Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. However, I do own OC, non-canon and fictional magic.
A/N: Y'all are the best! Thank you for your continued reviews and support. I originally intended this to be a four-part chapter but felt like I wanted to reward everyone for their patience and understanding with a longer two-part chapter. As always reviews = motivation. I am not giving up on this story. My apologies if two weeks is a long time to bear between chapters. Life happens, lol.
If you are still confused after reading the Ch. XII Timeline Clarifications then PM me with specific questions and I will answer them. By and large, I have received a generic "Fix everything. This makes no sense based on canon." I would like to kindly remind everyone that this is FanFiction. While I do take constructive criticism this is ultimately AU and my story. Thank you.
Hermione changed her mind as she abruptly turned from the library and walked toward Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
No, she thought irritably. I can't go there, either. She'll just spy on me.
Clutching Crookshanks and thanking Merlin she was alone she summoned Dobby in a low whisper.
"Mistress My-My?" The House-Elf asked cautiously, sensing her mood.
"Dobby," She said, looking worried. "Is there anywhere I can go? Where I'd be safe to think and send a message?"
Dobby blinked his large golfball green eyes at her and nodded slowly. "The Come-and-Go-Room." He said holding his hand to her as she took it.
Arriving in a chamber which reminded her of a fancy manor's library she sighed in relief. Dobby snapped his fingers and breakfast appeared.
"Now what's all this about, Mistress My-My?"
Hermione frowned slightly at Dobby's newest nickname and shook her head to focus on more important details.
"Something is very wrong, Dobby." She announced, setting down Crookshanks. "I," she paused. "Is there any way you can get me books from the Restricted Section on the House of Black?" She asked instead.
Dobby gaped at her. "I can, but why?"
"I have to know what I'm dealing with." She said firmly. "Crookshanks led me away from Professor Dumbledore and I know it's got something to do with Harry being at Sirius' House." The young witch pulled her Black Quill from her bag.
"I felt this become so icy it burned when Professor Dumbledore appeared." She explained. "Sirius said this Black Quill would protect me...but what if it means something else, Dobby?"
The House-Elf nodded. "Dobby will do as Mistress My-My asks. Please wait here." He said bowing before Apparating.
Hermione examined the beautiful peacock Black Quill.
"Thank you for protecting me." She said sincerely, feeling somewhat silly speaking to a more or less inanimate object. "I know Harry is safe with you; but I have to help him, too. I'll do anything for my best friend." She declared. Crookshanks purred in agreement as he lapped his milk set aside for him by Dobby.
Séraphine turns slightly, sensing Hermione's entreaty. I'll visit you next...see if you're really worthy of the esteem my Lord and Heir grant you.
Frowning, she refocused her energies on her young Heir's predicament.
The Black Basilisk hissed. «We must get his blood before we go any farther.»
Séraphine quickly summoned a potions bottle and nodded to Lacie who had been briefed by Sirius. She opened a vein in Harry's hand and withdrew a half-pint of blood. Harry whimpered and flinched from the dual pain in his head and hand before Lacie sealed his hand and retreated behind the Black Blood Dome with Sirius.
I promise I'll buy you ice cream or something to make that part better. Sirius swore guility. We'll play Quidditch and I'll, oh bugger, I'll do anything to protect and comfort you, pup.
Séraphine grimaced and the Raven flew above Harry and beat its wings, garnering Black Magic to him as Séraphine remained at Harry's side while the Basilisk hissed furiously.
«Stay at the bottom.» Séraphine ordered the Basilisk. «We don't know if it'll attack from above or below.»
Séraphine's dark eyes burned platinum as her Basilisk fangs exploded from her mouth. She placed her hands on either side of Harry's head.
Show yourself, Demon. She commanded.
Voldemort froze within Nagini's body.
What's this? He thought alarmed and furious.
He felt himself begin to grow cold. His blood congealed within Nagini and the snake rose and bared her fangs, searching for their enemy.
A Master Legilimens, Voldemort latched his consciousness forward and realized he had Harry Potter after all.
Chuckling he reached for the innocent light with all his diminished strength.
Séraphine smiled cruelly.
A Mistress Legilimens of many centuries versus Voldemort's mere 50 years* is a worthy adversary.
The evil wizard lunged at Harry and started as he was blocked by the Black Family Magic.
Hello Monster. Séraphine greeted. Dance with the Basilisk if you dare.
Snarling, both Nagini and Voldemort attacked.
Séraphine felt the Black Family Magic surround Harry James Potter-Black. It made the boy shiver. The House bound him with manacles to keep him from rolling off the makeshift table-turned-bed.
The Black Family Magic is predatory and fierce. Its scales-and-feathers wrapped around the child's mind using Occulmency powered from Their House, preventing the child's mind from Voldemort's sinister intentions.
The Raven cawed as the Basilisk hissed. Each hovered above and below the child respectively.
«Who's there?» Harry asked nervously.
«We will protect you Youngling Ssspeaker.» Malthus reassured. «You are Oursss.»
Harry willed himself to relax. He knew Sirius is close by and after meeting the House of Black Servants he knew all would be well.
«I believe you.» Harry said, he felt a curious shift from his core before succumbing to the shield surrounding his mind.
Surprisingly, it reminded Harry of a park scene near the Dursley residence Harry frequented.
He looked around and saw a female Smooth snake.
«My Youngling Ssspeaker.» She hissed softly. «You've returned.»
That was all he saw before he lost consciousness.
Nagini reared back. We must retreat! She shouted to her Master.
Snarling, Voldemort knew she was right.
I'm coming for him. He promised Séraphine.
Séraphine smiled in anticipation.
Let's see about that. She thought amused.
Malthus lunged into Harry's scar, searching Harry's mind for the Horcrux. It is busy trying to enforce the Chamber of Secrets' Basilisk to turn on Harry's body as its previous master. Due to the phoenix tears it could not be swayed since it was neutralized*.
Malthus wrapped his body around the Horcrux. He squeezed the Horcrux and forced it upward and out of Harry's forehead.
The Raven swooped in. Its wings creating a vortex weakening the Horcrux's miasma from taking hold. It tried to break free from Malthus who held tighter.
The Horcrux quickly realized it could not latch onto the soulless Servants. It panicked.
Malthus opened his fangs as it filled with the Black Will.
He bit the forming miasma infusing it with Basilisk venom. A wild, infernal scream emanated as blood seeped from the Horcrux before it disappeared.
We're not done yet, Séraphine thought as she heard the agonized scream from Voldemort who wrenched himself from their connection.
The Training Room collectively took a deep breath and realized there is no more Voldemort in the vicinity as it became a veritable hospital with Lacie ordering Kreacher and Sirius to do her bidding regarding Harry's state.
The child groggily opened his eyes.
Sirius choked.
"H―Harry?" He asked.
A pair of emerald green eyes regarded him with silver serpentine pupils.
"Sssiriusss!" The child cried and reached for his godfather. Immediately, Sirius held his hand.
"How are you feeling, kiddo?" He asked, working to steady his voice and smooth his expression as he watched Lacie from the corner of his eye.
"I don't hurt ssso much anymore." Harry marveled. "And I sssaw Sssparklesss again!"
"Sparkles?" Sirius asked worriedly.
Harry smiled tiredly and leaned into Sirius' hand. The child felt the heaviness in his entire personage disappear, like a parasite had been expunged from his body.
Séraphine gently raised her hand to Harry's scar. It was less pronounced after the Horcrux removal. However, she shared her Master's worry and amazement regarding his change.
She glanced at Sirius. He moved over for her and she lightly called the Potter Fawn and Potter Hippogriff.
She gasped, her hand flying to her throat.
«Merlin's blood!» She swore.
The Potter Fawn had the same serpentine pupils as Harry along with retractable fangs. His soft fawn's pelt is a myriad of scales intermittent with the fawn's white spots. The Potter Hippogriff copied the fawn. In lieu of scales, he had black Raven's feathers. However, each remained antique gold in coloring.
«We told you we were willing to risk it.» The Hippogriff said in a gravelly voice and a hiss as the Fawn nodded.
«He is safe per Lady Potter's command.» The Fawn added, faintly sibilant.
She curtseyed low to the Potter Totems. Her silvery black tears trekking down her cheeks.
«So mote it be.» She said respectfully.
She sniffed and wiped her eyes in front of her Master and associates.
"The child is...safe but his magic is permanently altered with Black Magic." She explained.
Sirius closed his eyes, steadying himself. "So what does this mean?" He quietly asked.
"I'm not sure, Lord Sirius." The House-Witch answered truthfully. She exchanged a look with Lacie and Kreacher, clearly indicating her Master remain in their sights.
She whirled herself away from the scene as she readied Black defenses once more.
I'm not done with you yet, Monster. Séraphine swore vengefully as Her House rallied itself for her use. I know what to do now.
Madam Bones barely managed not to snap at her secretary as she was told the Minister wanted to see her in his office. It's not her fault, Amelia.
"Amelia," Cornelius said patronizingly as she entered his office.
"Cornelius," she greeted.
"What's this business about Black being innocent?" He puffed, working himself into one of his self-righteous moods. He slammed the Prophet's front page news on his desk facing her, regarding one Sirius Orion Black's innocence thanks to new evidence found at the Ministry.
Really. Amelia thought in amazement. I wonder how you'd look if I took a needle to that ballooned ego of yours?
"Indeed," she commented. "He never had a trial."
Cornelius snorted in derision. "Yes, he has." He stressed, staring at her like she was the imbecile.
"No, Cornelius," Amelia corrected evenly. "Everything was circumstantial―."
Cornelius glowered at her and belligerently denied truth and logic. It did not take Amelia long to realize that Cornelius did not give a damn about locking an innocent man up. He just wanted his political career to be smudge-free.
"You find him," Cornelius snapped. "or you'll find yourself without a job."
Amelia regarded him coolly. "Indeed." She replied before standing and turning on his heel she walked toward her office. She scowled as she flicked a Silencing Charm about her office and person while she took a glass of brandy from under her desk to drink.
This really takes the cake. She rolled her eyes. If it weren't professional courtesy and the House of Black I'd leave in a heartbeat.
She did smile at Cornelius' expression at the Goblins' handiwork leaking to that awful reporter, Rita Skeeter.
Got to hand it to them. She smirked as she enjoyed her glass and promptly sent a memo to her secretary to disallow anyone from seeing her except a select list.
On that list is Moody and his associates.
Remus swore as he nearly Apparated on a landmine at Moody's residence. Thanks to his Wolf he maneuvered Moody's front yard and shouted through the door.
"I can see why you have no neighbors!" He said hotly.
"What's the password?" Came the familiar growl.
"Bollocks if I know," Remus snapped. "But I'm here on official business regarding a certain Lady."
The door swung open.
"Then why didn't you say that earlier?" Moody growled.
Remus barely refrained from rolling his eyes as Moody secured the premises.
"OK," Remus began as he filled Moody in on the meeting with Narcissa.
Moody leaned his good eye into his hand.
"Merlin's blood," he swore in a low voice, shaking his head. "Sirius is going to murder everyone associated with Regulus...and I don't blame him one iota." Shaking himself, he turned to Remus. "What about these toffees? And Pettigrew? And Little Hangleton?"
Remus fished the toffees from the secure box Kreacher created and handed it to Moody.
"I think we need to scope out Little Hangleton, and fast." Remus said simply.
Moody flicked his wand and the little box whisked toward his private Potions laboratory. Standing, he pulled a small tracker on his person and sent the coordinates to Amelia.
"Best hold on tight, laddie." He growled as Remus obeyed, holding the senior Auror's elbow as they side-Apparated to Little Hangleton.
They quickly placed Disillusionment Charms* about their person and Moody nodded to Remus to take the lead.
Remus frowned as his Wolf told him it was not the mansion on the hill. He allowed his Wolf to lead him toward a little hovel at the base with clear view of the abandoned mansion.
Warily he signaled to Moody.
"Dark Magic abounds here and my Wolf says the Horcrux is in the high beams nearest the fireplace." He muttered to Moody.
Moody scowled. "My eye sees several enchantments...I'm going to need to call on the Director."
Ragnok gave Moody a special Tappings mechanism under the Her Ladyship's suggestion with clear indication he would be heavily fined and brought to his knees if he disabused their trust for assisting Vlatifahn Potter.
Remus placed a Silencing Charm around them coupled with a Muffilato Charm for good measure as he looked cagily for threats or eavesdroppers.
"Ragnok's sending Rageclaw and Capt. Lockjaw." Moody growled softly.
"Good," Remus muttered as they waited.
He owed Sirius some good news.
Meanwhile, Séraphine whirled toward Lestrange Manor.
The Dark Magic had returned to the House of Black due to primacy and supremacy coupled with the demise of Lord and Lady Lestrange. However, no one would be associated with it despite the untouched legacy treasures within.
«As property to the House of Black you shall pretend your original power and entrap a Rat Animagus.» Séraphine commanded.
The Lestrange Manor shook and reformed its macabre Gothic splendor reminiscent of Lady Walburga's tastes.
How befitting the madness of My House. She thought disgustedly.
She whisked herself to Malfoy Manor after reading Narcissa's correspondence to Lord Black.
"Results?" She queried at Lucius and Narcissa, finding them in their Drawing Room.
Lucius girded himself. Definitely going to need champagne. "I located Crouch Manor and as I am a part of the Wizengamot he said he would speak with me at 2:30 p.m."
Everyone glanced at the clock. It is 1:15 p.m.
"Very good, Lucius," She demurred coolly. "Give him this." She handed him a small powder. "I recommend throwing it in his face when he looks down." She suggested. "It will transport him to Our House and I will get my answers there."
Grimacing, Lucius carefully took the black drawstring bag.
She inclined her head to Narcissa. "Keep it up, Narcissa." Séraphine warned primly. Narcissa nodded curtly as the House-Witch whirled away.
A common brown rat scurried to a literal and figurative fork in the road. He hated traveling during the day.
But better wizards than owls. He thought glumly. His ears and whiskers twitching.
Peter Pettigrew paced between the fork.
Left headed toward Lestrange Manor. Right headed toward Crouch Manor.
He knew his orders. Fetch Barty, Jr. and gather intelligence from Lestrange Manor regarding House of Black magic and that spellbook Bella once had.
I don't fancy seeing that lunatic. Peter shuddered.
He made a choice.
At least Lestrange Manor is empty. He thought with a sense of foreboding.
It took the Rat Animagus the better part of the day to make his way toward Lestrange Manor. He wrinkled his nose at the Gothic design.
She is such a vampiress. Peter thought disgustedly.
As soon as he stepped onto the premises, he realized something is terribly wrong.
Peter screeched and flung his hands around his suddenly sensitive eyes, undergoing the painful transformation into his human form.
He rubber necked it as he tried vainly to see who shot him with that Transfiguration spell. He reached for his wand.
Peter squealed as he clutched his hand reflexively to his chest. He stared at his red-hot hand and the wand squittered to the stone floor.
He knew he could not escape.
Peter heard light, dainty footsteps behind him.
"Caught you like the rat you are," The young woman said courteously. Her grin widened as she sprouted Basilisk fangs reminding Peter frightfully of a real vampiress.
"Who are you?!" He demanded. He had no compunction fighting a woman wandless. His self-preservation led him to do many terrible things like betray and murder the Potters, for instance.
He furrowed his brow, recognizing the Black insignia on her medieval dress and the characteristic black hair and aristocratic manners.
"Sirius?" He sputtered, his high-pitched nervous laugh grating Séraphine's nerves. "I must say, we always knew you were too handsome for a boy...but you changed yourself into a girl?"
Séraphine is unamused.
She snapped her fingers and bound Peter in chains as she floated him above her while ignoring his swearing, begging and struggles.
The House-Witch led him to a dungeon installed by Bellatrix.
Convenient. She thought amused.
"Jokes aside, I suggest you start answering my questions, Rat." She said calmly as she righted Peter into a sitting position.
"What questions? And since when does Sirius send a girl to do his dirty work?" Peter demanded, beginning to sweat as his beady, dull blue eyes wildly looked for an escape.
Séraphine was fast losing patience.
"Time for a little persuasion then," She said mildly. "consider this both insurance and interest."
Peter stared at her his adrenaline pumping in his unconditioned body as she advanced toward him.
Am I going to get laid? He wondered hopefully. She's pretty enough and seems to like kin―.
Peter was so entranced by Séraphine's figure and eyes that he did not see the knife.
But he felt it.
As Séraphine lopped off his right hand at the wrist.
He screamed and Séraphine casually wiped his blood from her knife on his upper thigh before replacing it in her skirt.
She placed a bandage about his wrist and prevented him from bleeding out.
"I suggest you don't tempt me further," She remarked offhandedly. "because I will dissect you limb from limb."
She eyed the severed hand with interest. Snapping her fingers she sealed it in a bag and Willed it to its new home.
I could just use Legilimency but that might have to wait for Madam Bones to have him in her courtroom.
She smiled cruelly at Peter's tear-streaked face.
Cornelius sighed as he turned toward his desk after gazing out the window drinking his tea.
Choking, Cornelius fell over himself at a rush to get away from the bloody, severed hand.
"AMELIA!" He bellowed. "SOMEONE GET AMELIA AND MY AURORS HERE, STAT!"
Amelia raised a brow as she heard Cornelius' scream and then she promptly got serious as lights flashed from the Minister's emergency panic button.
With surprising agility, Amelia rushed toward the office with her wand raised. She elbowed Dawlish. I thought I assigned you to latrine duty. She thought annoyed.
"Find the identity of this hand and get it off my desk!" He shrieked.
"Dawlish," Amelia said crisply. "Remain with the Minister until he has...settled."
She could feel Dawlish roll his eyes in disgust behind her head as she lifted the hand with a soft, "Wingardium leviosa." She pulled an evidence canister from another Auror's hands and walked briskly toward her forensics laboratory near the Department of Mysteries.
I'll bet my pension it's Peter Pettigrew.
Séraphine smirked as she sensed Pettigrew's hand in Amelia's possession.
Let's just see him try to fuck with my Lord Sirius Orion Black, again. She thought with savage triumph. This'll remove the Kiss on Sight order like nothing else.
References: predominately creative license.
Voldemort's birthday: Dec. 31, 1926 to May 2, 1998 in canon would make him 71-years-old when he died by Harry's hand. I chose to make it 50 years for his Dark Arts knowledge as actually practicing Legilimency and Occulmency. I understood it to take long time to learn and wanted to juxtapose that to the House of Black reigning in the Dark Arts since medieval times.
Voldemort: OK, I know he is exceptionally powerful but I felt like he lost five―now his unknown eighth Horcrux in Harry―Horcruxes. He cannot will a dead Basilisk's venom in Harry's veins since it would have latched its final power on trying to kill Harry per Voldemort's orders. In my view, Voldemort could not do too much damage since he is weakened and while he did practice necromancy (e.g. Inferi) I do not think he has enough skill or power to do so in an animal. Even if it is a snake and that is his strength―courtesy of his mother, Merope Gaunt.
Charms: definitely canon.