf PMS. Sirius arched a perfect charcoal black brow at him. "No need to get testy with me, Remus." He reminded him. "This is a viable solution. I'll handle your family mortgage and pay you for work so you can provide for your mother and live independently." Sirius internally grimaced. "I'll even throw in a few wards to safeguard your house so you're protected from DEs and such." Just two minor ones―assuming she doesn't mind...

If I wasn't already sitting down, Remus thought dazed. I'd fall to the ground.

Sirius could see Remus' hamster spinning and remained silent. There was an oddly hopeful gleam in Remus' eyes that bespoke of loneliness Sirius did not want to acknowledge.

Don't you dare believe he's still your friend. Sirius angrily chided. He left you all alone in the dark.

Remus could not help looking for the old Padfoot in Sirius. "You're really serious about all of this?" Grimacing he could not help but ask, "and if I do this will I be forgiven of my crimes?"

Sirius' grey gaze turned liquid mercury. His face slacked in barely contained rage.

"The difference between us, old friend," Sirius said in a dangerously soft voice. "Is Padfoot had to become a true Grim to survive in the bowels of Azkaban. Where were my friends? My brother died because of Peter;" And me too. "and you never bothered to investigate you woebegone Werewolf. We three risked everything to be your friend and underwent the painful Animagi procedure without guidance, might I add." Sirius worked himself into a fit reminiscent of the Black Temper he inherited from Mother. "I ended up paying time for us. And you couldn't be bothered to be skeptical and ask me directly."

Remus began to protest and Sirius snarled at him. "You will grant me the liberty to speak, damn you." he said ferociously. "I can be succinct in my 12 years' of agonized rage in the space of minutes unlike your lengthy academic papers concerning your damn research."

Sirius nearly broke his teacup and used the enraged pressure building within to focus on the delicate handle. "I begged you," Sirius continued in a low voice. "on my knees in tears. Utterly emasculated, disowned, orphaned and disinherited. You withdrew from your pack, Remus. I was pack!"

Remus had the grace to be shamefaced and flinched as Sirius' voice carried. He did not doubt his mother would remain asleep no matter how incensed his former friend became.

And worst of all, Remus thought glumly. it's all true.

"You were my last hope." Sirius barely managed not to shout. "Don't try to blame the war or Anti-Werewolf sentiment. I was there for you along with James."

Sirius visibly shook. "And I am not going to ask you for friendship, Remus." Sirius said acidly, all but spitting the word. "I will ask you as my investment to protect the only one who never abandoned me. Bloody hell, Remus!" Sirius snapped. "A child who has every reason and self-preservation to do so kept me from murdering that rat bastard as I ought! I suffered knowing I'd escape because he existed." Sirius carefully tucked his rage within and became more like his persona, Lord Black.

"I am willing to pay you the going rate of 70,000 pounds a year for a personal assistant to a Pureblood Lord, not a damn butler or lackey," Sirius sneered. "That's real employment. I know you need the money and I'm in the position to enable your pride," Sirius continued. "to pay you and you make a respectable living enabling your mother's health and to keep your father's house for her along with any medical bills. So don't be a fool, Remus. This is a one-time offer."

Sirius is fully prepared to Memory Charming* Remus in case the stubborn Werewolf refused him because he could not afford to be seen. He could not Imperious Remus even if he wanted since his lycanthropy enabled him a natural defense*.

Remus buried his face in his hands before facing Sirius.

So that's it then. He thought shuddering internally as each punctuated word stabbed Remus in the heart. My penance.

"I accept your terms, Lord Black." Remus said remorsefully.

Sirius regarded him for a moment. "The Lordship is a cage, Remus." He said simply. "It is a not a prison." I should know. "And if I have the keys then it's not so constraining. And if it is to be a cage, thankfully it is a gilded one where I can wield the finery, gold and titles to further My House and My Heir's interests."

The wizard stood and took the now-visible Kreacher's hand surprising Remus. He distinctly recalled the former despising the House-Elf.

"I expect your help tomorrow at 9 a.m.," Sirius remarked. "Kreacher will pick you up."

Voldemort screamed viciously within Nagini and she lashed out at trees and rabbits. Five Horcruxes! He snarled. Gone! Who is hunting me?!

He urged his viper to continue her fast pace toward the Riddle Manor.

I'll find you. He swore. And then I'll kill you in the slowest way possible.

Narcissa stared at her parchment with several rough drafts on how she was going to plan her words to her wily, insane sister.

"I can save Draco from your taint and from the Dark Lord's vengeance." she murmured, glancing toward her husband's office down the hall from her secretary in the sitting room. Narcissa did not doubt that Voldemort would use Draco as a bargaining chip or worse. She knew he would abuse him in front of their eyes for Lucius' disloyalty in saving his own neck. Thanks to my Dowry. She thought, her lips thinning. She had argued strenuously against her husband taking the Dark Mark because she did not want to be associated with anyone else's will. I guess that was the Black in me. The witch thought miserably. Her upbringing dictated no House of Black family member was to be controlled, bought or sold. We did just that. She thought. I did just that. And now...my punishment is almost too much to bear.

Sighing, the witch threw her rough drafts into the fire and headed for bed.

She's going to die one way or another. Narcissa thought shakily. I hope Sirius doesn't make me watch and that I can get the information he craves for that brat of his.

References: courtesy of Harry Potter Wikia.

Warming and Memory Charms: are like my favorite common canon magic.

Ravenclaw Mascot: never made sense to me that Ravenclaw's mascot is *not* a raven; but an eagle. Was Rowena insecure about her quick-learning scavenger bird and wanted a fierce, noble bird-of-prey?

Lycanthropy: They do have some extra defenses which enable them to be a threat to Wizardkind hence the 'Dark Creature' label. Furthermore, Gateshall is fictional.
Peter Alec Pettigrew: creative license here. Just thought it had a nice flow to it.