A/N: Hello! Thank you so much for reviewing and providing thoughtful insight and critique. I know it's been awhile; and I do apologize. However, life happens and y'all's reviews are my reward and currency. So please keep it up! Yes, Harry's companion story would be darker. However, it would only be for a few years and it would showcase the Snake family caring for him. I believe this would make LBR3 the last installment of a trilogy.

I don't plan on any more 6-year-old moments past this since we'll all assume Harry's healing nicely from being scrambled upstairs from the magical backlash. He still will need Mind Healing.

Special thanks to anyone catching my GSP errors. I promise I am writing them down in my notebook. Unfortunately, I have to resubmit all my chapters one at a time to do so; which is why I've been slacking.

Anyhoo, onward bound!

Ch. XXX: The Interim Plan

~*Meanwhile at the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black*~

Harry stared at Séraphine's back as she exited his new bedroom to retrieve him something to eat.

I wonder if she and Sirius are dating? He thought, somewhat jealous and curious. Before rolling his eyes at himself and immediately regretting it.

He closed his eyes and could faintly sense another. It is dark and fearsome with scales and feathers all around him.

Harry stiffened.

What is going on? He thought perturbed.

The fearsome presence settled against Harry's core. However, it remained guarded and did not seek to harm Harry. The boy grimaced.

Definitely have to ask someone about this.

He took a deep breath, before refocusing on Hermione's pretty script.

Dear Harry,

I hope this letter fines you well. I know you must rest―so please don't worry about your studies. I'll help you any way I can…I was wondering if I could borrow some House of Black books? I just found it fascinating that the House has two totems. Do you know how rare that is, Harry?

I figure Pureblood history is all the rage and always thrown in my face…I'm really not trying to be ignorant; but if I try researching it at the library I'll get into trouble.

I miss you, Harry. Thank you for lending me Hedwig. She makes me smile while you're convalescing and reminds me of you.

Yours,

Hermione.

Harry beamed. A warm glow surfaced and surged around his heart and unbeknownst to him started to speed up his healing process. The dark presence relaxed and subsided deep within Harry's core.

He carefully propped himself farther up on his pillow.

Séraphine made certain to present Harry's breakfast tray with a writing tablet using the House's best silver.

After all, the House-Witch thought, he is the first adopted Heir Apparent in Our House's history. Secretly, the House-Witch hoped to impress Her Heir.

She is uncharacteristically nervous and very worried about the Muggleborn snitching.

Own it, Séra, the House-Witch internally sighed in defeat. The voice sounding suspiciously like Lady Ursula. It was once a tender nickname and a gentle admonition between Her Ladyship and Her Handmaiden.

She closed her eyes in self-recrimination. I'm no longer sweet and innocent nor am I lovable. I deserve what I receive from my new Heir and My Lord's disregard.

Harry frowned in concentration on what he is going to say to Hermione, before turning his attention to the House-Witch with a welcoming expression.

"My Lady?" Harry whispered. His voice rusty from disuse making them both wince. He hated being such an invalid.

Séraphine started. Nearly dropping the silver tray.

"Yes, Young Master?" She asked, a Servant at attention.

Harry blinked and frowned at her formality. "Is everything alright, Lady Séraphine?"

"Of course, Young Master," she said quickly as she placed the silver tray on Harry's lap. Harry stared at the scrolling, opulent fine silver before him. "Shall I get you something?"

Even the Dursleys and Hogwarts never had something so fine. He thought, wholly impressed, making the House-Witch straighten a bit.

"Would it be possible to lend Hermione some Black Family History books?" he asked innocently, while taking a sip of water from the silver-laden goblet.

The House-Witch internally screamed.

My life's work in the hands of Muggleborn. She thought dismayed. Her eyes pricked with tears.

"If you wish it, sir." She answered with a smoothness of centuries' practice.

Now, Harry is worried. He did not like it one bit that Séraphine is nervous.

She's never been like that before…maybe I should ask Sirius or Kreacher when they see me. He decided.

The child remained cautious.

"I would like to read them as well," Harry said slowly, thinking quickly. Maybe I insulted her by accident? Because, I should read them since I'm…a part of this Family and…that's got to be it!

"Which parts?" The House-Witch softly asked. "The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black can trace Her history since Merlin with Our first progenitor, Master Phineas Nigellus Black and Lady Ursula. Or would you like something more recent and not all the lineage and legalese?"

Harry blinked, somewhat stunned. "You can trace the Black Family to Merlin? Have you ever met him?" Harry asked interestedly before remembering her question. "Er, maybe start with the basics…Lady Séraphine?" The boy noticed she stiffened slightly.

His eyes softened. "I'm really sorry for being sickly," he apologized sincerely. "I know you've been working around the clock for me and probably not getting any sleep."

Séraphine's jaw dropped for the second time that day after at least a generation.

"Oh, that's very kind of you, Young Master," she said surprised at his sincerity. "But, it is my pleasure to Serve Our House and all Its occupants…and I don't need to sleep."

Harry stared at her.

"How come?" He asked confused, before blushing. "I'm sorry," Harry said quickly. "you don't have to answer that or anything. I know you're not a Ghost…"

Cautiously, the House-Witch sat beside her Young Master.

"Nay," she admitted. "but I might as well be."

Harry looked at her curiously.

She inclined her hand for him to eat. The boy quickly obeyed, eating as she looked hesitant but determined to tell her history to someone clearly interested.

"I am neither fully Ghost nor fully Human," she began, surprising herself how much she wanted to talk to someone about herself and how she came to be. I'll omit the worst parts. She glanced at the child, who looked at with gentle, serpentine eyes. I agree with Lord Sirius…keep him innocent for as long as we can.

"I did, in fact meet the Great Sorcerer Merlin at a dinner for then-Lord Phineas Nigellus and Lady Ursula," she said, marveling at Harry's wide eyes.

"He was quite powerful and exuded power. He didn't display his power like a peacock. He was actually quite sincere and very polite to all of us Servants." She continued, before pausing. "I suspect that's because he was a commoner himself before becoming so skilled."

"Have you always been a Servant?" Harry asked between bread bites.

She shook her head. "I lived in small village not far from the House of Black's Château." Her eyes shadowed. "I had loving parents, two doting older brothers and one infant brother. We were an honest farming family. My mother worked as a seamstress at Lady Ursula's favorite dress shop. My father worked on the farm and I helped until my baby brother was born. It was my duty and privilege to finally be a big sister," her eyes softened and saddened.

"What happened?" Harry asked quietly. Foreboding washing over him.

"At the time, Young Master," she said just as quietly. "Muggles, Muggleborns and Purebloods warred. Unfortunately for my family, we were caught in their raid…ultimately, I was the only survivor…and…thankfully Lady Ursula recognized me based on my visits into town with my mother."

Harry did not dare press the issue.

And I just insulted her with asking for Hermione to read. He thought darkly. He reached for hand and held it. He knew it is a sore topic for Hermione now…but he could only imagine knowing your parents then having them murdered in front of you hurt worse than his situation.

And he hurt deeply from his worst memory courtesy of the Dementors.

She's so cold. Harry thought sadly, as he tried to warm her hand with his. I bet she really misses Lady Ursula.

She blinked, blushing a faint silver. "Lady Ursula taught me to read and write and she tasked with me maintaining the House History records." Séraphine could not stop once she started. It was as if a shroud lifted from her person. She basked in this child's gentleness like a flower starved of sunshine. "Back then, no one was allowed to read and write unless you were of the nobility. However, Lady Ursula said she wanted me to focus on my new life and gave me a purpose. I worked my way up from Scullery Maid to Her Ladyship's Handmaiden." She smiled thinly. "It took me 13 years to do so…I was so proud." Séraphine chuckled, before turning grim.

"That dinner I mentioned? Well, the Great Sorcerer left and as we were cleaning up…Master Phineas Nigellus' friends appeared to his left and got his attention. I sensed something was very, very wrong…and long story short," she glanced down her chest. "I took the axe meant for him and Lady Ursula." She sighed.

Harry gaped at her. He is not one to stare at a woman's body like the Weasley Twins; but he admitted he always wondered at the macabre blood stain across her grey-and-black medieval dress.

"Whereupon," she continued. "I melded my magic and my soul to guard the House of Black and all Her Heirs from any betrayal and to destroy our enemies and means necessary." She gave a dainty shrug. "The House is known for Her Revenge, Cunning, Dark Magic, Capability and Esteem. I incorporated those traits as a 'living vessel,' for centuries. With each passing generation the Black Lords and Ladies added to my knowledge and I furthered the House's Interests based on the living Lord Black." She explained to a thoughtful Harry. "Each Lord Black is known for something…it remains to be seen what Lord Sirius will be known for. His Grandfather, Master Arcturus," She said wistfully. Harry tilted his head at her curiously. "He…was a complicated, political, shrewd man who dearly loved Mistress Melania," the House-Witch paused, "and he was the first Lord Black to know I was actually a person since Lady Ursula…I confess," Séraphine mused. "I didn't care for Master Phineas Nigellus. But, I only saved him because Lady Ursula did."

She gave Harry a sheepish grin.

Harry smiled back at her, before becoming serious.

"How old were you when…you…died?" Harry asked hesitantly.

Séraphine thought for a moment. "I haven't thought about it in centuries," she muttered. "I was almost 20. My birthday was in…April…and I died in February at 19-years-old."

Harry gulped.

She's barely passed seventh year. He thought upset. She didn't have a chance for anything.

"I'm sorry, Lady Séraphine," the House-Witch's eyes tightened at the name. I must speak with Lord Sirius. She thought. For he must educate Our Heir on not calling me Lady Black.

For if someone is referred to as the Lord or Lady or Heir falsely, it could cause much harm to them. For the House is a formal entity and does not take kindly to misplaced titles.

"Hermione doesn't have to read anything if you wish for her not to," Harry said sincerely, guilty emeralds shone at her with unshed tears.

She looked at Harry for a moment.

"She means a lot to you and Lord Sirius," Séraphine protested quietly. "and as restitution for saving Lord Sirius then she should be rewarded…I suggest lending her a basic book and leaving the more…ancient histories at Our Libraries…until she is welcome in the House."

The House's lights flickered ominously and Harry clutched the House-Witch's hand fearfully.

Séraphine's eyes flashed platinum.

"She may be a Muggleborn," Séraphine said in a commanding voice reminiscent of Harry's earlier impression. "But you cannot deny without her we would have no Lord Sirius…and therefore no Heir Harry James Potter-Black," The House-Witch continued. "it is Lord Sirius' wish she be invited once we've straightened a few things…along with the Weasleys." Her tone taking a no nonsense attitude the House subsided in ill grace.

"You must rest, Young Master," She chided gently. Séraphine did feel strangely maternal toward her young charge. And now that he shared the warmth of his regard and allowed her to speak he further endeared himself to her. She removed his silver tray and left his writing tablet behind. Harry's door opened and he could see his name written in her script, causing another warm glow to appear in heart at having a place.

Thoughtfully, Harry penned a response to Hermione and summoned Dobby.

"Young Master Harry Potter, sir!" The excited House-Elf exclaimed. "How's you being now?"

"Better," he admitted, causing the House-Elf to gasp. "what is it Dobby?"

"N―nothing, sir." He said quickly, clearly unsettled by Harry's serpentine pupils and sensing a warning from the House. The House-Elf quickly surmised Sirius is supposed to be the one to break it to him since Lacie wanted to do another health check before releasing Harry for school. "Just that you hair has really grown and reminded me of Master Snuffies."

Harry laughed, settling into the pillows.

"Well, I don't fancy having shaggy long hair anytime soon. I'll definitely have to figure out to cut it." He said accepting Dobby's lie and handing him a letter.

"Could you pass this to Hermione for me?" Harry gestured Dobby closer before saying in low voice. "I plan on discussing more with her later."

Dobby nodded solemnly. "Of course, Master Harry Potter sir." He said. "Consider it done, Dobby will have Mistress My-My's notes for you soon."

Harry took Dobby's hand before he Apparated.

"Why do you call her Mistress My-My?" Harry asked curiously. None of the other House-Elves called her anything so formal.

Not that most of the House-Elves get it right with our names. Personally, Harry thought it is a quaint trait for them to have. Making them somewhat childlike and lovable in Harry's opinion.

"Because she is special to Master Harry Potter and therefore she is special to Dobby," the House-Elf answered with uncharacteristic mystery and grinned. "and when Master Harry Potter was hurting at the Weasleys." Harry's eyes shadowed, recalling the summer where he bled and felt strange and thankfully had the Weasley Mermaid guide him to the surface. "He called Hermione his 'My 'Mione.' So Dobby shortened it for My-My since it would sound strange coming from Dobby's mouth."

Harry blushed bright red.

"Oh, er, could you keep that a secret?" Harry stammered. Ron mentioned that once a House-Elf 'gifted,' you with a name then it is for life.*

How embarrassing. He thought, gulping.

"Of course, Master Harry Potter, sir." The House-Elf beamed before quickly Apparating.

He buried his face in hands.

"Ron must never find out." He muttered, mortified.

The Dark Witch scowled at her Spider and Scorpion.

"Both of you disappoint me." She snapped, making the two older boys grimace as they looked obediently downward. They knew they would be punished for displeasing her.

"All you've been able to find out about our little Serpent is his age, his name, and that he's been adopted by that damnable House of Black!" She raged. Her skeletal features exaggerated by her anguish. "Things I already knew! Pay attention to the gossip around Hogwarts…I'll make one of you attend in that upcoming Triwizard Tournament that old goat is holding court at Hogwarts. Maybe both of you in either school…" she mused. She dismissed them with a wave of her hand and both boys bolted into the shadows.

She glared at her reflection. Her red eyes blazing in her black sclera. Her hair a wispy thread of its former beauty and she sighed.

"I need all three of you…harnessed to my will and my beauty shall return. Once, I have your magic, my Serpentine Prince," she crooned darkly. "I'll suck the life out of you along with my Scorpion and Spider…they've outlived their usefulness but you…I could have fun with you."

She chuckled darkly as she peered at her scrying cauldron.

An old face appeared.

Dumbledore.

Time to make a deal…Albus. She scowled.

References:

Séraphine: I love my House-Witch and now I think Harry will mediate between the witches because he despises conflict. At least in my FanFiction stories, lol!

My-My: I love nicknames, and Harry actually did 'think,' it but he didn't realize he said it aloud. I went AU on the House-Elf rule. Plus, I really ship Harry and Hermione and have several plans involving Dumbass' Goblet of Fire session and Ron's jealousy in the upcoming chapters. I do intend on adding more canon characters like Tonks, Fleur, etc. we will see how that pans out with the Dark Witch.