A/N
Back again with another chapter. I apologise for the delay but this was held up for a few reasons; exams and lack of motivation, which I will address now.
I'm not a person that likes to have a moan and I expect to be criticised for my writing at times but one review left me quite pissed off. Usually, I would deal with these in a PM but as the person did not have the guts to log in as a user, I will address it here. Just for context, the review is below.
Guest chapter 10 . Jul 2
You think that you can get us interested in this story thin use that to get us to switch to another story? Think again. Now we know that we can't trust you.
As I said, I don't let things get to me as a rule. If you publish on here then you should be prepared to face criticism. This however, made me very angry, and here's why.
For a start, it takes a very long time to be chapters together. It takes planning, writing, and editing etc. For every 1,000 published, I would estimate around 90 minutes to 2 hours work. On here as writers, we do this for free. I wanted to finish 'Stepping Back' before focusing on my own writing.
That did not exactly go to plan because I felt guilty that I had not updated this for around a year. So, I neglected my own writing (that people are paying to read) to finish 'Stepping Back' and then even more to continue with this. I put out 80,000 words in a month because I felt bad and then receive a comment like this when I explain that I will be focusing on my own work.
At no point have I 'forced' anyone to read my own writing, I simply point out that it is there for anyone interested. I have never once withheld from publishing here until my own work is read and this why this particular review angered me.
This, I do because I love to produce original fanfics and it is good practice as a writer to hone my craft. It is comments like the one above that suck the enjoyment out of posting on here and really made me question if I wanted to continue with it. Saying that, I do not want one person to ruin it for everyone or even myself.
As far as I am concerned, the only people I have let down are the people waiting for the next chapter of my work, and for that, I am sorry. I am working on something just for you guys.
Anyway, my tirade is over, so please, do enjoy this chapter. It is a little shorter than usual but felt like the right place to end it.
TBR
Chapter 11: Plans and Preparations
As Leo fell to the Stunning Spell, courtesy of one of the observing aurors that had accompanied the Minister, Harry vaulted over the barrier and hurried to his friends' aid. Drawing his wand, he stood over the unconscious boy and the unmoving form of Lucius Malfoy as Fudge and his entourage approached.
The crowd jeered disapprovingly at the interference and let their displeasure be known as they openly insulted the Minister and his guards.
"Check on Lucius," Fudge commanded one of the three aurors accompanying him, "and I want that boy arrested."
The two remaining aurors frowned and looked at one another questioningly, both grateful for the interjection of the ICW official.
"On what grounds, Minister?" the man asked furiously.
Fudge ignored the representative and watched as the auror worked on Malfoy. After a few moments had passed, the fallen Lord coughed, a glob of blood being forced from his throat as he began to tremble and wheeze.
"For attempted murder," the Minister declared.
The ICW official shook his head as Harry tightened his grip on his wand, giving Tonks a discreet shake of his head.
"Then shall we arrest Lord Malfoy for the same charge?" another official questioned as he approached. "He did successfully cast two spells that carry a life sentence."
Fudge glared at the man unhappily.
"Under your own rules, the use of them was sanctioned," he shrugged.
"Under the same rules, the actions of Lord Whelan are equally," the official refereeing the bout returned. "Thus, due to interference, I hereby disqualify Lord Malfoy and declare Lord Whelan the victor."
The Minister purpled as the officials made the announcement to the crowd.
"This will not stand," Fudge seethed.
"I will ensure it does," the official retorted. "I will personally submit the required documents to the ICW and to Gringotts to begin transferring Lord Whelan's winnings. Never in all my years have I seen such a blatant and disgusting attempt at cheating. You are a disgrace, Minister."
With his final words, the officials took their leave and Harry grinned malevolently at the stricken man stood before him.
"It seems as though there will be no more stipends from the House of Malfoy," he quipped. He stepped a few extra feet forward and gazed before addressing the Minister once more. "I do hope you have learnt your lesson, Fudge. The House of Black are not known for forgiveness."
"Are you threatening me?" the Minister replied, gulping uncomfortably as he attempted to remain defiant.
Harry shook his head and smiled.
"Absolutely not, Minister," he assured him. "A threat only implies that action will be taken against you. I, on the other hand, am promising it, should you attempt to interfere with my family again."
Fudge swallowed nervously as he looked to towards the two men still flanking him, both seemingly just as reticent as himself.
"Help Duggan with Lucius," he instructed as he turned away and made his exit, the sound of the crowd booing following him.
The two men sprung into action and began levitating the downed Lord between them and their fellow auror that had assisted him primarily.
"We need to get him to St. Mungo's," he explained. "His larynx is crushed; he has broken ribs and his nose is not so good. He's lucky I managed to bring him back."
The three men continued on their way and Harry turned his attention towards his stunned friend. Leo would be furious that Fudge had interfered and more so that Malfoy had survived.
With a wave of his wand, Leo's eyes fluttered open and he immediately sprung to his feet.
"What happened?" he demanded, a frown of confusion marring his features.
"You won," Harry answered with a shrug.
"Did someone stun me?"
Harry nodded.
"Fudge interfered and Malfoy lived," he sighed.
Leo flared his nostrils and growled.
"But, you won," Harry reminded him. "You are now the proud owner of the Malfoy fortune."
Leo grimaced and shook his head.
"It wasn't about the money," he huffed.
Harry placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and nodded.
"I know, but it's yours anyway."
"And well-earned," the voice of Arcturus interrupted.
"Lord Black," Leo greeted with a bow. "I'm sorry. I let my emotions get the better of me."
Arcturus waved him off.
"Had you lost; we would not be having this conversation. I should have known this would not be so easy for you, so the fault is mine. However, you won and that is what matters," he finished.
Leo had no time to reply as he found himself being crushed by the embrace of Cassiopeia Black who began fawning uncharacteristically over him.
"You silly boy," she chastised as she began inspecting his minor wounds.
"I'm fine, Cassie," he chuckled.
Cassiopeia glared at him and he flinched involuntarily.
"For now," she agreed. "Just you wait until I get you home. I will be putting you under that curse until you can feel me in your mind permanently."
Leo shook his head and hid his smile. He knew it was just her way of showing she cared.
"You're already always there, Cass," he replied sincerely.
For a moment, the woman was speechless before she simply pulled him into another hug and buried her face into his shoulder.
"Idiot boy," she mumbled.
Leo wrapped an arm around her, his attention drawn to the other female that occupied his mind. Katie and her parents stood a respectful distance away, the two elder members of the trio looking on uncomfortably as the third was battling the instinct to throw herself at him.
With a grateful smile, he held open his other arm and found it wrapped around the girl only a few seconds later.
"I'm alright," he assured her.
"You won't be if you ever do that again," Katie replied, "I'll make sure of it."
Leo snorted, his countenance stiffening as the other two Bells approached.
"Hello, Lord Whelan. I'm Sarah, Katie's mother," the woman introduced herself with a smile, "and this is my husband, Robert."
Leo returned the gesture as Katie's father gave him a stiff nod. He offered the man his hand which was accepted tentatively.
"It is nice to meet you both," he responded, "but Leo is fine. I'm not so good with this Lordship stuff."
"Well, you seemed to handle Malfoy just fine," Robert returned. "Just for that, I'd like to get you a drink. It will give us the chance to get to know you, if your guardian is okay with it of course."
Leo shot Cassie a warning stare when it seemed that she would protest. With a sigh, she nodded her consent, though she did not seem particularly happy about it.
"I will be back soon," he assured her.
"I want you to come to me when you get back," Arcturus instructed. "Alone," he added firmly.
"I will," Leo replied with a frown.
The Bells along with Leo joined the departing crowd and Harry took hold of Tonks' hand.
"What was that all about?" she whispered.
"I have no idea," Harry sighed. "I imagine Grandfather wants to have a few words with him about today or what he's going to do with the money."
"What do you think he will do?"
Harry shrugged.
"Before he met Katie, he probably would have stuck with Aunt Cassie as long as he could and then bought a house in Japan. Now, I have no idea."
"Would he have left?" Tonks probed further.
Harry shook his head.
"Maybe one day he will but not while Cassie is around. He couldn't do that to her and if things go well with Katie, he couldn't do it to her either."
"Malfoy won't let this go," Tonks pointed out.
"He would if he was smart. Leo won't make the same mistake next time they meet," Harry said. "Anyway, how about we get some lunch?"
Tonks agreed readily.
"Ice cream?"
Harry sighed and shook his head.
"After we eat some real food first," he grumbled. "Not all of us can hide the weight we gain."
(BREAK)
"That was certainly, interesting," Lily commented as the trio of Potters entered her quarters.
A word had not been spoken between them since they had exited the stadium, each lost in their own thoughts.
James chuckled as he took a seat on the sofa, their youngest son perched next to him.
"Even more interesting that the git survived," he sighed. "Without his money, he won't have half the sway he does in the Wizengamot. He won't be able to throw his weight around anymore."
"I can't believe Fudge interfered," Charlie muttered unhappily. "He must have known it wouldn't have gone well for him."
James shrugged.
"He's not the brightest of men. He's just proven his incompetence even more with his actions today. I give it less than a year before we have a new Minister," he finished confidently.
Lily huffed as she busied herself with some light cleaning.
"I don't think political uncertainty is what we need right now. If what we think is going to happen, we need a stable government."
James shook his head.
"We need someone who has the balls to stand against him. Say what you will about Bagnold, but at least she did her best."
Lily worried her lower lip as she nodded towards the boy watching them intently.
"If anyone has the right to know everything, it's Charlie," James insisted. "He needs to be prepared for what might happen."
Reluctantly, Lily nodded.
"I can't imagine Cornelius being a war-time leader," she said. "Then again, I can't think of anyone relishing the position if he comes back."
James dragged a hand through his hair and nodded his agreement.
"The only thing we can do is be as ready as possible. It won't be like last time. I have no intention involving ourselves in it unnecessarily," he vowed. "Our priority is keeping Charlie safe."
"And Harry," Lily added.
James smiled sadly.
"If he wants us to."
Charlie felt a pang of sadness for his parents. He had yet to forgive them entirely for what they had done, but he could feel the shame and regret they carried. Nonetheless, he could only hope that Harry had an ounce of forgiveness in him and that he would eventually find it in his heart to show it.
Although not entirely blameless, James and Lily had been the victims of manipulation. He didn't believe they deserved to be punished any more than they had.
(BREAK)
Having no idea where it was they were going, Leo allowed himself to be apparated to their destination by Mrs Bell whilst Katie, after giving him a nervous smile, was taken by her father. The group arrived outside a pub in which a worn sign hung outside declaring it; The Crown and Anchor. It was an older building, likely from the Victorian era and was decorated with an array of flower baskets and a collection of tables that the patrons could sit at to consume their food and drink.
"It's not much, but it's been good to us," Sarah said fondly.
"I don't suppose Lord Whelan would understand," Robert chimed in frostily as he withdrew a sizable bunch of keys and began the processing of unlocking. "He has spent his life around the Blacks."
"Dad," Katie scolded as her mother frowned, "don't makes assumptions."
Robert sighed as he opened the door.
"You're right, I'm sorry," he offered half-heartedly as he gestured for them to enter.
"It's okay, Mr Bell," Leo replied as he crossed the threshold and breathed in the smell of stale alcohol and cigarette smoke, "but I never had any money until recently. My schooling was free and I was always reluctant to take anything from the Blacks."
Mr Bell grunted as he walked around the bar and began pouring himself a pint of lager, ignoring the matching glare in his direction by his wife and daughter. When he had finished, he poured a generous measure of red wine into a glass and handed it to the older of the females and poured another and placed it in front of Katie after a moment of hesitation.
"And what would you like, Lord Whelan?" he asked.
"A pint of the black stuff, please," Leo answered cordially.
Mr Bell nodded and set to work pouring the first half of the drink before letting it settle for a few moments.
"So, do you play Quidditch, Leo?" Sarah questioned in an attempt to end the awkward silence.
Leo shook his head.
"I'm a fair flyer, but not much of a player," he responded. "We spent more time learning to fight from our brooms."
"Fight?" Sarah returned; her eyebrows raised almost comically.
"Leo went to military schools," Katie explained.
"I see," Sarah said. "Why?"
Leo shrugged.
"They were free and my magic is suited to it."
Sarah nodded her understanding as Mr Bell finished pouring the drink.
"Surely the Blacks could have paid for your education," he muttered.
"They offered," Leo confirmed before Katie or her mother could scold the man further. "But like I said, I wasn't comfortable accepting much from them. They'd already been good to me."
"It's strange to think of them that way," Sarah sighed. "The rest of us a wary of them at best because of the reputation they have."
"A reputation they have earned," Robert interjected harshly.
Leo chuckled before taking a sip of the dark stout.
"I treat people the way they treat me," he sighed. "I've heard all about them and the things they have done but they look after each other. They took me in when they didn't have to and were the first people to care. Cassie is the closest thing I've had o a mother. Don't get me wrong, she's a prickly woman, but she's always been there for me since I was a lad."
Robert nodded whilst Sarah shot him a look of sympathy.
"If you don't mind me asking, how did you meet them?" the latter asked curiously.
Leo gave her a smile and took another sip of his drink.
"I was having some treatment with a specialist in Ireland," he began. "I'd levelled half of the orphanage I was living in with accidental magic and the Ministry sent me there. The Blacks arrived one day to get some help for Harry and we became friends. When it was time to leave, Cassie took me with them so she could teach me Occlumency before I left for school. I've spent my free time with them since," he finished with a shrug.
"And now you are her apprentice?" Sarah asked.
Leo nodded.
"Aye, she's an amazing witch. I would have been foolish to turn the offer down," he replied. "I didn't know what I wanted to do when I graduated."
"And just how old are you, Lord Whelan?" Robert broke in, his eyes roaming over the tattoos that adorned his arms.
"I'm sixteen," he replied and frowned slightly as the man visibly deflated. "I just like them," he added as he gestured towards the ink.
Sarah shook her head at her husband.
"Our Katie is determined to play Quidditch when she graduates," Robert continued proudly.
"Aye, she's said," Leo said with a smile. "She's quite something on a broom."
"That she is," Sarah agreed. "Try as I did, I could never get her in dresses or to play with dolls. She was much more interested in rough housing and spending her time in the dirt."
"Mum," Katie whined embarrassedly, blushing deeply.
Leo grinned as he removed his wallet from his back pocket and withdrew a photo he had placed within.
"Then you will appreciate this," he chuckled as he handed it to the woman.
"Oh, Katie," she whispered as she gazed at the photo of the two of them at the Yule Ball.
Katie snatched the photo from her mother and shot Leo a questioning glare.
"How did you get this?" she hissed, her blush deepening further.
"Pensieve," Leo replied as he gently removed the photo from her grip and handed it back to her mother. "You can keep that one if you like, I have others."
Sarah smiled gratefully and handed it to Robert who nodded reluctantly, a ghost of a smile on his lips.
"I never thought I'd see the day," Sarah whispered, wiping a tear from her eye. "We were so worried that you were not interested in boys, with your choice of hobbies and what not."
Katie looked horrified as she looked between her parents and Leo, a look of betrayal on her face.
"I wasn't," her father defended. "I've dreaded this day."
Katie shook her head as her mother laughed.
"Sorry, Dad," she offered with a smile. "It just, happened."
Robert released a deep breath.
"It could be worse, I suppose," he conceded. "I just worry for you, Katie."
"I'd never do anything to hurt her," Leo interjected.
"We shall see," Robert returned sceptically.
"Dad," Katie bit back.
"Sorry," he replied, "I'm bound to be worried. I am your father."
Katie shook her head.
"I'm not a little girl anymore," she pointed out. "Besides, it could have been Fred or George."
Robert paled.
"Those menaces are not fit for any company. I swear I can still smell those stink pellets from their last visit," he grumbled.
"Bloody gingers," Leo huffed.
"At least we can agree on one thing," Robert quipped.
The atmosphere slowly but surely relaxed as they spent more time together and by the time it was time to leave, Robert seemed to have warmed up to him a little.
"We had best get you ack to school," Sarah announced sadly. "I don't imagine McGonagall will be pleased by your absence."
"I can take her," Leo offered.
"You have your apparating licence?" Robert asked.
Leo nodded and showed him the Japanese document.
"You can learn when you are fifteen there," he explained.
Robert frowned but nodded after a moment of deliberation.
"Straight back to school," he warned. "I will be checking."
Leo nodded as Katie said her goodbyes to her mother and father. They were in Hogsmeade within a few minutes and back within the castle walls shortly after.
"That could have gone worse," Katie huffed.
"Aye," Leo agreed. "I still think your father wants to smother me in my sleep."
Katie giggled.
"He's just protective," she said dismissively. "I am his only child."
Leo nodded.
"Aye, I know," he replied. "I suppose I had better go and see Lord Black. It's not a good idea to keep him waiting too long."
"You won't be in trouble, will you?" Katie questioned as she pulled him into a hug.
"Nah, I don't think so. If he was angry, I would have known straight away," he explained.
Katie nodded as she squeezed him tighter.
"Can we go for a fly tomorrow?" she asked.
"Aye, sounds good," he said.
He gave her a chaste kiss before leaving her outside the Gryffindor Common room and heading back to his own quarters. He was not certain what Arcturus wanted to discuss with him, but he had his doubts that it would be a pleasant conversation.
(BREAK)
Grudgingly, Harry left Tonks' company and headed back towards his own rooms to attend another family meeting, something that was happening more frequently. He understood the necessity of such things, however. Ever since he had arrived in Britain, life ha become increasingly more complicated, precarious even, and that was without having addressed everything that needed to be discussed.
A conversation with Dumbledore was to be had as was one with the Potters, the prospect of both not exactly something he yearned for but felt compelled to do, nonetheless. The was nothing that could be said by either that would endear them to him. He simply wanted the final vestiges of closure for his own sake.
These conversations, however, were for another time. The final task of the tournament was his priority and the ever-closer date of bidding farewell to Tonks was occupying his mind. It was not something he would relish; it was the one ting he was dreading. Despite his own reluctance to form relationships with most, the young auror had gotten under his skin and wormed her way through his defences. Not intentionally mind, but simply by being herself.
He shook his head of the thoughts as he gave the password the Sir Cadogan, ignoring the scrutinising stare the knight sent him from within his helm and entered the room into an uncomfortable atmosphere. Leo and his Grandfather were seemingly finishing an uncomfortable conversation but had paused when he entered.
Leo sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"Aye, I'll do it. If you think it will help that much," he added to the older man.
Arcturus patted him on the shoulder encouragingly and smiled.
"It will," he assured the teen gratefully. "Only you will know when the time is right."
Leo nodded and greeted Harry with a weak grin.
"What's going on?" the Black Heir asked.
"Something you will learn when needed," Arcturus broke in. "Leo will be assisting me with something when the opportunity arises."
Harry looked between the two, neither appearing elated by what they had been discussing. After a moment, he shrugged. He trusted both implicitly and had no reason to be suspicious, though he was curious. Leo was not one to succumb to discomfort easily and Arcturus was not one to ask something of the boy that would provoke such feeling.
"So, why am I here?" he questioned as he took his seat.
"We need to discuss what happened today and what preparations are required for the future," Arcturus replied. "Sirius and Cassie will be here shortly."
True to his word, the other two Blacks arrived only a few moments later and took seats around the table. Cassiopeia shot Sirius an encouraging look and the man cleared his throat.
"They are ready," he announced. "We have five properties fully warded, fully stocked and able to withstand almost anything that could be thrown at us."
Arcturus nodded his approval.
"Good. I myself paid a visit to Grimmauld Place to ready it. I want to ensure we have it if we need it."
Sirius grimaced and nodded.
"I had to kill Kreacher. He had lost his mind listening to the drivel of Walburga's portrait for so long and the house was a wreck. It took a while, but it is in order," Arcturus explained.
Sirius grumbled under his breath before his Grandfather turned his attention to Harry.
"Any news on the third task?"
Harry shook his head.
"Nothing yet."
Arcturus sighed.
"I want you all to keep your eyes and ears open. Whatever is coming will be before or during the task. Harry was entered for a reason and they are running out of time to strike. You will all do whatever is necessary to keep him safe. I will continue to see what I can come up with," he finished.
"You still think it is Voldemort?" Sirius asked.
Arcturus nodded firmly.
"Without doubt, and I have been considering how. Dumbledore knows but he will not share. He's too damned self-assured to confide anything. It is likely that we will have to work with him to a degree."
Sirius growled and Aunt Cassie was affronted by the notion. Arcturus held his hands up placatingly.
"I do not like it either," he comforted, "but I will do all I can to keep the family safe."
Harry nodded his understanding, followed shortly by the others.
"It is most concerning," Arcturus huffed, "everything is too quiet and too dangerous."
Harry could not disagree. Upon looking at the others, he could see that they too were worried.
"What are our chances?" he asked darkly.
Arcturus shook his head unknowingly.
"If we can avoid involving ourselves, we may just pull through. The Dark Lord is a powerful wizard with much influence. Even on my best day, I would have struggled to just survive against him."
"We won't be able to avoid it," Sirius whispered, "he will come for Harry."
"Then he will have to come for us all," Cassie spat. "I'm not so old that I can't give him some unpleasant memories of me."
Harry smashed his fist on the table in fury, his eyes blazing the emerald green he was born with. He had no doubt that Voldemort would come for him, he remembered that night as though it were yesterday, and if Voldemort did too, he would be at the top of his list.
"Then we will not involve ourselves unless necessary," he declared sternly. "When this tournament is over with, we will leave and not return. Magical Britain can handle their own Dark Lord. Let Dumbledore prove himself once more."
Cassie snorted and Arcturus chuckled.
"Dumbledore holds on to his morals too tightly. He's capable, I'll give him that, but he does not have the fortitude to kill Voldemort. Hell, he is probably too old now," the woman shrugged.
Arcturus sighed loudly.
"We won't be able to avoid it forever. Like it or not, we are already a big target because of the threat we could be to him and for what has happened in the past," he added to Sirius knowingly. "That s why we will be prepared for all eventualities. For now, I want you all to be ready to leave at a moments' notice, just in case, and do not be predictable with your movements. We do not want anyone to be able to anticipate where we are or what we are doing."
The others nodded as the Black patriarch stood.
"We will do all we can to come through this, whatever is necessary, whatever that may be. The survival of the Black line is all that matters."
Harry swallowed and bowed slightly as Arcturus' glare bored into him.
He was very much aware of what was expected of him in the years to come, but he could not promise he could fulfil it. None knew what truly had happened that night other than him and likely the Dark Lord. It was the only thing he had ever kept from his family and best friend. All to ensure they were safe.
Now, he could not help but think that his silence on the matter would prove to be disastrous.
(BREAK)
The Dark Lord looked upon the rat in disgust as the pathetic man trembled before him, the days' newspaper clutched in one of his sweaty fists. The news could not be good, of that he had no doubt, but the incessant cowering of Pettigrew was trying his patience. Usually, he would find such a countenance amusing but when Wormtail adopted it, it was meaningless. The man was as spineless as they came.
"What is it, Wormtail?" he hissed.
The squat man swallowed nervously as he handed the paper to his master and near sprinted from the room, unwilling to be in the presence of the impending outburst of fury.
The Dark Lord frowned as he read the article, his serpent-like nostrils flaring angrily as the ineptitude of one of his more ardent followers was displayed for all to see. Instead of spewing expletives and curses as one would expect, Lord Voldemort simply shook his head.
Lucius, though usually a cunning man, had proven his foolishness. The Blacks were not a family to be crossed lightly and he was now paying the price for his folly. Doing so, he had lost everything to a mere boy.
He pondered the name for a moment, the familiarity of it invoking memories long past.
"The potioneers," he muttered under his breath, a light frown creasing his brow.
They themselves were of no importance overall, but their refusal to offer his assistance had triggered his first foray into Ireland. He specifically remembered ordering Lucius and a few other followers to punish them duly for their slight against him. He celebrated the devastation by torturing the fool for killing them both. He'd had a need for them and the ingredients they had at their disposal. Instead, he had lost them to another bout of over-zealousness by the blonde.
As far as Lord Voldemort was concerned, Lucius had gotten what he deserved, less in fact for all the transgressions he had committed throughout his life. But now, without his wealth, he had little use for him. The only thing that the man had to offer was the influence he held over the current Minister and it was unlikely that Fudge would remain so for much longer. He had angered a rather prominent and dangerous family and that certainly did not bode well for the man and his political career.
Arcturus Black was not a forgiving man and the Dark Lord was certain that the election of a new Minister was on the horizon.
(BREAK)
Harry had been pondering the final task since the details had been revealed the night before. Needless to say, he was about as pleased as his Grandfather in what the task entailed. The elder Black was not comfortable that Harry would be out of sight for the duration nor for the number of variables and potential issues that could arise from such a thing. In short, Harry would be alone until it was all over in a place where so many things could go wrong and this did not sit well with any member of the family.
It took considerable time before they were able to begin planning, and even then, little was achieved. All that had been revealed was that the champions would have to retrieve the cup from within the maze and face several obstacles on the way.
It had been Leo that suggested he speak to Charlie as it was almost a certainty that there would be creatures lurking within the construct. The young Potter may not be the most deft with a wand, but he did take Care of Magical Creatures under the tutelage of Professor Hagrid, and as Sirius explained, the man was quite the expert on the subject and would have undoubtedly been called upon for this particular part of the task.
As usual, a sleepy Charlie emerged from the portrait of the Fat Lady and gave the duo a nod in greeting.
"Morning," he mumbled as he began stretching his legs.
"Little Potter," Leo returned. "Forget training for now, we need to speak to you."
Charlie immediately adopted a look of nervousness as his gazed shifted between the two older boys.
"It's nothing to worry about," Harry assured him, "I just need your help with something."
Charlie relaxed and nodded eagerly as he followed the others into an abandon classroom a little further down the corridor. Once inside, Leo sealed the door and placed a few charms on it that he did not recognise.
"What is it?" he questioned.
Harry dragged a hand through his hair and let out a deep breath.
"It's about the third task," he said without preamble.
Charlie frowned and shook his head.
"I don't think I'll be able to help you there," he responded sagely.
"I just need information. I need to know the kind of creatures Professor Hagrid would use if he was asked to supply some for it," he explained.
Charlie's eyebrows almost vanished into his hairline as he paled.
"Nothing good," he said darkly.
"What do you mean?" Leo asked.
Charlie sighed and pondered his words before answering.
"Hagrid's a nice bloke, but not exactly all there when it comes to animals," he replied tapping the side of his head with a finger.
Harry frowned and gestured for him to continue.
"When I was in my first year, he hatched a dragon egg and planned on raising it. He even named the bloody thing until we managed to get it away from him," Charlie informed them.
Leo snorted as Harry shook his head.
"What else?" Leo enquired.
"He like dangerous creatures. Almost everything we have studied could kill a normal person. Hippogriffs, Ashwinders and even Blast-Ended Skrewts," he reeled off.
"What the hell is that?" Harry asked.
Leo shrugged and Charlie shook his head darkly.
"They look like a giant scorpion and shoot fire out of their arses. We had to stop studying them because they got too big and dangerous. Nothing we tried would put one down."
Leo laughed as Harry dug his pals into his eyes.
"So, anything he chooses will be bad," the latter deduced with a groan.
"Yes," Charlie reiterated. "The man would probably think a Nundu is a bloody kitten."
"Great," Harry declared sarcastically.
"You'll be fine," Leo comforted. "If anyone can handle this stuff, it is you."
Harry gave him a weak smile. It was not the maze nor what it would contain that had him so concerned, but everything else. Something felt entirely off and it was a feeling that he could not shift. He knew that he would have to be on his guard wherever he went and whatever he did from here on in and that did nothing to alleviate the foreboding that the task itself instilled within him.
"Let me worry about everything else until afterwards. I'll be with you whenever you need to leave our rooms and whatever happens after the task, we will handle," Leo continued.
Harry gave him a grateful smile. The other boy was one of the very few he would trust with his life, but the feeling of something dark approaching was ever prominent. He didn't know how; he just knew that things were soon to change. For now, however, he needed to focus on surviving the task ahead. He would certainly feel much better when the tournament was over with.
(BREAK)
It had been all too easy to infiltrate the school and none had suspected a thing, not even the revered Headmaster. Since September he had played the part masterfully and had the Dark Lord given him permission, almost all the undesirables would be dead; Dumbledore, the Potters and even the Blacks. But his Lord had forbidden it, for now. His position within the four walls was too important and Lord Voldemort wanted the world to witness his greatness once more.
He wanted them to fear him, for them to know that it was his own brilliance that fooled Dumbledore and those that continued to believe the man was a God.
They would learn. They would see that those they hailed as heroes for so long were nothing but weak fools that had once been fortunate. He could not wait, and as the day drew closer, it became difficult to hide his grin, to control the excited trembling of his limbs.
The Dark Lord would return and he would be elevated above all others. It would be he that delivered what the Dark Lord desired, and it would be he that would find a place by his side.
His master had rescued him. Now it was he that would return the favour.
The Dark Lord would rise once more and a new era would begin. A new era in which the mudbloods and muggle-lovers would be crushed beneath the heel of their betters.
All that was left was one more change, a change that he had prepared for since his arrival. It had not been easy, but he had watched his target, learnt his mannerisms down to the way his furtive, worried glance would flit here and there as he went about his way.
As with his current guise, none would ever suspect him, until it was too late.
(BREAK)
Sirius Black graciously accepted the offered whiskey and took a gentle sip before placing the glass upon the table. It was not often he found himself in the office of his Grandfather, but when he did, he knew that something of paramount importance was to be discussed. The man that had invited him took a seat opposite, his wrinkled hands clutching his own liquor. Though the man was old and was showing the decades he had lived, his eyes were just as sharp as the younger Black remembered. Full of cunning and knowledge, he wouldn't be surprised if he were to live another fifty years.
"I have asked you here because things have recently come to light, things that you have a right to know and things that complicate matters further than we thought," the older man began tiredly.
Sirius frowned, but did not interrupt.
"I've been reviewing the memories you shared with me about what happened in 1981 and the day Harry was relieved of the Horcrux," Arcturus continued. "From this and making some discreet inquiries, I have learned a lot of things."
"Bad I take it," Sirius sighed.
"And good," Arcturus corrected.
"So, what did you find?" Sirius asked.
"The Dark Lord has more than one Horcrux," Arcturus revealed. "Not being particularly knowledgeable on the subject, I didn't know such a thing was possible."
"Shit," Sirius cursed. "How did you find out?"
"The first clue was the room where Harry was healed. The text on the wall used the word 'abominations', as in more than one of the creations. I believe the 'foul Greek' the writing mentioned was Herpo the Foul, the suspected creator of the Horcrux."
Sirius nodded. It was not something that he himself had pondered much.
"From this, we can deduce that he himself created more than one so it is not impossible for Voldemort to have done the same. A wizard of his calibre would not have found it too difficult," Arcturus offered.
Sirius shook his head in denial.
"But there's no proof," he pointed out, "it's just speculation."
Arcturus released a deep breath as he returned the gesture.
"Believe me, I wish I was wrong," he sighed. "All the proof we need is right here."
He reached into his pocket and withdrew two small packages wrapped in silk and placed them on the desk between them.
"I went to Grimmauld Place to retrieve a tome we have in the Library there, the only one that mentions Horcruxes," he began once more. "Imagine my surprise to find it missing and learning the last person to take it was your brother."
"Regulus?" Sirius asked angrily.
"The very same," Arcturus answered fondly as he gestured to the small packages. "It appears that Regulus learnt of his master's secret long before anyone and decided to begin our work for us."
Sirius's frown deepened as he removed the silk from both items to reveal a pair of matching lockets, both adorned with the mark of Salazar Slytherin.
"I don't understand," he muttered.
"Open that one," Arcturus instructed, pointing to the one on the left.
Sirius did so and removed the piece of parchment he fond within. Unfurling it, he immediately recognised the neat, flowing script of his younger brother:
To the Dark Lord
I know I will be dead long before you read this but I want you to know that it was I who discovered your secret. I have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can. I face death in the hope that when you meet your match you will be mortal once more.
RAB
A flabbergasted Sirius looked between his Grandfather and the parchment in disbelief. For years he had believed his brother had died in the man's service. To learn that he had died defying him warmed his heart. His brother had never been inherently evil. If anything, he was much more like his father than the mother they had shared. But Walburga had been set on her favourite son joining the ranks of the Death Eaters.
"Oh, Reg," he whispered sadly.
Arcturus nodded his agreement before taking a sip of his drink.
"I was just as surprised as you are," he said.
Sirius took a moment to appreciate the simple missive in his hands before shaking himself from his thoughts.
"What's this one?" he asked, gesturing towards the matching locket.
"That one was a Horcrux," Arcturus responded with a victorious smirk.
Sirius's eyes widened as he backed away from the item warily.
"Don't worry, it has been destroyed," the older man assured him.
"How?" Sirius asked, his eyes still firmly on the necklace.
"Kreacher was rather helpful," Arcturus answered. "I asked him about the book and why Regulus wanted it. He was happy to tell me all about how he had been chosen by the Dark Lord to help protect something very special and how Regulus made him show him where it had been hidden."
"And you went there alone?" Sirius questioned irritably.
"Kreacher was happy to show me. A very unpleasant place but not as well guarded as I expected. The inferi could have been a problem but Kreacher assisted me when it mattered. Unfortunately, he did not survive but I retrieved the locket and Kreacher had already handed over the other when I promised to destroy it," Arcturus explained.
"You should have taken me with you," Sirius said despairingly.
"I would have sent for you were you needed," Arcturus bit back.
He was not happy, but he was not keen on angering the man. Instead of trying to chastise him further, he opted to move on.
"How did you destroy it?" he asked.
"I took it to where Harry was healed. From what I saw in your memory, the locket was cleansed in the same way. It is no longer a Horcrux and we have gained a priceless artefact in the process."
"So, it really is Slytherin's locket?" Sirius questioned.
Arcturus nodded.
"Or an excellent forgery. It is something I will have to look into but I am reluctant to do so. Only a few people alive can confirm it and I am not keen on approaching them yet, but I fear I will have to. It could prove to be necessary."
"Why are you so worried?"
"Because it could put us in even more danger than we already face," Arcturus said severely. "This was once in the possession of the Dark Lord and is a clue to who he really is. It is a Slytherin Family heirloom and it is no secret that he professes to be a direct descendant. Clearly, he wishes to keep his true identity hidden, something I plan on uncovering. It would be safer to do so without resorting to using the locket, but it means we have something," he finished.
"Does it matter who he is?" Sirius returned.
Arcturus nodded.
"Know your enemy, Sirius. If we learn who he is then we can learn more about him. Find any weaknesses he has and how many of these damned Horcruxes he has made. He cannot be killed until they are gone," he pointed out.
"You think there are more?" Sirius asked worriedly.
Arcturus shrugged.
"I don't know," he sighed, "but we will only find out by learning more about him."
"And how will you do that without using the locket? It's the only clue you have," Sirius reminded him.
"Not entirely," Arcturus replied cryptically. "Very rarely does a wizard of his ability surface. It should not be too challenging to narrow it down with some discreet digging."
Sirius shook his head. His grandfather was playing a very dangerous game.
"Just, be careful," he requested. "Don't take any unnecessary risks."
Arcturus gave the man an uncharacteristic smile.
"I fear that all risks may become necessary, Sirius. If they are fruitful, then they will be worth it."
A/N
For those taking part in the competition on my pages (Kofi and P atreon), the closing date is the 16/08/2019 and the winners will be revealed shortly afterwards.
I will be posting winners live on Twitter as they are drawn and will update my profile page here also. My apologies that it has taken this long, it has been a very busy period. For those that do follow me, they will know that I am preparing to begin teaching in September.
I will certainly have more chapters out before then.
Anyway, please do Review, Follow and Favourite as usual and feel free to PM me.
Love to all of you that continue to read what I produce. I wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't for you guys.
TBR