Chapter 12: From where the snake emerged
It has been some time and for that, you have my apologies. I had to re-read this story and make some decisions about where I want it to go. I had painted myself into a corner but am quite certain I've found a way out of it. Anyway, I do have a T account for those not aware and details of that can be found on my page. I also now have an insta where you can follow me: lee mccusker tbr (No spaces).
As usual, enjoy, review favourite and follow.
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Arcturus Black stared intently at the names he had painstakingly deemed possibilities of the Dark Lord's identity. Having spent day upon day within the ministry, meticulously scouring any records that may give him a clue, he was exhausted. He had begun his search in the achievement archives, trawling through academic records and any other feats worthy of mention. The five names he now had were the result of his efforts.
Two he could discount immediately. Dumbledore, though a man of questionable character at best was not the Dark Lord and neither was his own friend, Charlus Potter. Cantankerous Nott would be a strong suspect had he not passed during the last war. He had been a gifted wizard, deadly with a wand and a ruthlessness to rival that of Voldemort himself. Nott, however, was dead. Arcturus had witnessed his demise personally, a memory that stirred only satisfaction in the old man's bones.
The only two names that remained were ones he did not recognise. They were certainly not men of pure blood but piqued his interest, nonetheless. Elgin Drury had achieved outstanding grades during his years at Hogwarts but had suddenly disappeared during a tour in South America some five decades ago. No other record of the man existed and that alone disturbed Arcturus more than he cared to admit. It was not unusual for people to vanish in the wizarding world, but it was seldom that a man like Drury would disappear without due cause. From what Arcturus could gather, he had been a quiet man, introverted and avoided the public sphere as much as possible to the point that little concern had been shown when he did not arrive back from the Americas. It was as though the world had forgotten such a seemingly brilliant man had existed.
The final name on the list had garnered his attention much more than the prior; Tom Riddle, Slytherin House. By all accounts, the boy had been a prodigy, rivalling even the revered headmaster of Hogwarts with both his OWL and NEWT results. He had graduated in 1945, quite a few years after himself and no other record of the boy could be found other than he had been the recipient of a Special Services to the School award, though the details of such were not included. No record existed of what he went on to do or any further achievements. Such talent was not something to be wasted nor something that would go unnoticed, he did however have his reservations. If he was a mudblood, as Arcturus expected, it is possible that he was killed in the closing stages of the muggle war. If that were not the case, then it was rather suspicious that he had all but vanished after his schooling.
Arcturus released a deep breath as he stretched.
Although the names were interesting, he could not help but think he was missing too much information. The Dark Lord claimed to be from the Slytherin line but nothing suggested either of the two were linked even distantly. Neither came from a pureblood family and any relative of the man would not sully their line with muggle blood. Something was not right and Arcturus pondered continuing his search. He only delved into the archives from the last century working under the assumption that such a man would have surfaced during the Grindelwald years as either a powerful ally or enemy to the man. Dark Lords were rather egotistical and being outshone was not something that any self-respecting one would allow, particularly with how close Grindelwald's reign was to reaching British shores.
He shook his head of the doubt and began formulating his next move. It would be nothing short of amateurish to ignore what was in front of him, despite his reservations.
It should not be too difficult to find out what happened to the boy. The easiest route would be to confront Dumbledore, but he was loath to do so. The man had proven to be an enemy time and again and even if his suspicions were founded, the older man would not reveal anything. Arcturus doubted that tracking down former students from those years would yield what he sought, but the staff was a different matter entirely, and what better place to start than the boys' former head of house.
With a sweeping motion of his wand, the documents filed themselves away and his mouth formed into a hard line.
"Alright Slughorn, you fat shit. Let's see what you can tell me," he growled as he left the musty tomes and parchment of the Ministry Archives behind.
(BREAK)
Sirius paused only momentarily before he knocked on the door. Despite sharing a conversation with his old friend earlier in the year, he still did not consider the man nor his wife friends. He could no longer hold them in the same esteem he once did, though he felt a hypocrite for feeling this way. He too had fallen victim to the machinations of the Headmaster, but he just could not bring himself to forgive the Potters for their own part. Harry was their son and it would always seem they discarded him too easily. Even from the start, the pair had not outright dismissed the idea as he had.
He was pulled from his thoughts as the door opened revealing the red hair and same green eyes the boy of his thoughts possessed beneath the grey that usually adorned his own.
"Sirius?" Lily questioned confusedly.
"Is he in?" he questioned harsher than he'd intended.
Lily flinched slightly as she nodded and bade him to enter.
Sirius offered her a stiff nod of gratitude as he crossed the threshold into their rooms and Lily hurried away immediately to fetch her husband.
James emerged only a moment later, his efforts to tame his hair into something other than its tousled mess failing as it always had. Lily stood nervously beside him looking between the two worriedly.
"Can I get you a drink, Sirius?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"Coffee would be nice," he replied. He didn't want it really but it served to busy her and break the somewhat awkward silence.
"What can I do for you, Pads?" James questioned as he took a seat and gestured for Sirius to do the same.
Sirius sighed as he sat and rubbed his eyes tiredly. He still didn't know entirely why he'd come. He simply felt the need to do something, to warn them of what was happening. He had no doubt that Dumbledore was remaining as tight-lipped as ever, even if the man had any idea of what was occurring outside the walls of Hogwarts.
"Things are happening, out there," he stated pointing towards the window causing James to frown.
"In the forest?" James returned, his frown deepening.
Sirius shook his head.
"Voldemort. Voldemort is up to something."
James took a deep breath as he nodded.
"I figured as much," he muttered. "There's too many coincidences and Harry's name coming out of the Goblet…" he trailed off unhappily. "At first, I thought someone had done it tell everyone what we did, but after what happened in the first and second tasks, it can't be that."
"My Grandfather is looking into it," Sirius revealed, much to the surprise of the other man. "He's not happy and he won't admit it, but he's worried."
James rubbed his eyes behind his glasses.
"What's he found?"
"Almost nothing," Sirius admitted, "but that's what's worrying him. If he can't find anything with all his connections, then it can only be him."
James nodded his agreement. If Arcturus Black was worried, then that was enough for him to act. The Blacks did not become concerned without cause.
Before he could question any further, Lily returned to the room levitating a tray of coffee and biscuits and placed it on the table.
"Has something happened?" she broke in.
"Only what we expected," James answered with a shake of his head.
Lily worried her bottom lip as she nodded and sunk into the seat next to her husband.
"What can we do?" James asked.
"Ward all the properties you have with everything you've got and be prepared to do the same as last time," Sirius responded severely.
James snorted.
"We know how that turned out."
"And now you know not to make the same mistakes," Sirius returned evenly.
James nodded as he stood and offered his hand to the other man.
"Thank you, Sirius. I'll deal with it now."
Sirius took the shake and nodded, not feeling any relief at what he had done.
"I didn't do it for you, I did it for Harry. He may not be ready now, but one day, he will want to talk about what happened. He deserves that," he finished as he turned away from the pair and left the room, remaining ignorant of the pained looks adorning the Potter's features.
(BREAK)
Charlie Potter turned irritably in his bed, sleep not coming easily to him tonight. Something had happened, he didn't know what, but his father had been strangely absent since classes had finished for the day and his mother distracted to the point she had barely greeted him or spoken to him all evening. The look of worry she wore throughout dinner only added to his own thoughts and the way she played with her food and insisted she was fine doing little to convince him otherwise. Her further insistence that he spent the night here instead of is dorms only served to arouse his suspicions further. She had only done this when the Chamber of Secrets had been opened and for the rest of first year when the incident in the third-floor corridor took place.
He was pulled from his thoughts by the voice of his father returning from whatever he had been doing for the remainder of the day. He raised his head so he could listen more intently.
"It's done," his father explained tiredly. "All four."
"Don't you think Sirius is being a little paranoid?" his mother returned hopefully.
Charlie frowned. He had no idea what Sirius had to do with anything.
"If it was just Sirius, I'd say he's just being overprotective. You know what he was like with Harry as a baby," James returned. "But if Arcturus is worried, then there is something to be worried about."
He heard his mother sigh.
"Why can't they just leave us alone, James? Haven't we lost enough?"
"We know why they will come for us. That damned prophecy and what Charlie did to him last time. He won't let it go, so we have to be ready."
"I can't do it again," Lily sobbed. "I can't bear the thought of anything happening to either of them."
Everything fell silent for a moment and Charlie swallowed deeply. As far as he could remember he had always been a concern for his parents. They had doted on him endlessly and did everything they could to protect him from anything that could cause him harm. He sighed, the guilt he felt for what he had done as naught but a babe filling every part of him. Many times he had thought it would have been easier if he had died. Easier for his parents, better for his brother and sometimes better for himself. He was a mediocre wizard, even if Harry and Leo were helping him to be better. Things would have been different had he perished that night. The sound of his father's voice stilled his musings.
"I promise, Lils, that I will do whatever it takes to keep all three of you safe," he vowed.
Charlie heard nothing else as he pulled the pillow over his ears and cried silently into it. His parents had suffered and if what he heard would come to pass, there was a strong chance they would suffer even more. Voldemort would come for him. None of them would be safe until he was gone for good.
He had no idea what his father said about a prophecy, that would be something to ponder later. For now, he merely wanted to wallow in what he was feeling. Sleep would not come to him tonight and he doubted it would find him easily any time soon.
(BREAK)
Leo landed another blow on the training dummy that had come within range and slipped under another that had thrown a heavy punch towards him. He dispatched it with one of his own to the sternum and bounced on his toes, ready for the next one to attack.
His work over the weeks had kept him busy. Training Charlie, himself and spending time with Katie had been difficult to juggle with his work under Cassie. But he wouldn't have it any other way. Each were equally important to him.
Katie had become his escape from everything else and he could not now imagine not being around her. She was far from being a conventional lady but that was something he admired about her. She was stubborn, strong-willed and could outfly him with very little effort. Many would be put off by her quidditch-player physique and her rather blunt ways, but again, it was something that drew him to her and one thing he could not be without.
Charlie had grown on him more than he'd expected also. He was different to Harry in almost every way, but there was something you couldn't just help but like about him. One thing he did have in common with his brother was his determination. He wasn't particularly talented as Harry was but he shared the same determination and Leo had grown to respect and care for the boy, much to his surprise. He usually had little time for others, but Charlie had wormed his way into his heart.
He shrugged off another dummy that had attempted to grab him from behind and smashed his elbow into its nose, felling it. He drew his wand and brought the training to an end, his thoughts wandering to the conversation he'd shared with Arcturus after his duel with Malfoy.
He rubbed his eyes tiredly before wiping the sweat from his brow. It was a monumental task he had been given; one he had been forbidden to discuss with anyone. He understood why Arcturus would want to take these steps, he just wished it wasn't him to do it, though he knew he was perfectly equipped to handle it, it was not something he was looking forward to.
Arcturus had explained that it might not come to that, but Leo had a feeling that it would. He couldn't see a way that it wouldn't. He could only hope that those around him could forgive him, especially Katie. She would not take it well when she found out. Cassie would be furious too but she would understand, eventually. He would be doing it for all of them.
With a sigh, he took his shower, dressed and headed off to meet Charlie. The sun was yet to rise which was nothing new to him. Unless he had been drinking, he had woken up before daylight for as long as he could remember. He couldn't help but think that he had missed too many opportunities to watch the sunrise, however. Despite the fact he would be awake, he was usually training when it did, something he vowed to remedy before he it would be too late to do so.
(BREAK)
Harry had become adept at getting out of bed without waking Tonks now. Very rarely did he sleep alone anymore. Regardless of what he did during the day, he would always be here in the evenings with the metamorph, unable to even consider being anywhere else. Still, he did not know what was happening between them. They spent almost every possible moment together, even when they did little. They could sit in a room and read and he was content just to be in her presence. They'd not had any conversation about what they were doing since Boxing Day but he was happy and as far as he could tell, she was too.
He spent his days flitting between preparing for the third task, his training and spending time with her, occasionally being plagued by the thought that he would be leaving at the end of the school year. That thought alone filled him with dread. It was not the castle or Britain he would miss, but the woman he watched as he dressed as quietly as possible. He had toyed with the idea of asking her to come with him, but he couldn't do that. He couldn't be so selfish to ask her to leave her life behind to be with him and he could not envision anything happening that would make him stay. That was a conversation they would have to have sooner rather than later.
"Sneaking off again, are we?" the sleepy voice of Tonks questioned.
"I thought I was getting good at this," he sighed playfully.
Tonks stretched and groaned before opening her eyes.
"Harry, I wake up every time you get out of bed. I just can't have you feeling guilty for leaving little old me here alone and cold," she teased.
"If only I could spend every night here," Harry returned with a grin.
"Anymore cheek then I might just ban you," Tonks threatened with a grin of her own.
"You wouldn't dare."
Tonks threw a pillow at him, which he ducked much to her annoyance causing her to pout.
"It's only that I know you'll be back that I let you leave," she said seriously.
Harry smiled sadly. For the most part, they teased and joked around with each other but there were moments like this that were filled with such warmth, moments that would likely come to an end when the tournament did.
"There's nowhere else I'd rather be," he returned honestly.
Tonks shook her head as she smiled brightly.
"There'd better not be," she warned. "Now go away, you've disturbed my sleep enough."
Harry chuckled before kissing her on the cheek and returning the pillow she had thrown at him.
"I'll see you later, Dora," he whispered before exiting the room.
Although her words warmed him, they equally hurt soon after. He meant what he had said, there was nowhere else he'd rather be than with her, he just couldn't imagine it being here.
(BREAK)
It was a frustrated Arcturus Black that arrived at one of the many more-avoided apothecaries in Knockturn Alley, his search for the unusually elusive Horace Slughorn having been very unsuccessful thus far. The man was a socialite, often attending one function or another at every given opportunity. This however seemed to have changed over the past several months. None of the establishments the man had been known to frequent had seen nor heard from him in some time, and anyone who simply knew of Slughorn would know how odd that was.
His lack of success in locating the man had brought him here. Any potions master worth the title he carried knew of this place and Horace Slughorn was one of the best in his field. Despite the dingy and unassuming exterior, it was the only place to go to obtain the finest, rarest and most illegal ingredients available. Pulling the hood he wore to disguise himself tighter around him, he entered.
The smell of decaying plants and animals assaulted his senses as the bell above the door jangled. He barely had a moment to take in the worn wooden floor, counter and jars adorning matching shelves before a lanky, balding man entered from a back room, wiping his hands on a filthy rag.
"What do ya want?" he barked irritably.
"I would like to know where I can find Horace Slughorn," Arcturus replied politely.
The man shook his head.
"Never 'eard of 'im. If that's it, then piss off."
Arcturus chuckled causing the man to frown.
"What're you laughing at, you barmy git. I said I ain't 'eard of him so sling ya hook 'fore I make ya," the man warned as he drew his wand.
Before he could aim it, Arcturus had drawn his own and disarmed him, leaving him stood gaping at his now empty hand. Locking the door with another flick of his own Arcturus seized the man by the front of his robes and shoved him into the back room he had emerged from. He pressed his wand up against the trembling man's neck and slammed him into the wall.
"Let us try that again shall we," he offered, maintaining his polite tone. "I'm going to ask you where I can find Horace Slughorn and you are going to tell me. If you don't, then this conversation will become much less amiable, understood?"
The man swallowed deeply and nodded.
"Good," Arcturus praised, "now, where would I be able to find him?"
"Look, mate, I don't know what e's done but 'e came in a while ago, handed me a bag of gold and told me to keep it hush. Asked for three pints of Dragons blood and buggered off. I didn't have that much so' 'e left an address. It's in the top draw," he explained pointing a shaky digit towards a shabby desk in the corner of the room.
Arcturus released the man, sensing no dishonesty, and opened the draw. The parchment with the address on was on the top amongst a collection of empty phials and broken quills.
"Did he say anything else?" he asked as he read the hurriedly scrawled address.
The man shook his head as he straightened his dishevelled robes.
"Nah, 'e was spooked though. Ain't never seen 'im like that."
Arcturus nodded.
"I was never here and neither was Slughorn," he stated firmly.
"You was never 'ere mate," the man readily agreed.
Arcturus bid the man farewell with a final nod before he exited the shop and made his way through the slowly darkening alley. As he reached the apparition point, he gave a cursory glance around to ensure he wasn't being followed and checked himself for any tracking spells that could have been placed on him. Satisfied his venture had gone undetected, he vanished and appeared in an unfamiliar muggle neighbourhood.
He had seldom visited the muggle world and cared not if they found his choice of clothing strange, though such a thing was not an issue. The street was void of any people so he began making his way in the direction of a small collection of houses in front of him. He had barely made a few steps when he felt the magic of a ward scheme wash over him. Frowning, he drew his wand and cast a few diagnostics, the frown deepening at what he found. There was only an Alert Ward, and a Muggle Repelling Charm; not even a mediocre attempt at truly trying to protect oneself.
The result of such a poor attempt was revealed as he approached the first house. The front door had been blown violently of its hinges and the signs of a struggle he could see in the hallway were not a good sign. With a sigh, he disillusioned himself and entered the house carefully, not wanting to trigger any traps that may have been left behind. He found no such thing as he entered the lounge to find it in a deplorable state. The furniture had been destroyed and there was an obscene amount of blood sprayed across the walls. Whomever had been attacked here would not have survived without immediate assistance from a healer.
He shook his head as he turned to exit but his attention was drawn to the pristine armchair sat amongst the debris. The wall behind and the floor around were littered with the remnants of what had happened but the chair remained immaculate despite the blood splashed around it.
"You almost had me, Slughorn," he growled as he fired a stinging hex at the chair causing it to yelp and begin to shift into the paunchy man.
"Was that necessary?" Slughorn grumbled as he rubbed his thigh.
"Was it bloody necessary to hide?" Arcturus returned.
Slughorn's eyes widened when he realised whom it was that had found him.
"You can't be too careful, Lord Black," he said dismissively. "What can I do for you? You wouldn't have gone through all this effort to find me unless it was important, though now I will need to find a new home. Do you need a particularly difficult potion brewed?" he asked, rubbing his hands together gleefully.
Arcturus snorted.
"Nothing of the sort, I need information."
"What information?" Slughorn asked nervously, the perspiration on his brow forming quickly.
"I have a few questions about a former student of yours," Arcturus continued. "Tom Riddle?"
Slughorn's eyes glazed over at the mention of the name and he smiled warmly.
"Such a bright boy. Such a shame he ended up working in a shop. I had such high hopes for him," he sighed dreamily.
Arcturus frowned at the response.
"Slughorn?" he called. The man continued to stare, his eyes vacant and grin unwavering. "Horace?" Arcturus called louder as he shook the man.
Slughorn's eyes cleared and a look of surprise replaced the vacancy before he addressed Arcturus.
"Lord Black? What are you doing here? Oho, I suppose you need me to make a potion for you," he guessed, seemingly ignorant of the fact they had been talking for several minutes now.
"I asked you about Tom Riddle," Arcturus reminded him.
Again, Slughorn's eyes glazed over and the same smile formed.
"Such a bright boy. Such a shame he ended up working in a shop. I had such high hopes for him," he repeated.
"Shit," Arcturus muttered as he waved his hand in front of Slughorn's face getting no response.
Someone had clearly gotten to the man before him and he had a good idea who it was. With a huff, he sent off a patronus to his sister. He was no slouch when it came to the Mind Arts, but Cassie was one of the best in that field and if Dumbledore had done this, he would need her expertise.
Not wanting to be idle, he shook the potions master once more, snapping him out of whatever he was experiencing.
"Have you seen Dumbledore recently?" he growled.
Slughorn nodded, he jowls flapping.
"Albus came and saw me a few weeks ago and asked if I'd be interest in taking my old job back. I don't know why, is more than competent. I taught him myself you know and he became the youngest master in history," he said proudly.
Arcturus released a deep breath. It wasn't exactly common knowledge that Snape had turned out to be a spy amongst the Death Eaters during the last war, or so Dumbledore claimed. It seemed to the man that Dumbledore was planning on using him again for the same purpose which meant that Voldemort thought him an ally. Snape would have to be dealt with if that was the case. He was too much of a liability.
"Did he say anything else?" he questioned.
For a split second Slughorn's eyes glazed over once more before he shook his head vehemently.
"We had dinner and he left," he answered with certainty.
Arcturus flexed his fingers, fighting the urge to simply curse the man. He had to remind himself that he needed him alive and that he was likely just a victim to Dumbledore's manipulations. Thankfully, Cassie arrived only a moment later, her wand drawn as she looked between the two of them in confusion.
"What is going on, Arcturus?" she demanded.
"His bloody mind has been addled," he replied curtly, pointing to the man who frowned. "Watch," he instructed.
Cassie raised a delicate eyebrow as Arcturus asked the rotund man about a Tom Riddle only for the other one to follow as she took in his reaction.
"That's high level Legilimency," she confirmed.
"And who do we know that could do this?"
"Me," Cassie shrugged, "and Dumbledore," she added distastefully.
Arcturus gave her a knowing look and she sighed.
"Alright, I'll have a look, but I want to know what this is all about," she warned.
"You will know when you need to," Arcturus retorted. "This could be very dangerous."
"Him?" Cassie asked.
Arcturus nodded.
Cassie huffed as she approached the unmoving man and entered his mind. She quickly found that any defence he may have once had was missing but there were subtle signs of tampering. Clearly, Dumbledore had been certain that none would seek Slughorn out or he would have done a much better job at masking whatever it was he had done. Carefully so not to cause any further damage to the man's mind, she began the task of meticulously undoing Dumbledore's work, cringing at the level of manipulation he had resorted to to get what he wanted. Although he hadn't removed any memories, he had forcibly viewed many of them. She couldn't be certain how long it took but as she took in the final memory of Dumbledore entering the man's mind, she found herself forced out and breathed deeply. She grudgingly admitted the Headmaster was good, but she had no doubt that she was better when it came to matters of the mind, though being removed by a man with no mental defence was a strange experience. It wasn't his capability in the art but a surge of his own magic that she had felt eject her.
"He's experiencing severe mental trauma," she explained. "His memories were forcibly viewed and Dumbledore put in some false memories of him and Slughorn having dinner and then him leaving."
Before Arcturus could respond, Slughorn released a bloodcurdling scream and fell to the ground trembling. He backed himself into the corner of room and began sobbing.
"I can't, I won't," he cried.
"What's happening?" Arcturus asked.
"Give him a minute," Cassie advised, "he needs to come to terms with what happened."
Slughorn suddenly stood and waved his wand, packing a trunk with all his possessions.
"They'll come for me. I need to find somewhere else," he muttered to himself, frantically checking that he had left nothing of his in the room.
"Slughorn, you need to calm down," Arcturus tried.
"Calm down?" Slughorn returned disbelievingly. "They're going to bloody kill me."
"Who?" Cassie interjected.
"Whoever finds me first," he replied.
"I will help you," Arcturus offered.
"Ha! You can't help me," Slughorn denied.
The sound of broken glass drew their attention and Arcturus and Cassie turned to see a large cat had entered the room. The distraction was all that Slughorn needed as he disappeared with a large crack.
"Shit," Arcturus cursed angrily, "I needed him to talk."
"About Tom Riddle?" Cassie enquired.
Arcturus released a deep breath through his nose.
"What did you see?"
"Well, whoever he is worked for Borgin and Burke. I didn't get a chance to look at anything else before I was pushed out," she explained.
"Borgin can't be trusted and I can't just kill him," Arcturus sighed.
Borgin was one of the most deplorable yet respected men in Knockturn Alley. His disappearance would not go unnoticed and he was trying to remain as discreet as possible, for now. He would need to find an alternative route lest his efforts were to be discovered.
"You think this Riddle kid turned out to be him," Cassie stated.
Arcturus nodded.
"I think it is a strong possibility," he shrugged. "Everything I saw here only serves to make me surer."
"Have you tried following the Slytherin line?" Cassie questioned.
"His name is Riddle. The last of the Slytherin's were the Gaunts and they've been dead for years," he pointed out irritably. He had investigated the Gaunts and found nothing at all that would suggest any of them could be the Dark Lord. Marvolo had died a pauper and was a poor wizard as was his son who had died in Azkaban.
"There has to be a connection. Look into it further," Cassie implored.
"I can't without raising suspicion," Arcturus grumbled. "If I attempt to access the auror records then questions will be asked."
"Then use someone who can," Cassie advised before she took her leave.
Arcturus nodded as an began forming. He couldn't access the records but he knew someone that could. He just hoped he could trust them as much as his grandson seemed to.
(BREAK)
Charlie half-heartedly deflected the spell that Leo sent his way and winced as the next hit him in the arm. It had been two days since he overheard the conversation between his parents and he still hadn't managed to sleep. His interest in training had waned and he just couldn't find any motivation to even try.
"Alright, Potter," Leo growled, "you'd better sort it out before I start throwing real curses around. I told you from the start if you don't give it your all then I won't fucking bother."
Charlie threw his shield on the and stared at the other boy defiantly, his eyes unwittingly filling with tears as the tiredness and emotion he felt overwhelmed him.
"Then don't bloody bother," Charlie fired back before he attempted to flee the room only to find himself engulfed in the arms of the boy he'd aimed his ire at. He didn't even have the energy to resist as he sunk into the embrace and sobbed into Leo's chest.
"It's alright, lad, let it out," he comforted.
Charlie nodded gratefully as fresh wave of tears broke free. He however managed to compose himself after several moments and he pulled away embarrassedly.
"Sorry," he muttered as he wiped his eyes.
Leo smiled as he patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't be sorry. We all have those times when it get's too much," he returned sincerely. He conjured a couple of chairs and gestured for Charlie to take a seat. "What brought that on?"
Charlie shrugged.
"I just don't know what's going on. My parents are convinced he's coming back and that means he'll come for me. They'll be in danger again all because of me," he finished.
"You mean Voldemort?"
Charlie nodded and Leo sighed.
"If he comes back then he comes back, there's nothing we can do about it right now. As for you being a burden, don't be so stupid, lad. Your parents love you and will do whatever it takes to protect you."
"I don't want them to," Charlie bit back. "I don't want them to get hurt or die because of me, they've suffered enough."
"They're your parents, that's what they will do. They'll protect you because they love you," Leo replied.
"I just want us to be left alone, Leo."
"I know," Leo comforted. "But you need to trust me when I say that you and your parents aren't alone in this. I lost my parents in the last war and I've still got so much more to lose," he added absentmindedly.
"What do you mean?" Charlie asked.
Leo shook himself from his thoughts as he gave Charlie a weak smile.
"Think nothing of it, lad. Take the rest of the morning off and we'll start fresh tomorrow," he suggested.
Charlie nodded gratefully.
"Don't keep it in, Charlie, you can always talk to me whenever you need, Harry too," he offered.
"I will," Charlie promised before he exited the room feeling considerably lighter than he had when he had gone in. Although he hadn't planned on breaking down, it made him appreciate that he had more people around him than he ever had. People he could rely on.
(BREAK)
Nymphadora Tonks left the Durmstrang ship, frustrated and very annoyed. She had manged to slip aboard now a few times to spy on the Headmaster, only to find that he spent little to no time with his students other than Viktor Krum. When he was not with the Quidditch star, he kept himself locked in his office where no one was allowed to disturb him unless it was an emergency. On the odd occasion she did manage to listen in to any of his conversations, under the cloak she received for Christmas, he had proven to only be as abhorrent as he'd shown when he goaded the young Potter. He was rude, disrespectful and downright repulsive to any who crossed his path, though she took no small amount of satisfaction seeing him wince when his hand would cause him discomfort.
Though repulsive, there was nothing to suggest that he had put Harry's name in the goblet nor anything to connect him to the incidences of the first and second tasks. If anything, she could say with confidence that he had nothing to do with any of it. She wanted to be convinced otherwise, but the man complained about Harry being in the tournament convincingly enough to dissuade her from pursuing that line of inquiry any further. This however, left her stumped. She had no doubt that neither Karkaroff nor Maxime were involved, though no one else seemed to make sense.
With a shake of her head, she entered her room to find Harry with his eyes closed, wand drawn and muttering under his breath. So not to disturb him, she stood in the doorway and watched. It wasn't often she got to see him use magic, but when she did, she found her marvelling at what he was capable of.
A ghostly form of a three headed snake emerged from the wand and she shivered as Harry hissed some instructions to it. She had gotten used to the fact that he was a parselmouth, that didn't bother her, the language itself though, when spoken, elicited this type of response.
The snake bowed almost reverently before the essence transformed into water, coalescing for but a second before becoming the snake in water form. She continued to watch, enraptured as the water turned into fire, the flames turning from orange, to green and then a blinding white, giving need for her to shield her eyes. When the light faded and she could see again, she found herself face to face with the snake now an inky-black smoke. The urge to reach out and touch it was overwhelming, but a firm hand on her forearm stopped her movement.
"Don't," Harry warned.
Tonks looked at him in confusion as he gave her a wan smile and conjured a rat. The rodent immediately took note of the snake and appeared to be in a daze as it walked towards it. Her eyes widened as the creature squealed and rotted away before her, leaving behind only a blackened skeleton.
"What was that?" she whispered.
Harry gave her another smile before closing his eyes once more. The snake flickered once and he conjured another rat, this one bursting into flames as it made contact with the serpent.
"I'm working on something," he answered with a frown. "I'm trying to enchant something without having to imbue into a physical item."
"You're trying to enchant actual magic?" Tonks asked in disbelief.
The elemental transfiguration she had witnessed itself was incredible, something that very few could accomplish due to the complexity of the branch. Enchanting magic is something that she couldn't comprehend let alone consider attempting.
Harry chuckled as he shook his head.
"I don't think that is actually possible," he sighed. "I'm trying to enchant a conjured element. I conjured steam and transfigured it into water, then water into fire and then fire into smoke whilst adding spells to it," he explained.
"I didn't see any spells," Tonks replied with a frown.
"You can mask curses quite easily. If I tried a stunning spell, you'd see it," Harry answered. "The curses I used don't give off a visible trace."
Tonks nodded.
"That makes sense," she conceded. "Why are you doing that, got someone you're planning on cursing?"
Harry smiled as he shook his head.
"No, so I can do this."
After a moment of concentration, Harry flicked his wand and another small hydra shot from the end. It flew across the room and connected with a vase of flowers on the windowsill. The flowers instantly decomposed before her eyes and the curtains burst into black flames and disintegrated into nothing.
Tonks shot to her feet, but Harry put the flames out with a wave of his wand before she could draw her own. She turned towards him scowling, impressed but shaken by what he had done.
"What the hell was that?"
Harry had the decency to look sheepish as he rubbed the back of his neck and laughed worriedly.
"I failed," he shrugged. "The flames were supposed to hit the flowers and the Rotting Curse the curtains," he added with a frown.
"Failed? You almost destroyed half of my room," Tonks returned hotly.
"Sorry," Harry returned half-heartedly as he scribbled a few notes onto a piece of parchment, "but this is better than I wanted," he continued excitedly. "I think I've found a new way of taking out multiple opponents at once. It just needs some work."
"No shit," Tonks replied. "You owe me some more flowers and curtains," she growled as she prodded him in the chest.
Harry grinned before kissing her on the cheek.
"You hate flowers," he pointed out, "but I will get you more if that's what you want."
Tonks pouted and narrowed her eyes before returning his smile unwittingly.
"I hate that I can't be mad at you," she huffed as she allowed herself to be pulled into his arms. "You will be taking me shopping for curtains, mister."
"They weren't even your curtains, they belonged to the school," Harry replied, dumfounded.
"Well, I didn't like them so you can get me some I do like," Tonks answered with a grin.
Harry sighed and shook his head.
"Fine," he conceded, "but this better not be a trick just to get more ice cream."
Tonks gave him an innocent smile as a knock on the door sounded.
"Are you expecting anyone?" she asked as she approached the door.
Harry shook his head as she opened it to reveal the grave visage of his grandfather.
"Lord Black," Tonks greeted him with a bow.
Harry didn't like that she deferred to him in such a way. He knew she didn't like it much either but she insisted on maintaining such a level of respect towards the man, despite his attitude towards her mother and father.
"Nymphadora," Arcturus greeted her more cordially than Harry expected. For the most part, he ignored her or offered a curt nod at best.
"I'll leave you to talk," Tonks offered as she made to step past the man.
"It is both of you that I need to speak to," Arcturus responded.
Harry frowned at the man but gestured for him to take a seat on one of the school couches. Tonks took a seat next Harry as he sat opposite and waited for Arcturus to explain his reason for coming.
"We need to discuss something important," the older man began.
Harry felt his stomach clench and held up a hand to cut him off. He had an idea of where this conversation was going and he was not willing to have it.
"I won't stop spending time with her," he declared. "There's nothing you can say or do that that will change that."
Arcturus looked upon him in amusement, his respect even growing slightly. He certainly had no intention of trying to stop Harry spending time with the girl, not that he could.
"That is not what I'm here to discuss," Arcturus explained. "I had my reservations about this," he continued, gesturing to the pair, "but I'm neither foolish enough nor heartless enough to go there. If I wanted to, I would have put a stop to it from the start."
Harry frowned at him, confused but relieved.
"However, this will have to be discussed in the future. I will not step down as head of the family until I can assure the future of it in a suitable way. "But," he continued, preventing any refute from his grandson "that is for another day."
So, what is it you want?" Harry asked.
"I need you to do something for me," Arcturus answered, turning his attention to the girl. "I'm asking you, not trying to command you," he added reassuringly. "If you choose not to help me, then I understand."
"What is it?" Tonks enquired.
Arcturus nodded appreciatively at the question.
"I need you to access some auror files for a particular family. I could do it but it could possibly raise suspicion either now or in the future," he explained. "For now, I can't say much else on the matter until I'm sure about my suspicions. Your help would save me a lot of trouble in getting information another way."
Tonks breathed a sigh of relief as she shrugged.
"I can do that. Moody's always telling me to review old cases. What family is it?"
Arcturus smiled appreciatively.
"The family I need information on is the Gaunts and any mention of the name Riddle. I can't say why, but it could be the most important thing you ever do, small as it seems," he explained.
"I'll check first thing," Tonks offered.
It was no bother to her. She had access to all past files and it wouldn't raise any issue if she looked. She could simply pass it off as studying if questions were asked.
"Thank you, Nymphadora. I will be in your debt for this," Arcturus said as he stood.
"That's it?" Harry questioned.
Arcturus nodded.
"I wanted you to be here when I discussed it. I will not have you think I went behind your back on this or pressured her."
"You might be an old git but I don't think you'd do that," Harry defended.
Arcturus barked out a short laugh.
"Only a couple of years ago you would never have spoken to me that way," he pointed out. "You've come a long way since being here, Harry. You really will be a worthy successor. I can only hope to be around long enough to see some of what you will do."
"I learnt from you," Harry returned with a smile, "you'll probably outlive all of us even when you step down, you'll be there telling me what I did wrong."
"Maybe," Arcturus agreed with shrug. "Best make sure you stay competent. I might be an old git but I can still put my foot up your arse if you need it."
Tonks sniggered as Harry shook his head in amusement. His grandfather was a brash man, but one he respected more than any other.
"I'll let you know what I find, Lord Black," Tonks assured him.
Arcturus nodded gratefully and took his leave.
"You didn't have to say yes, you know," Harry said as he pulled her into his arms once more.
"I know but it's not a problem for me. I thought he was going ask me to do something illegal or tell me I couldn't spend time with you anymore," she added worriedly.
"I wouldn't let that happen. I'm a Black and no one else, not even another Black can make us do something we don't want to. Your mother is proof of that," he responded.
"You'd give up all of it so you could spend time with me?" Tonks questioned disbelievingly.
"No," Harry denied. "I'd give up all of it for you."
Tonks buried herself into his chest, her eyes glistening as she was flooded with warmth. She didn't doubt his word but still felt fearful. In only a few short weeks, he would be gone and she would be left alone once more. She had considered quitting her job and going with him but she couldn't. She had worked so hard to be where she was and she didn't even know if that's what Harry would want.
She'd avoided discussing it with him, scared of what his response would be. She'd experienced the joy of what she had always craved and couldn't stand the thought of Harry rejecting her. She knew they would have to talk but she wasn't ready to face what was on the other side yet. She simply wanted to make the most of what she had here and now and not dwell on the alternative.
(BREAK)
"How do you think Harry will do?" Katie asked before taking a large bite of her sandwich.
Leo chuckled as the girl inhaled half her lunch. She'd just finished a long training session and had yet to shower. Her hair was a mess, she was sweaty and yet, he found her to be no less beautiful than she had been at the yule ball.
"Aye, there's no chance for the others. He'll win without any problems," he answered with complete certainty.
"So, no trophy for Hogwarts," Katie pouted.
"Not this time, lass," Leo returned with a grin.
"Shame," Katie shrugged before finishing her last bite of food. "I do need to shower though. I don't know how you can even sit so close when I smell like this," she added, wrinkling her nose as she stood.
"Your smell doesn't bother me," Leo countered as he wrapped his arms around her. "I quite like it."
"You're a bloody caveman," Katie giggled as she fought to free herself.
"Aye, now let me take you back to my cave," Leo demanded as he lifted the girl over one shoulder.
Katie squealed as she pounded on his back. Leo walked around the table in the Black quarters a few times as she continued the onslaught.
"You will put me down and let me shower," Katie instructed, "or you will never get me in that cave of yours," she threatened.
Leo righted her on her feet and pouted causing Katie to laugh and pat his cheek.
"There's a good boy," she cooed. "Now, I'm going to shower then I will be back."
"You can just shower here," Leo offered. "There's no point going all the way to your tower for that."
Katie narrowed her eyes at him.
"I will be locking the door," she warned as she picked up her bag and entered the bathroom, closing and locking the door.
Leo snorted as he took a seat and picked up a book to wait for her. He'd only been reading a few minutes when Cassie entered through the portrait hole, mumbling under her breath.
"That portrait is lucky. If I could curse him, I would," she declared.
"What's he done now?" Leo asked.
Sir Cadogan had grown accustomed to the Blacks but for some reason he just did not like Cassie. She refused to take his advice on being escorted around the castle and had called her a 'delicate flower' that needed a strong man to accompany her. Cassie had not taken kindly to the man's view and had thrown a few expletives his way. From then on, the two traded barbs regularly.
"The usual," Cassie muttered before frowning. "Who's showering?"
"Katie's in there, she's just finished training and we had lunch."
Cassie's nostrils flared as she shook her head.
"I don't understand your fascination with that girl," she sighed unhappily.
"Don't, Cass," Leo almost pleaded.
"Don't what?"
"Don't be that way, please," he tried. He stood and took her hands in his own. "She's just as important to me as you are. Please don't let how you feel about people who aren't purebloods ruin this for me."
Cassie looked into his eyes and sighed before nodding her acceptance. She didn't like it but she loved the boy far too much to let this come between them.
"Ever since we came here, it's been me that's had to compromise on things," she muttered.
"Well, is there anything that I can do for you?" Leo asked.
Cassie patted his cheek as she shook her head.
"Not right now, but maybe taking this poor old soul for dinner once in a while wouldn't hurt," she teased.
Leo grinned and nodded.
"Wherever you like," he offered.
The pair were disturbed as the bathroom door opened revealing a freshly showered Katie towelling her hair. She paused as she took sight of the other woman and began to panic. Cassiopeia Black left her very unsettled and she had her suspicions the woman did not like her very much. It wasn't often she saw her but when she did, she did not seem to appreciate her presence.
"I'm sorry, I just used the shower," she defended automatically "I'll just get my things and go."
Cassiopeia raised an eyebrow at her before releasing a deep breath as Leo shot her a warning glance.
"Think nothing of it," she eventually replied. "I was just going to make some tea, would you like some?"
A look of surprise crossed the girl's features, but after a nod of encouragement from Leo, she smiled.
"I would, thank you."
"I'll get it," Leo declared as he held out a chair for each of them at the table. When both were seated, he left to make the tea and the two stared at each other. Katie couldn't shift the nervousness she felt under the gaze of the older woman, particularly when she smiled in a sickeningly sweet way that did not suit her.
"Good, you do care for him. Much more than I thought you did," Cassie said approvingly.
"I'm sorry?" Katie replied, confused.
Cassie's smile widened as she leaned forward.
"I'm an expert at the Mind Arts," she warned. "Luckily for you I don't see any indication of tricks or deception. If I had, I would have killed you where you sat, girl."
"You read my mind?" Katie whispered harshly, feeling violated.
Leo returned with a tray of tea before Cassie could reply, though she looked smug as she sipped the that had been poured for her.
"A little sugar if you don't mind," she requested as she handed the cup back to Leo who left the table once more. "Only your surface thoughts, but if you give me a reason to, I will delve so far into your mind you'll feel me there for the rest of your days."
Katie swallowed nervously and was cut off before she could respond.
"He's a good boy and more sensitive than he let's on. I will not have him hurt by you or anyone," Cassie continued.
"I'd never hurt him," Katie bit back harshly.
Cassie nodded.
"I don't doubt it now," Cassie sighed and gave her a genuine smile. "I'm not sorry for what I did, I had to be sure."
Katie simply nodded. She understood that the woman had her reservations but she was still furious at what she had done though she did not let it show as Leo took his seat and handed Cassiopeia her tea back. The conversation between the three was pleasant enough and Katie had only just gotten used to being in the presence of the woman when the fireplace flared a bright green and Lord Black stepped out. He looked between the trio curiously before checking his watch.
"We will be having a family meeting soon," he announced. "Leo, if you could escort Miss Bell back to her common room. You have my apologies, but you are welcome any other time you wish," he offered as he turned his attention to the girl.
"Of course, Lord Black," she replied as she followed Leo from the room.
(BREAK)
"That was rather cosy," Arcturus commented, a slight smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.
"She's got her claws into him," Cassie huffed.
"And yet, you can see no ill will from her. Don't even try to deny it, I know you've looked," he accused.
Cassie narrowed her eyes at him.
"I don't like it."
"What you don't like is that you feel like you're being replaced," Arcturus responded. "You have nothing to worry about. The boy bloody well dotes on you as much as you do him."
Cassie looked affronted by the words of her brother as she glared at him, not deigning him with a response.
"You'll be pleased to know, that I took your advice. I've had Nymphadora looking into a few things for me," Arcturus changed the subject. "She'll be here with Harry soon to let us know what she has found."
"And if she's found nothing?"
"Then I will have to take roads I'd rather not and involve people I'd sooner avoid," Arcturus muttered.
(BREAK)
Nymphadora Tonks arrived back at Hogwarts after a busy day scouring auror reports, criminal records and even paying a visit to Azkaban to check the available logs there. She at first thought that a perusal in the DMLE office would suffice, but her findings there had only led to further questions being raised. By the end of the day, she was confused. She had found much information that she was certain Lord Black would appreciate, much of it however proving to induce a headache when she pondered it. Most of it was rather inane, seemingly unimportant but she was sure it painted a rather important picture when pieced together. She just couldn't quite manage it. There were far too many variables and missing pieces.
Arriving in her rooms, she showered. Spending any amount of time at the prison left a chill in the bones and an essence of filth that begged to be cleansed. Having done so and dressing, she headed towards the third floor to reveal her findings, though she had no idea how fruitful her efforts were.
"Back again are we, damsel?" Sir Cadogan questioned as she approached the portrait.
Tonks nodded and raised an expectant eyebrow at the armour-clad man who frowned but opened to admit her. Crossing the threshold, she was met with the sight of her relatives, though none have or likely would acknowledge her as such. Lord Black was sat at the table sipping coffee whilst Cassiopeia was immersed in a book. Pushing away the unease she felt in their presence, she cleared her throat garnering the attention of her would-be grandfather.
"Ah, Nymphadora," Arcturus greeted, "how was your day? You seem a little pale," he added with what she could only perceive as a concerned frown.
"I went to Azkaban," she explained, attempting to add a little colour to her face.
"Your errands led you there?" Arcturus questioned, his frown deepening.
"I wanted to be thorough and check a few things."
Arcturus nodded and gestured for her to take a seat at the table.
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"Coffee would be nice," Tonks answered, the chill she felt not quite having shifted.
"Cass, a coffee for Nymphadora please," the old man requested. The woman seemed as though she would protest but complied after a stern look from her brother. "I'm sorry you had the need to go there," he continued sincerely, "I didn't think such a thing would be required."
Tonks shrugged as she took a welcome sip of the hot liquid, the sugar making her feel slightly better.
"It's okay," she assured the man. "I just ended up being there longer than I planned.
Arcturus nodded in understanding. He had been there himself on a few occasions and had never relished the experience. It was a place of perpetual misery that left one feeling off for days after.
"Did you manage to find anything noteworthy?"
"More than I expected to," Tonks answered. "Some of it makes no sense to me but it might to you."
"What did you find?"
"Well, I started at the ministry and looked into the Gaunts. Not very pleasant people, the most recent two having spent time in Azkaban for crimes against muggles and attacking a Ministry representative. The oldest, Marvolo, died in prison decades ago and his son Morfin is still alive but very old and insane. He hasn't spoken a word in years apparently," she informed him.
"Any mention of a Tom Riddle?" Arcturus questioned after digesting what he'd been told.
Tonks nodded.
"That's the strange thing. He was named as the muggle that Morfin attacked the first time he went to Azkaban in 1926. The Ministry sent someone called Bob Ogden to deal with it and they both attacked him and ended up there. Marvolo died and Morfin was released in 1929," she continued. "There was no other record of him until 1943 when he was arrested for murdering the same Tom Riddle."
Arcturus frowned in confusion. What he was hearing made no sense at all. Tom Riddle was a wizard, one who attended Hogwarts during the time and graduated after the apparent death. The fact that Morfin waited fourteen years to carry out the murder was another trivial matter entirely.
"How was Riddle killed?"
"Tom Riddle and his parents were murdered by the killing curse. Morfin's wand was tested and was used. According to the transcript, he admitted it and showed no remorse. The only thing he seemed worried about was that the family ring was missing and he raved about some whore stealing a family locket."
Arcturus frowned as he touched the lump in his breast pocket. Something was on the verge of clicking into place, he just couldn't quite figure it out.
"It doesn't make sense," he muttered.
"That's what I thought, so I looked at Ogden's report," Tonks broke in. "He said that the attack was unexpected, but he did mention a ring that Marvolo waved around saying that it belonged to Slytherin himself. But the man mostly spoke in Parseltongue, so he didn't get much else before he had to flee," she sighed.
"What else did you find?" Cassie interjected.
"Not much really," Tonks admitted. "But when I went to Azkaban, the records show that Dumbledore had visited Morfin a few times and also a house-elf named Hokey during the same visits."
"A house-elf? In Azkaban?" Cassie replied, stunned.
Tonks nodded.
"She apparently poisoned her mistress, a Hepzibah Smith."
Arcturus frowned; the name was very familiar. Dumbledore visiting the elf and Gaunt was no coincidence, of that he was sure.
"Anything else?" he asked.
"Not really," Tonks huffed. "But Dumbledore has not visited any other prisoner from what I could see. I'm sorry I couldn't help more."
"Nonsense," Arcturus dismissed. "You've assisted me greatly and I am in your debt, even if I do have more questions than answers."
"Is there anything else you need me to do?" Tonks offered.
Arcturus shook his head.
"I appreciate what you have done, Nymphadora, but best you stay out of it. I can't help but think that this is much more dangerous than I thought," he mused aloud.
Tonks nodded and stood, keen to go back to her room after the trying day.
"You've made me very proud, Nymphadora. Despite what has happened between your mother and the family, you shouldn't doubt that," Arcturus praised.
Tonks responded with a tight smile.
"If it wasn't for Harry, I would have refused to help you. Whatever is going on, I know it involves him in some way. If what you're doing gets him hurt, you will all find out how much of a Black I can be," she warned before exiting the room.
"Why that ungrateful bitch," Cassie spat as she shot to her feet and drew her wand.
Arcturus placed a firm hand on her arm and shook his head.
"Leave it," he instructed. "She's only acting the way that any of us would in her situation. As much as it pains me to say but she is a Black through and through," he finished with a smirk.
After a moment, Cassie deflated and muttered under her breath as she took her seat.
"So, what now? Are you going to see Gaunt?"
Arcturus dug his palms into his eyes and shrugged.
"I'm tired of the cloak and dagger approach, it's doing nothing but bringing up more questions. I'll go where I should have after I saw Slughorn. At least that way there will be no written record and less chance someone will here about it," he grumbled as he stood and again patted his breast pocket.
"Borgin?" Cassie asked with a frown.
"Borgin," Arcturus confirmed with a sigh.
(BREAK)
With his hood pulled over his head, Arcturus approached the dingy shop he had frequented over the years. Borgin had always been a prickly fellow, even more so after Burke had passed on. There had always been rumours surrounding the relationship between the two but Arcturus suspected that the they had merely been friends. Two very strange men who had bonded over their even stranger proclivity towards dark and rare items, a proclivity that had made them both quite wealthy.
The bell jangled as he entered the shop, the musty smell of books causing his nose to crinkle. The décor had not changed from his last visit many years ago and the floor and glass had not been maintained. He was soon met by the oily-haired, stooping man who approached from the back room. Wealthy he may be but hygienic, he was not. Both he and the shop exuded poverty in measure, though the items on show would fetch a hefty sum.
"It has been some time since you last graced us with your custom, Lord Black," the man greeted him with a stiff bow.
"It has," Arcturus agreed. "The place remains the same, I see."
The man sneered at the slight and stared at Arcturus through yellowing eyes.
"The years have been kinder to you, clearly," he fired back.
Arcturus snorted slightly. A part of him missed the hours he had spent in his youth rifling through the wares here. It reminded him of a time where life had once been kinder.
"Are we alone?" he asked.
Borgin nodded as he narrowed his eyes.
"I have something I wish for you to look at and discretion is a must. Your life or mine own could be forfeit if the wrong ears were to hear of it," Arcturus responded gravely.
Borgin raised a suspicious eyebrow before drawing his wand and giving it a flick. Arcturus felt a very powerful set of wards activate and Borgin gave him a toothless smile.
"Discretion is my game, Lord Black. Were it not, then how could I expect t still be in business?" he questioned.
Arcturus nodded.
"I want to know what you can tell me about this?" Arcturus asked as he placed the locket he had acquired from Kreacher on the counter.
Borgin's eyes widened before he swallowed deeply and gestured his permission to handle it. Arcturus gave his consent and the man held it reverently.
"Where did you get this?" he croaked, looking upon the necklace he held as though it were a long lost relative.
"That is not important," Arcturus dismissed. "Have you ever seen it before?"
Borgin nodded.
"We used to own it. I was furious when Caractus let it go for a measly sum," he sighed almost regretfully. "It wasn't often we disagreed on anything, but this was one of those things."
"How did you obtain it?"
Borgin laughed in mirth as he shook his head.
"Caractus purchased it from some trampy waif who came in decades ago. He paid ten Galleons for it and sent her on her way. I couldn't believe it when he told me. This is priceless," he finished with a jerky nod towards the bracelet.
Arcturus frowned at the deceitful nature of the man but couldn't blame him. He would have done the same should such an opportunity would have come his way.
"Did he say anything else about the girl?"
Borgin shrugged.
"Said she was pregnant, claimed that this had been in her family for hundreds of years. Stolen, obviously. This belonged to Slytherin himself," he said dismissively.
Arcturus pondered the information he'd just received. Only one thing made sense and it was something he could find quite easily.
"You said Burke sold it. Who did he sell it to? Something like that doesn't come cheap," he pointed out.
Borgin snorted.
"He bloody sold it to that Smith woman. It wasn't enough that she had the bloody cup, she had to have this too. Sold it for fifty-thousand galleons. I know times were hard, but he could have got more from her."
"Hepzibah Smith?"
Borgin nodded.
"I tried for years to get it back and the blasted cup but she wasn't having any of it," he grumbled.
"What cup?"
"She had Hufflepuff's cup. Even when she popped her clogs, I went to the estate sale to try and get them both. Turns out none of them were there and no one knew where they went. The Smiths went spare about the cup. I don't think they knew she had this," Borgin lamented.
Arcturus took note of Hufflepuff's cup. Someone owning two heirlooms of the founders was unheard of and the fact they had both gone missing and one ended up with Voldemort was too coincidental.
"What can you tell me about a former employee of yours?" he continued.
Borgin frowned.
"We ain't had no bleedin' employee. Just me and Caractus, we built this and it was always us."
"What about Tom Riddle?"
Borgin frowned before he chuckled.
"Caractus's little pet halfblood? He was only here for a year or so before he bloody vanished on us. Caractus was upset but I was glad to see the back of him. Strange kid he was but good at his job," he added with a frown.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, the bloody kid was a looker and could charm anyone. Even Caractus fell for it, but not me," he denied with a shake of his head. "He always set me on edge that one. I was glad when he left. Made us a good bit of gold though."
"Did he ever meet Smith?"
Borgin nodded.
"Caractus sent him there a few times to try and convince her to part with this and that cup," he explained. "Couldn't bloody well charm that heifer though. He pissed off just before she died. What are you asking after him for anyway?"
"Just curious," Arcturus returned thoughtfully. He was almost there; he could feel it. There was just a few more things to confirm before he could confidently put the name to the Dark Lord.
"How much do you want for it?" Borgin asked.
Arcturus snorted.
"If what I think is correct, you will not want to own it."
"Give over, Black. Name your price."
Arcturus sighed.
"If I were you, I would forget you ever saw this or had this conversation. I believe your employee went on to be a very dangerous man and it would not do your health well if he or one of his associates were to find out about this."
Borgin roared in laughter.
"I deal in the dangerous, Black. I will give you one million galleons for it," he offered.
"Borgin, I am telling you this as an old friend, for your own good and mine. You do not want this. If Tom Riddle finds this here, he won't just kill you, he will make your final moments the most miserable you can imagine."
Borgin frowned.
"If he's got you worried, it must be bad. Who is he? I've not heard of him since he bloody well disappeared."
Arcturus shook his head.
"Think about who came after he left…"
"The Dark Lord?" Borgin chuckled. "He's dead, Black."
"Think about what one could create so that you don't really die," Arcturus advised.
Borgin frowned before his eyes widened and he dropped the locket onto the counter.
"It's one of them?" he hissed worriedly. "And you bloody brought it in here."
"Now you see why you should forget it," Arcturus comforted.
"So, he's not dead?"
Arcturus shook his head.
"I don't think so and from what you said, I'm guessing he has the cup and that might be one too."
Borgin steadied himself on the counter and shook his head.
"You shouldn't of bloody come," he said weakly. "What the hell do I do now?"
"I have just the thing," Arcturus replied as he discreetly drew his wand. "Obliviate', he muttered whilst pointing it at the man.
Borgin's eyes became vacant and Arcturus pocketed the locket once more before he left, ensuring that he had left no trace of himself behind. He could have killed the man, but that would have raised a lot of suspicion. He doubted his spell work would hold up under Voldemort but it would have to do. Borgin would have no recollection of his visit so would have nothing to tell anyone. Even if somehow, he did remember, he would be unlikely to speak of what he knew. He cared far too much for his own life for that.
With a shake of his head, Arcturus apparated to the ministry and made his way across the atrium. At this time of night, it was empty but the guard on the front desk eyed him suspiciously as he handed over his wand.
"What brings you here, Lord Black?" he asked.
"I have some business to attend to, I suggest you mind your own," he replied coldly.
The man nodded nervously and handed back his wand. Arcturus entered the lift and headed to the hall of records where he hoped the first leg of his journey would end. He opened the filing cabinet marked G-H and found the family tree he was looking for. Only the pureblood records were kept here so it took him very little time.
It was a bittersweet sigh of relief that escaped him when he found the name Marvolo Gaunt and below the names of Morfin Gaunt and Merope Gaunt, the latter the only possible option of being a parent of Tom Riddle. It was speculation, he knew, but the only logical explanation was that Merope ended up with child and that Tom Riddle Sr was the father, hence the confusion between the muggle and the wizard of the same name that attended Hogwarts.
He shook his head as the situation began to make sense somewhat. Although there was still many details missing, he was certain he was correct.
Tom Riddle Jr had indeed grown up to become Lord Voldemort.
Now all he had to figure out, was what he would do next. He knew he would eventually have to discuss this with Dumbledore, but he was reluctant to do so. The man was an enemy but he knew he had little other choice.
"Fucking goat," he grumbled as banished the document to where he had retrieved it.
UP NEXT… The third task will take place. Lots of action and lots of drama. You will not be waiting long for this as it's already in the works.