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

A/N: Thank y'all so much for being encouraging and patient. This should be the last of the Voldemort Arc before moving onto more enemies and intrigue. Keep up the reviews! I am making a point not to go past two weeks for updates. It just depends on how fast I can write, edit and publish. Please be so kind as to point out any GSP errors or story flow confusion. I want to make my FanFiction stories the best they can be. Many thanks for your reviews. They truly are my motivation to continue this epic storyline.

Sincerely,

JHS.

Ch. XVIII: Confrontations

Hermione's jaw dropped.

"Fascinating," she muttered as she turned the ancient, slim volume's vellum page carefully while rapidly reading about the House of Black in the comfort and privacy of the Room of Requirement.

Of course, Hermione suspected she was 'allowed,' to read the basics regarding the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. It appeared to be a combination of a children's primer and historical record akin to The Sacred 28.

"Indeed," a soft, ladylike voice commented behind her.

Startled, Hermione nearly dropped the book as Crookshanks perked up in her lap.

Hermione stared at the grey-and-black medieval lady before her.

No. She corrected. She is not a lady. She is more of a lady's maid. Hermione's sharp mind absorbed data, logic and observations at an appallingly fast rate.

She's not someone to trifle with. The young girl concluded.

Séraphine's shred dark eyes surveyed the bushy brunette girl-child before her.

Silently, the House-Witch held out her hand to the young witch who wisely returned the aged book with care.

Hermione did not dare look at the House-Witch's macabre bloodstain across her chest.

"My Lord and Heir regard you with high esteem." Séraphine made it a statement.

At this, Hermione straightened. Crookshanks' bright amber eyes flashed.

Séraphine's dark eyes coolly looked down her delicate nose at the ginger feline.

"Peace," she said smoothly. "I've no need to harm your mistress." She eyed Hermione. "Provided she answers my questions honestly, of course." Her veiled threat made the girl balk and she nodded.

"What spell have you used to enchant My Masters?" Séraphine finally asked the question which burned in her mind since Lord Sirius spoke fondly of 'Poinsettia.'

Hermione blinked before her ire piqued. She glared at the powerful House-Witch.

"I don't use such tricks on anybody." Hermione snapped. "That's a Pureblood Malfoy trick." Crookshanks hissed and slowly stood to sit on the table. His bottle-brush tail flicking in irritation.

Hermione stood, squaring her shoulders. She was a few inches shorter than the House-Witch.

The faintest Black smirk changed Séraphine's ladylike stoicism into predatory amusement.

Séraphine did not deny it was a Pureblood tactic. She did find Hermione's sensitivity laughable.

"Nonetheless," she conceded with a dainty shrug. "You've done something...My Heir, I can excuse...My Lord? No so much...even if he was...sympathetic to Muggleborns."

Hermione bristled at the implicit 'Mudblood,' slur.

"What precisely have I ever done to you? Or Harry? Or Sirius?" She challenged. Her bushy hair flying in all directions. "Harry is my best friend. And I admire Sirius because he's the only adult who really cares about Harry." She demanded shrilly. "I risked expulsion at the minimum and juvenile prison to safeguard Sirius―a known wanted fugitive with the Time-Turner." Hermione shook. Not from fear; but anger at the House-Witch's blatant prejudice. The rational part of her mind reminded her of Séraphine's time period. Limited women's rights, her servant's status taking grievance from 'serving,' a Muggleborn, etc.

All flew out the proverbial window since Hermione read Sirius' note informing her that they removed a dark curse from Harry's scar and while he recovered would she be so kind as to take notes and cover for Harry? Naturally, she would. Hermione obsessed about which Dark Magic it could be. She had a fairly good idea what it was. All thoughts turning into action as she promptly ordered Dobby to acquire the slim volume. Hermione did not doubt the House-Witch before her had written it after noting the time period and a small homage written by Sirius' several greats-grandmother, Lady Ursula Black. Lady Ursula commended her devoted servant, Séraphine Marie-Hélène Beaufort, for creating the first of many volumes for all Black Heirs, etc.

Some surprisingly deep intuition instead of her factual mind told her not mention the House-Witch's name and to learn first. She is deadlier than Snape.

Swirling grey-and-black magic ensconced Hermione as Séraphine pulled her closer, startling the young witch into silence.

"I may be bound by Black Honor, Magic and Blood to physically and magically defend you, Muggleborn." The House-Witch threatened. Her eyes slowly burning platinum. "But make no mistake: I despise you. There are reasons to separate Muggles from Wizardkind and ways. We can be evil with Dark Magic...but you're a crueler race with your ingenuity, multiplication and disrespect toward our traditions." Séraphine's eyes cooled to their natural dark alder. "I did not come here for idle chatter or wizarding politics." The House-Witch's voice returned to her ladylike cadence. "I came in professional courtesy." She nearly laughed at the irony. "To warn you once: harm My Lord and Heir or usurp the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black in any way and I will utterly desecrate you, your parents, and your lineage. I care not what you've done in the past."

This is not strictly true. Séraphine could admit a grudging respect for the girl. "You will swear a Blood Oath to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black for Our Protection."

At this, Séraphine tilted her head with her thick, ornate plait slipping and Hermione's eyes unwillingly strayed to the House-Witch's bloodstain, causing Séraphine to smile the cruel Black Grin at her.

"For the House has enemies coming out of the woodwork...and you're a liability, Muggleborn."

Hermione's pale lips thinned. She is not stupid.

She could not help but agree.

As soon as Séraphine swirled away, Hermione felt traitorous tears trek downward and Crookshanks immediately offered feline comfort to his mistress.

"I'm getting more books about her and the House, Crook." Hermione vowed in a bitter whisper. Her dark eyes blazing as wild as her hair.

Crookshanks purred.

Dumbledore extracted plenty of information from Ronald Bilius Weasley* regarding his first Hogwarts best friend and his grudging respectful friendship to his Muggleborn friend.

He placed runes on the young boy's face and heart.

They were a combination of tracker, 'listener' and would secrete bits of Dumbledore's will.*

Technically, Ancient Runes is Grey Magic.* Dumbledore did not consider molding a pawn to be Dark. After all, the wily wizard thought. He's a mediocre, jealous louse that give Arthur and Molly reason to believe in the Pureblood inbred diseases.

The old wizard is not a father and could not understand how any parent could love, accept, want or defend such a pitiful excuse of a son.

They're truly naïve. He thought sagely. I'm doing them a favor.

He figured after he got his hands on Harry he would arrange an accident for Hermione since she will cotton onto his scheme. Only a matter of time, that one. And for Ron? His smirk hid behind his long, white beard. He would make him reckless enough to be expelled and for the Weasleys to disown. Despite how low on the Pureblood totem pole that particular magic drains the disinherited.

Really. The wizard thought disgustedly. I am only making the world a better, more efficient place without the useless Ronald Weasley.

He released Ron with a dismissive wave and the gangly redhead made his way toward the Great Hall for dinner.

Dumbledore tapped a portkey all Headmasters and Headmistresses inherited to conveniently 'Apparate,' to his office.

Lucius Abraxas Malfoy internally sighed. Now that he knew it is really Junior and not the fastidious Senior, he was unnerved.

"Ah," Junior said in his father's voice. "Lucius...how are you and what can I do for you?"

Lucius' Pureblood upbringing enabled him to carry small talk with the vile, loyal Death Eater.

Junior turned to hand Lucius a cup of tea made from expensive Goblin craftsmanship requiring him to occupy both hands wandless.

Now or never. Lucius thought, his heartrate speeding.

With surprising agility, he slammed the Black Dust in Junior's face. Forcing him to inhale as his eyes stung and burned with rage. Before either wizard could react black-and-grey swirls whisked the revealed straw-haired Bartemius Crouch, Jr.* to an unknown location.

"Better you than me," Lucius muttered as Kreacher popped into view with a gagged Winky the Crouch House-Elf.

"Well done, Master Lucius." Kreacher purred in his gravelly voice, making Lucius stiffen. "Her Ladyship commands you to remain at Crouch Manor for the next hour. She suggests making yourself useful by finding 'damning evidence,' to further the House of Black's interests."

Lucius did not dare show his ire. "Am I safe following Her Ladyship's orders?" He eyed the enraged captive female House-Elf shrewdly.

The Black House-Elf inclined his head to Lord Malfoy before his features became entirely Black while tightening his magical and physical hold on Winky.

"You know your master is mad and you will assist the House of Black since his life is in Our Ladyship's hands...and you cannot reveal him to anyone, Winky."

Furious tears leaked from the pitiful House-Elf's large hazel eyes as Crouch Manor lowered Its defenses to Lord Malfoy's spying.

Lucius could admit he was impressed. No idea they could subjugate another House or House-Elf so easily. He thought with a healthy dose of self-preservation not to get on Sirius' or the Black Servants' bad side any time soon.

After receiving a stern, cool look from the Black House-Elf and searching the Crouch Study he came across a bone.*

The blond wizard gulped.

There was something horribly wrong with that bone displayed on the ornate masculine desk. A dark premonition trickled up his spine. He pointed his wand and cast a simple Finite.

The body of Bartemius Crouch Senior's agonized rictus mortisy forever ingrained on Lucius' mind's eye appeared before him on the desk.

"Patricide." Lucius whispered, he placed a gloved hand against his mouth to keep from retching.

Bounded in Dark Magical swirls, Junior searched wildly for his captor until his eyes took in Wormtail.

"You snivelling coward!" He snarled. "I'll kill you for this!"

Peter Pettigrew would have wet himself except he knew the Dark Lord is dead thanks to Her Ladyship informing him of his options.

"No choice." He answered dully. "You'll get yours soon enough from...her."

"Her?" Junior sneered. He licked spittle at his mouth corners.* "What are you? A virgin?" He laughed at his own joke.

Before he knew it he is encased in Black Gelatin adjacent to, and identical with, Wormtail.

"Hello Bartemius Crouch, Jr." Séraphine greeted, her Black Grin baring her Basilisk fangs. "I'm going to have so much fun with you both." She tilted her head and giggled like a schoolgirl. "Legilimens!"

Harry, Sirius and Lacie centered around Harry's bed. The boy gripped his Martial Mage doll aptly named Merlin.

He could not help feeling a little silly holding onto his doll despite desperately needing the comfort. He knew intellectually neither adult would ridicule him for it and they had been present when Lady Fangscales gave it to him in the first place.

Lacie slowly approached and took Harry's hand, causing the boy to lock wide, serpentine eyes with her.

The Gobliness could admit his eyes are alarming. But he has the mark of greatness in him.

"I know there've been a lot of changes, kitling." She said surprising the wizards with her warmer manner. Unfortunately, it unnerved the boy wizard more.

Nurses aren't nice like that unless you're really sick or injured. He thought dully, despite intuitively trusting her.

Harry gulped and glanced at Sirius before returning to her and nodded uncertainly.

Lacie pulled several stones from her bag and explained to Harry she would check his vitals and core. In so doing, she would have Potionsmaster Ragemark adjust his strawberry kiwi nutritive potions for him.

Harry relaxed. For some reason his core liked it when Lacie used Goblin magic.

Sirius' mind raced at the orders he gave his Black Servants to his formal summons from Madam Bones.

He would take the Raven and the loaned Goblin protection belt from the Director. Ragnok said he should borrow it until the threat from Fudge & Co. is gone. He decided he would take Kreacher as a status symbol. He did not want to. If only to appease his godson who had taken an unusual liking to the former mad House-Elf despite having few interactions with him.

Whatever works is fine by me. He thought, internally shrugging.

He forced himself to the present as Lacie clearly asked him something.

"Come again?" He asked, throwing the pair an apologetic look.

"I was just explaining what Mind Healing was, Lord Black." Lacie repeated patiently. "And wanted you to know the Director is flexible in bringing a Goblin Mind Healer either to this Black residence," Lacie was unsure if she were in Black Manor or some place else. As far as she recalled Black Manor had burned down from one of Sirius' relatives. "or to bring Vlatifahn Harry to the Bank."

"What would you suggest?" He asked her before turning to his boy. "And what would you prefer?"

"Here." Harry answered in a small voice. As much as he wanted to see Fangscales, he wanted to be around the Black Servants. And be somewhere less formal and threatening. Although, to the boy's mind frame the House of Black is both without the opulent jewelry.

"After his body is fully healed in the next two days, I should think." Lacie answered smoothly. She is secretly pleased Harry chose to remain inside the House of Black if only to limit potential surprises. Keeping everything private is what he really needs in case he has an episode. The Gobliness thought sagely.

"Right then," Sirius agreed with his thoughts along the same vein as Lacie's. Seeing Harry's stricken look he quickly said, "I've written to Hermione, kiddo." Harry perked up at his friend's name.

"She's already sent her notes along with your assignments." Sirius' charcoal black hair slipped past his shoulder and he pulled it back before waiting on Harry.

Harry nodded slowly, worrying his lower lip. "Quidditch?" He asked. "Ron?"

"Not this week, I'm afraid." Lacie said in a firm, sympathetic voice.

Sirius shook his head. "Nothing from Ron, Pup." He knew Harry is disappointed; but frankly? Sirius was not all that impressed with Ron's behavior as of late.

I wonder if Harry will lose him because of the budding romance between himself and Hermione? Personally, Sirius rooted for Hermione and Harry. Anyone getting in their way would have to answer to Master Marauder Padfoot.

The stones at Harry's joints turned a dark, pulsating orange. Lacie grimaced and quickly Tapped a message to Potionsmaster Ragemark.

"I must return in all haste," she said getting up. "I don't want you moving until I have made adjustments." She rolled her shoulders. "Do not eat any sweets and drink only milk. You may eat bread and cheese only."

Sirius quickly followed her out.

She frowned as Sirius closed the door and she automatically warded the area with a Silencing Charm.

"His core is very unstable, Lord Black." She said sternly. "I don't want him practicing any magic. Not even a Lumos or his homework until I've said otherwise."

"Of course," Sirius readily agreed. "anything else?"

Lacie looked at him with somewhat softer obsidian eyes. "Just be there for him, Lord Black. I've no doubt his friend Hermione is and Hedwig. I'd rather Hedwig remain with Hermione for her sake...and Harry does have Her Ladyship and Kreacher whilst you're away at trial." She stared at him meaningfully.

"You don't think I should tell him." Sirius made it a statement, his grey eyes flattening to mercury before turning guilty. Don't be a bastard. This is Lacie we're talking about.

Lacie shook her head. "I think he needs to be anxiety-free. I know you have Goblin support and such, Lord Black...but for a child's mind?" She sighed. "He's very smart and I know you feel guilty not telling him...and he's your child." She admitted respectfully inclining her head in his direction. "But my professional opinion is to wait until his core is stabilized and then tell him, and celebrate when you have more time for him to adjust to the idea...in his mind?" Lacie glanced at Sirius, who gestured for her to continue.

"You're a dream." She said quietly. "He's always wanted the idea of you and what you represent: safety and paternal affection. A chance to be a child when he's had to deal with things no adult should. He craves it―you," she gestured to the House of Black holistically. "like an addict. However, I do not know what the Mind Healer will find or what those Dursleys really did to him...therefore, I advise against telling him about your trial at this time."

Sirius relaxed. He understood Lacie's mindset and frankly respected her for telling him the truth and not actually barring him from his godson. Out of everyone he has met, she alone (besides Molly Weasley) always had Harry's health at the forefront for no other reason than because he is a child in need. Therefore, he would concede.

Lacie internally sighed in relief. She knew she had won as she made her way to the fireplace as Kreacher took her hand and saying goodbye to Lord Black.

The wizard took a deep breath and decided to return to Harry and eat hearty bread, cheese and milk with his boy until Her Ladyship returned.

He is due for a long-awaited trial in two hours' time.

Malthus remained at the side of the backyard awaiting his chance as he spied on the Dursleys in disgust throughout their day. He remained invisible to all Muggles and the Dark Witch's senses courtesy of Dumbledore's semi-useful blood wards.

There you are. He thought triumphantly as he watched the Smooth Snake matriarch usher her snakelets and mate to the side before slithering through a weep hole connecting upward to Harry's borrowed room.

References: primarily AU.

Ron's name: canon. He was named after his deceased uncle.

Dumbledore's Will: entirely AU. I always assumed that Dumbledore would use any means necessary since he was really a Slytherin/quasi-Gryffindor in disguise to obtain knowledge and power. I suspect he studied both Light and Dark Magics since he fashioned himself to be a 20th Century Merlin.

Ancient Runes: totally my interpretation since I could not believe it would not be used from Alchemy to the Bank's needs to Auror's magic.

Junior: canon. He did have straw-colored hair before he was convicted. Harry Potter Wikia. I am almost positive the actor added in the mouth licking trademark to further differentiate his character's madness.

Senior: canon. He was transfigured into a bone. Creative license onward.