Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. However, I do own OC, non-canon magic, etc.
A/N: OMG y'all! This story has been in production for a year! Thank you for your reviews. Yes, I have more to say regarding the characters and I hope you like where I'm deciding to take this. Please keep up your support! ~JHS.
Ch. XXXI: The Forbidden Forest
Kreacher listened aptly as Harry switched between Parseltongue and English as he discussed small talk between the Servants.
"Kreacher must run an errand for Her Ladyship, Young Master." He announced after some discussion.
The child regarded him with guileless eyes. "When will you be back?"
"You'll see me in time for breakfast, I should think." He answered in his gravelly voice.
He chewed his lip, forcing himself to lean back into Malthus' 'shoulder,' and nodded. "OK, please be safe."
"Absolutely, Young Master." Kreacher bowed before Apparating to No. 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. He had hoped Her Ladyship would have arrived before then to keep Their Heir company.
He's almost scared to be alone. Kreacher observed. He doesn't care when he's at Hogwarts since he has Mistress Hermione and that traitorous Weasley…I think he's become rather attached to us Servants.
For some reason, Kreacher felt a dark part of his heart that once held Master Regulus' esteem brightened at the realization that his new Heir wanted him around.
No child would be so clingy on their own…I'll see to the Dursleys…Her Ladyship said recon and surveillance only…but perhaps, I can leave a surprise or two.
Decision made and receiving a light push from the House of Black, the House-Elf made his way to the nondescript home indicating a sleeping household.
Séraphine took a deep breath to steady herself before having the House open Their Heir's bedroom door.
Merlin's beard, she swore before rearranging her tightened expression to something softer for Her Heir's sake. I'm going to be marrying a Pureblood Lord.
"My Lady?" Harry asked curiously, interrupting himself from his serpentine discussion with Malthus. "Isss sssomething the matter?" The young wizard could hear his sibilance and frowned.
"Not at all, Young Master." Séraphine answered smoothly.
Harry regarded her disbelievingly but Malthus lightly tapped him on the head in gentle reprimand, making the boy blush as he focused on the House-Witch's silver platter.
"Is Sirius going to join us?" Harry asked instead as she placed the breakfast tray and the platter on a conjured tilt-top table for Sirius.
"I suspect he'll be here shortly," she answered. Her dark eyes softening as she looked at him. "How are you feeling?"
"A little better," Harry said, crinkling his nose. "just…frustrated that I'm still in bed. How long did Healer Thaxton say I'd have to be stuck?"
"I'm about to convene with her as soon as Lord Sirius arrives," Séraphine supplied.
Harry smiled. "Please tell her 'hello,' for me and…if you happen to see Lady Fangscales, too?" He asked hopefully.
"Indeed, I will, sir." She said amicably as the door opened to reveal a slightly frazzled Sirius. Upon seeing his boy he grinned.
"By your leave?" Séraphine asked, curtseying somewhat as she leveled her gaze to Sirius.
"Hmm? Oh, right, yes." Sirius stammered.
Harry looked between them. They're up to something…but what? He exchanged a look with Malthus who did the serpentine equivalent of a shrug.
Séraphine nodded, smiled at Harry and lightly closed the door behind her. As soon as the shut her expression turned grim.
Off to Hogwarts to try and make amends with the potential Lady Hermione Potter-Black.
Black-and-grey swirls surrounded her as she made her way to the Forbidden Forest. Gryffindor Tower was closest to it and would make a quicker entry-and-exit for Her Ladyship with Lady Hogwarts' blessing.
The House-Witch had little to fear in the Forbidden Forest. As a being between Ghost and Human she did not suffer from the cold or typical dangers for an unwary woman traveling in the dead of night.
However, something caught her attention in the pale moonlight.
Cautiously, the House-Witch made her way to a partial alcove where a small hand clutched at the earth.
Immediately, Séraphine knelt down and gathered her magic to swirl around her as she carefully lifted the foal to her lap.
The little boy Centaur was barely the size of a five-year-old human and her black heart squeezed.
What is Our Heir doing to me? She wondered.
"You're safe, child." Séraphine cooed to him as the little boy winced, frightened and turned to her voice. She immediately made herself warmer for him to absorb it.
"Who harmed you?" She continued as she used a basic scan she learned from Lacie. Broken ribs, back, hand and partial beating on his hind legs. Her anger spiking. The House-Witch tore several strips of cloth from her dress and began to wrap his hand and ribs securely, providing immeasurable relief to the young Centaur.
"A―a monster h-human that controls spiders and Acramantula…" the little foal sputtered, upset.
"Shh," Séraphine murmured. "we'll find your herd, little one."
For some reason, Séraphine began to sing. Her sweet voice carried farther than she knew. A lulluby popular in her time bringing instant comfort. The song used her Black Magic to twist itself into a healing spell fixing the foal's worst injuries.
"Firenze?" the foal muttered, as he clutched Séraphine's arm once she finished singing.
She turned surprised, and nearly cursed herself for being careless.
Although, I don't think they have power to harm me.
A Centaur pawed at the ground with his hoof, held his hand for the three surrounding Séraphine to stay their weapons, as her intent clearly brought healing comfort to their youngest member.
"You are the one who guards Harry Potter." Firenze observed, causing Séraphine to stiffen, her scleras turning platinum for an instant in warning. "I have met him and know he is good wizard and a fierce soul destined and accomplished at destroying Lord Voldemort…although, I fear he has more powerful enemies than he is aware of."
Unsure as to what to say or do, she nodded. The House of Black never dealt with Centaurs outside of potions ingredients. She had never met a real one and did not know of the proper etiquette.
But I verify his story with my Young Master as soon as I am able. She vowed.
"This child was attacked before I arrived here." She ventured. "My scan showed he suffered from a broken back, ribs, hand and something with his hindlegs."
The Centaurs bristled. Firenze slowly knelt to her level. He was still much bigger than she is―but Séraphine did not intimidate easily. She glanced at the foal who held her as tightly as he could manage.
Smiling softly, she rearranged him using her magic to buoy the worst of his injuries.
"Whom is the one who harmed him?" A Centaur demanded behind Firenze.
Séraphine shook her head, just as the little foal whispered. "A human monster who controls spiders and Acromantula."
"Human!" The Centaurs snarled.
This is taking too long.
"Regardless," Firenze interuppted the braying for blood by his brethren. "we must take Lightfoot home to his parents."
Séraphine nodded. She raised her hand to the tree above her and murmured a spell to transfigure two snapped branches and leaves into a stretcher with a Cushioning Charm* for him.
Floating gently downward it landed at two Centaurs' hands.
Using her swirling magic she placed the foal atop the stretcher.
"What are you? A witch?" one Centaur grumbled.
She smiled faintly. Her eyes showing full Black regalia in her platinum-and-black sceleras with serpentine pupils.
"I am a formiddable ally or enemy." She answered courteously. "I take no pleasure in harmed children and seek to harm any who've harmed Mine."
Firenze rose and held out a hand to her, which she took, arising.
"You would've made a fine Kentauride.*" He complimented. Séraphine blushed silver and nodded.
Turning to the foal she pulled a silver ring from her bloodstained chest cavity. It had Ancient Runes carved into it for protection along with the Black Family crest.
"Wear this on you always," she commanded softly. "The one who attacked you will do so again…this way, I and Mine can help…for whoever is doing this will harm other children. Of this, I have no doubt."
The foal took it placed it on his forefinger in silent awe.
Nodding to Firenze, she swirled toward Hogwarts' Gryffindor Tower, Second Year Girls' Dormitory Room.
Firenze pursed his lips.
"We have more enemies than Lord Voldemort….I have seen it in the stars with Harry Potter's fate."
Kreacher scowled at the nondescript home. It made his House of Black senses scream.
I smell treachery. He thought as he casually and silently unlocked the front door with House Magic.
As Dobby had proven a House-Elf's magic could remain undetected despite Dumbledore's spellwork.
Fool didn't bother to recheck his wards after My Heir warned him of Dobby entering and causing mayhem. Kreacher rolled his eyes.
His sharp ears caught wind of a snoring whale upstairs.
The House-Elf held his hand outward and murmured a spell to make all inhabitants remain asleep as he worked out the secrets of the Home of the Family Dursley.
"I command this Home, under right of inheritance to the House of Black as legalized in law, blood and magic, to spill Its secrets regarding Our Heir Apparent, Harry James Potter-Black, in his treatment and his relations with the Family Dursley." Kreacher announced in High Latin, his gravelly voice pitched lower. His eyes turned black with platinum sceleras to reinforce the House of Black's magical control.
References:
Cushioning Charm: pretty useful, doubtless they used this teaching dancing lessons in time for the Yule Ball.
Kentauride: actual Greek name for a female Centaur. Not dismissing Walt Disney's Centaurettes. That was really pretty to watch and made me think of this sidebar telling to introduce more of the Dark Witch's enemies.