Harry Potter (Early Last Month)

Banshee of Hogwarts – Remake

Chapter 1

Rise of the True Banshee

Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whining, Surrey, July 31st,1990

Vernon Dursley while normally somewhat abusive to his niece Athena Artemis Potter had be confronted with an unsavory discovery, Some place called Hogwarts (Ridiculous name)was going to teach his freakish niece about her freak powers, he'd been told by his wife back when they took her in that it might happen, but with only a year left before Athena's eleventh birthday, he'd got to thinking of what the freaks might do to him if they found he'd been disciplining his niece. Vernon after drinking several bottles of beer was slightly tipsy when his piggish mind concocted an idea on how to deal with the issue of his freakish niece

With a dark gleam in his eyes Vernon ripped open the door to Athena's cupboard under the stairs and dragged her into the cellar, Petunia and Dudley Dursley both looked at each other as they heard Athena's screams of pain and see her as she is dragged into the cellar, they instantly knew what Vernon was planning and both began to pray for a miracle, they would have helped Athena but for two things. First they were terrified of Vernon and second they didn't want Vernon to start attacking them instead.

Down in the cellar Athena screamed as Vernon began to lay into her with his fists, she screamed in agony as her ribs broke, blood started leaking from her mouth, and lower regions as her stomach, lungs and womb started to hemorrhage under the assault Vernon is placing them under, in her pain she started to scream "Mommy, Daddy please help me, please help me"

THUD. Vernon has picked up an old bat of Dudley's left in the cellar started truly beating Athena with it, first he broke her legs, then her arms. Finally he slammed it down on her abdomen and a wave of blood stained her underwear and the floor. Vernon then kicked Athena hard as he could in the face and walked out of the cellar, locking the cellar door behind him.

Athena lay in the darkness choking on her own blood and feeling more numb with every second, around her a pool of her blood spreads. Athena can feel the pain in her stomach and started to cry for the fact that she may never be able to have children, ignoring her eminent demise she curses Vernon for taking her chance of having children away from her. Her last curse before Lady Death claims her was 'I'll kill you Vernon, no matter what I'll come back from the dead and I will kill you'

The place between Life and Death

Athena suddenly feels warmth, she opened her eyes to see she is no longer in the cellar, instead she is lying down on a warm sandy beach, around her are dozens if not hundreds of red seashells, she looked around to see three strangers in the distance. One is a man with messy black hair, another woman with red hair and emerald green eyes. The last is a woman with pale white skin and luscious black hair that goes down to her waist, she's wearing an elaborate black dress with black flowers outlined in silver all over it. Athena gasped weakly, they looked towards her and the red-haired woman and the man started to cry and run towards her.

A minute earlier

James and Lily Potter had wondered why Lady Death had called them hear, but before they can speak they heard a gasp and when they turned to the see what source of it was. They saw a girl on the sand, surrounding her are hundreds of red seashells, she isn't wearing anything but some rags that might be underwear, her skin looks like it might be pale, but they can't see its true color under the thousands of bruises. Her arms and legs are bent at unnatural angles and several of her ribs have broken through the skin. Her hair looks like it might be black but is currently a dirty brown from the blood that has dried in it. Her left eye is emerald green, but her right iris is crimson and barely visible under the swelling black eye around it.

Then it clicks, they know who they are looking at. "Athena!" Lily and James shouted before running towards the broken body that is their daughter. They knelt next to her and instantly realize the red seashells are actually stained that color by the pool of blood leaking from her body.

"M-m-mommy, D-d-daddy, you c-came I-I c-called" Athena weakly coughed up some blood while speaking "Y-you finally c-came, V-Vernon g-got angry a-at me. D-do you k-know what an H-Hogwarts is, V-Vernon was t-talking about it a-and getting a-angry. H-he hit m-me, I-it was s-so cold. P-please d-don't leave m-me-" Athena fell unconscious.

Lily and James were shaking in anger at Vernon Dursley suddenly a voice interrupted them "While your anger is justified, please remain calm, I have something I want to ask you" Lady Death's voice pierces through the haze of anger. James and Lily looked at Lady Death "What do you want to ask of us my Lady?" Lily asked, Lady Death smiled "I want to ask you if you are fine with me sending Athena back to the world of the living" "Of cour-" "But, there is a cost, In order to send her back she would have to become a True Banshee, she would become a monster that feeds on other monsters, she would however gain back all that she has lost. I ask you then, would you let your daughter live, even as a monster?" James and Lily looked at each other for but a second "Yes" Without hesitation they replied in unison. Lady Death nodded and waved her hand over Athena, Athena's wounds were suddenly healed and she looked to be in the peak of health, her skin however is now the same unnaturally pale tone as Lady Death's, her hairs tips are now silvery-white for the last inch and a half. She began to radiate silvery white fog and she fades slightly, almost like a ghost. Athena opens her eyes and they are still emerald green but they glowed with unnatural power. Then Athena vanished from the Place between Life and Death.

Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whining, Surrey, Cellar.

Athena woke back in the world of the living, her clothes are gone but the blood surrounding her flooded upwards covering Athena and then molded itself onto her body, transforming into a black dress similar to Lady Death's but with silver snowflakes instead of outlined flowers. Athena smiled softly to herself for a second, then her face is filled with rage as she remembers what Vernon did. She stalked up the stairs like a dangerous predator without the slightest squeak from the old wooden stairs. She reached the door and found it locked, without even thinking she turned her nails into talons sharp enough to slice through Dragonhide and rends the door open. Vernon who had been terrorizing his wife and child in front of the door turns as he feels a fragment of the cellar door struck him on the shoulder, his red face suddenly went pale as he saw Athena standing there with anger, no Pure Undiluted Rage, on her face. Before Vernon can even take a step Athena grabbed him, moving at speeds beyond the capability of a human being. Athena then cackled madly, not unlike a certain female Death Eater and whispered in Vernon's ear "Well, Uncle. Did you know us freaks can come back? Guess you didn't" Athena squeezed her hand and severed Vernon's head from his shoulders using her talons.

Petunia and Dudley while disgusted don't make any attempt to help Vernon; they had had enough and were happy to watch him get his just deserts. Petunia watched as Athena drops Vernon's corpse "You know you can't stay here anymore Athena" Athena just nods, Petunia sighs "I guess you would want to anyway right?" Athena nods "Well let me tell you about the Wizarding world, you see your mother was a witch and so are you, using wands you can learn magic. I can give you some instructions on how to get to Diagon Alley and when you're there go to Gringotts, and you should be able to access your parents vault, use the money to buy a house. I'm sorry for not helping you Athena" Petunia then described Diagon Alley and how to get there, she gave Athena some warnings about the Goblins and how the Purebloods might act towards her. Athena smiled and then whispered something into Petunia's ear. Petunia then marched Dudley out the house. Athena turned around after Petunia had left and turned the gas oven and stove on without lighting it. She waited ten seconds before she walked out the back door and threw a lit lighter over her shoulder and back through the open door. As she walked away the gas ignites and the house exploded into flames.

Athena then jumped over the back fence and started off towards London and a new future.

London

It took her several hours but Athena eventually made it to the Leaky Cauldron, she noticed it was an old pub that ordinary people seemed unable to realize it existed, and then she realized that the wizards had used magic to hide the pub from non-wizards. 'Clever, crude, but clever none-the-less' Athena mused as she walked into the Leaky Cauldron. Inside is a well-lit but still shadowy pub with a bar and several tables, several witches and wizards looked towards Athena only to receive an ice cold glare in return which quickly convinced them to return to what they were doing. Athena move quickly through the pub, she noticed a large man with a bushy beard drinking in the back, something about him made her instincts scream, Athena narrowed her eyes at the large man and continued out into the entrance to Diagon Alley, she quickly noticed the brick formation but instead of touching the bricks she waved her arm and focused her magic towards the wall to force it to open.

The bricks started to vibrate and then split until they reshape themselves into an archway which Athena thought that they vaguely resembled Greek or Roman designs, she smiled thinking of the times in school when she learned of her namesake and the world she was worshiped in. Athena walked towards the distant white marble edifice that Petunia told her was Gringotts the Wizard bank.

Unbeknownst to her as she walked Athena's demeanor and bearing made all the witches and wizard scurry out of the way. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy quickly shifted as well, with pale faces as Athena was almost a dead-ringer for Bellatrix Lestrange, there were only slight differences between them. Aurors watched with fear, wondering if Bellatrix had somehow broken out until they realized that the person in question was far too young to be her. Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody watched the young Banshee carefully, his eye told him that the girl in question wasn't a normal witch, the only other times he'd seen a magical core that powerful was when he was looking at Dumbledore or Voldemort. Alastor quickly headed to a Floo to firecall Dumbledore and inform him of the young girl. Every witch and wizard softly shuddered as the fog surrounding Athena slowly washed over them, later they would claim that they felt as if their souls were being judged by the fog.

Athena walked up the steps of Gringotts and is surprised like every wizard and witch nearby when the Goblin guards saluted her as if she were a superior. Athena however shocked she was stopped and nodded cordially to the guards which made them smile at the respect and honor of such a being treating them as equals. Athena then noticed the poem on the door and smiled at it's meaning.

"Enter Stranger, But take heed

Of what awaits the sin of Greed

For those who take, But do not Earn,

Must pay most dearly in their turn,

So if you seek beneath our floors

A treasure that was never yours,

Thief, you have been warned, beware

Of finding more than treasure there"

Athena recognized the warning with ease and nodded her head once more in respect before she walked through the double doors of Gringotts. As she walked into the Gringotts lobby the hundreds of Goblins on duty all looked towards her as her scent and power filled the room, the witches and wizards in line might have thought of complaining when she walked up to a desk they had been lining up for, but when they saw her they quickly stopped all thoughts of complaint. The aura of power and inhuman grace surrounding Athena is so strong that all those watching felt the desire to bow to her and name her their master, she might not realize it but Athena's demeanor and power were already living up to her namesakes. Athena glanced at the teller's nameplate and said "Second Rank Teller Gorefang, I would like to access my vault, I have been stuck with non-magical humans and do not have any key or card with which to access the vault, however I am informed that there is one for me left by my parents. If you need to ask who I am would you mind if we did it in a private office instead of here"

Gorefang despite being shocked that the Banshee had not only come up to him but also treated him with respect like an equal replied instantly "Of course, however the director of the Bank, Ragnar the Wise, would like to speak to one of your station, Would you mind meeting with him" Athena shakes her head softly "Then please follow me" Gorefang opens a door next to his counter and waves Athena through. They then traveled through the corridors of Gringotts, her Banshee powers quickly overwhelmed the spells and wards designed to confuse those not of Goblin blood or added into the wards attempting to remember their path through the bank, Gorefang noticed her power overwhelming the confusion spells and gulped softly.

The goblins had long memories and could easily remember what happened when the last True Banshee had existed, their then director, Ragnarok the Grim, Ragnar's great-grandfather had attacked her for a perceived slight when she didn't bow to him and was slaughtered, the goblins lost hundreds and even then were forced to surrender to her, and she hadn't even been injured once. Now it was protocol for all True Banshees to be treated as honored guests. Gorefang smiled softly, at least this one seemed to be peaceful, for now anyway.

They soon came to a door labeled Gringotts Director – Ragnar, Athena walked through the double door made of Elder Wood. Ragnar looked up and was about to ask why some witch had disturbed him when he paled slightly as he recognized the scent and appearance of a True Banshee. "How may I help you my dear?"

Athena raised an eyebrow "You can start by explaining why your face shifted from annoyance to terror when you saw me. Is there something about me that is special? Then we can speak about accessing my families vault"

Ragnar cursed softly in Gobbledygook before sighing "The reason I went from annoyance to terror is because you, my Lady, are a rare and powerful True Banshee, the last time one of your kind walked the Earth my ancestor made the mistake of insulting her and she single-handedly decimated my people, we now have a standing law to treat your kind as honored guests. On that note you have my condolences, from what I have learned True Banshees are only born when a young Witch is abused for several years before being killed. Lady Death seems to enjoy bringing them back and giving them great power with which to torment their abusers and often anyone who looks down on them. As for your vault I would need you name my dear"

Athena nodded her head stiffly "My thanks for your condolences; I can tell Goblins are not very sympathetic to humans and wizards. Probably because the wizards look down on you I would assume. As for my name it is Athena Artemis Potter. Is there anything I need to know about myself or my family? I was raised by ordinary humans for the last ten years" Athena tensed slightly after she said this.

Ragnar's eyes widened as he realized who is sitting before him and he answered "Yes there is something you need to know" Athena looked at him with an inquisitive look on her face. Ragnar then explained the Wizarding Civil war, her title, both the one given to her by the Wizarding world and the one earned through her bloodline and how she got it for her defeat of Voldemort. Ragnar explains Voldemort's rise to power with a sneer showing his disgust for the wizard. After the explanation Athena nodded her head slowly with a look of anger and disgust on her face.

Ragnar finished with "… And that is almost everything you would need to know, one last thing. This wizard Voldemort is still alive, we Goblins have his true name of Thomas Marvolo Riddle on record and our files inform us he is still alive. I would tell you to be wary of his existence, but I doubt he would be able to slay you as you are now. Still I would advise caution, True Banshees have been killed before, however the wizards that have killed them always die in the attempt so their weakness has never been known. Anyway I will summon a Cart Handler and have him take you down to your vault, I would ask that you not inform anyone that you can remember the layout of the bank, we have spells to prevent that but as a True Banshee you are immune to them."

Athena nodded her head and stood up from the seat that Ragnar had offered her "Thank you Director Ragnar, and I promise I'll keep my knowledge of Gringotts layout a secret, for reduced payment on my vaults upkeep of course"

Ragnar smiled at Athena "You would have made an excellent Goblin, My Lady" And he meant every word.

Athena smiled back at him "Why thank you, that would be an insult to most wizards but I can see the complement in it" Athena then walked to the door and ran into a young looking Goblin.

The Goblin looked up at Athena with fear and awe written plainly on his face and then said "G-greetings I am G-Griphook and am h-here to take you t-to your v-vault" Athena smiles at Griphook assuring him that she is not angry.

"Lead on Cart-handler Griphook" Griphook nodded and headed towards a nearby door, Athena followed him to the Cart station where they got on one of the carts and shot off at high speed down a railway. Athena was smirking to herself as she perfectly remembers each and every turn towards her vault. They quickly arrived at the vault in question and Griphook pulled out a key to unlock the vault, he then handed the key to Athena.

"This is your vault key, please try not to lose it, there is a hundred Galleon fee for the replacement of the lock and the issuing of a new key, Ten Galleons is the price for a new key to be made"

Athena nodded at the comment and then asked "Would you please explain the currency to me, Griphook" Griphook nodded and led her into the vault where she saw piles of Gold, Silver and Bronze coins.

"There are three coins in the currency, the lowest are the Bronze coins called Knuts above them are the Silver ones called Sickles, it is twenty-nine Knuts to a Sickle. The most valuable are the Golden ones which are called Galleons, each Galleon is worth seventeen Sickles" Athena shook her head in exasperation and said "Why couldn't those idiots use fives or tens as the conversion rate? It would be much simpler"

Griphook snickered and replied with "We were trying to make it difficult for wizards to remember their conversion tables so they would have to rely on us"

Athena then smirked at Griphook and commented "Ah, Clever. My compliments to whoever thought of that, maybe you should change it to something like the Muggle currency conversion rate in order to confuse the wizards even more"

Griphook grinned viciously "I'll inform Director Ragnar of your idea, it would be most interesting to watch, and the Muggle-born would have an easier time adjusting to our currency. Plus we love to watch the Wizards squirm as they have to learn something"

Athena quickly grabbed an extended money bag from Griphook (For Seven Sickles) that can hold up to two thousand Galleons and shows the amount of currency inside on the side (Only to the owner of course). She loaded it up to the brim and then they head back to the bank Atrium. As she walks out Athena nodded a thank you to Gorefang who smiled back to her, she hears a rapid burst of Gobbledygook and goblins laughing and guessed that Griphook told the other goblins of her idea. Athena then walked out of Gringotts and watched as the nearby witches and wizards freeze at the sight of her and subconsciously moved out of her way. She had been told of her noble lineage and the fact that she was now Emancipated and able to wield a wand without restrictions, provided that she went to Hogwarts next year.

Athena quickly walked into the shop to see the shops proprietor looking at her with wide eyes. He then cleared his throat and said "Welcome to Ollivander's Child of the mist and the Blacks and Potters, I am Ollivander. I assume you are here for a wand, I'm sorry to say I don't have any in stock that you could use. However I can easily make one if you are willing to part with one or two of your hairs"

Athena nodded and quickly pulled out two strands of her hair and handed them to Ollivander. He studied the hair and then said "It will take me half an hour or so to make the wand, if you like you can stay and watch or continue shopping. Before that however I need you to do something." Athena raises an eyebrow as Ollivander pulls out a board with pieces of wood on it that are different shades, with a smooth stone in the middle " Please move your hand over the wood and if one feels warmer or colder to you please stop on it" Athena moved her hand over the different types of wood before she stopped at one that felt like sunshine and ice mixed together. "Ah, Cypress, said to be the symbol of both Hades Greek God of the Underworld and Artemis Greek Goddess of the Hunt. Both of which would be your patrons my dear. As you are a child of Death and the Mist, A huntress who stalks those of evil intent and feasts on their life-force." Athena smiled and speaks for the first time since entering the shop.

"Ironic, since my name is Athena Artemis Potter, Maybe I have more than one connection to Greek Mythology" this simple comment made Ollivander's eyes go wide.

"I'm afraid I must offer my most sincere apologies miss Potter. I'm afraid I was the one to sell the wand that caused all your losses. Please forg-" Athena quickly placed her hand over Ollivander's mouth

"I wasn't your fault crafter of wands, but the fault of the wands wielder. Do not assume guilt for the actions of those who abuse your creations. I think I will go and get my dress robes. I'll see you in half an hour, by the way how much do I owe you"

"Fourteen Galleons as it is a custom made wand, usually it would be more expensive but the most expensive part of the wand you have already given me" Athena nodded before handing over Fourteen Galleons and exiting the store.

Athena made her way to 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions' As she walked in a squat, smiling witch who she assumes to be Madam Malkin walks over "Hogwarts, dear" Athena shook her head to Madam Malkin's surprise

"No I am too young, however I would like several dresses in the same fashion as the one I am wearing and two more in Crimson and Teal with a Silver Serpent and Golden Dragon on them respectively. I would like them to be made of the highest quality materials please as well as the standard wardrobe of the Head of a House"

Madam Malkin smiled and asked the important questions "Or course dear, would you like growth, Cooling, Warmth and Dirt and Stain resistant charms as well?" Athena nodded "And the other essentials like socks and undergarments?" Athena nodded once more. "Finally what House are you the Head of, so that I can stitch the proper House Emblem on your Wizengamot robes"

Athena pulled out a sheet of parchment with her lineage on it for proof and said "I am the Lady Potter-Black and here is my proof"

Madam Malkin's eyes widened and then she nodded, she was used to shocks like this and would remain the consummate professional she always was and said "That'll be 150 Galleons dear, I'll measure you up and have the clothes ready in ten minutes would you like to wait, I have tea here for customers who like to wait"

Athena nodded and smiled "Yes I would like to wait, and is the tea Earl Grey?" Madam Malkin nods "Then I would like some thank you, here is half of the 150 Galleons" Athena handed over half of the Galleons with the unspoken agreement that the rest would be given when the clothes were ready.

Madam Malkin then took her to a private room where she stripped naked and measured Athena's body, Madam Malkin was shocked by the numerous scars on Athena's body but she just nodded and gave the girl a look of sympathy. After Madam Malkin finished measuring she then smiled and showed Athena to the small table and chair where she can sit and drink her tea. Athena smiled to herself, 'Sometimes it's the small things that make a difference, Madam Malkin obviously wasn't bothered by my aura, maybe she's a descendent of one of the earlier True Banshees. Wouldn't surprise me, or she's just used to dealing with stuck up assholes so a polite but powerful girl is a breath of fresh air for her. This tea is really nice; I wonder why Aunt Petunia never made any? Probably bad memories of my mother most likely.' Athena just sat there and sipped her tea for ten minutes while she mused on everything she'd seen so far.

True to her word Madam Malkin hustled in with the robes and dresses finished and packed in a complimentary expanded box. Athena thanked her and headed for the Enchanted Trunks shop she saw earlier. She bought a three compartment trunk that can be shrunk down to pocket size. She had it heavily warded for a total price of 100 Galleons. Then she bought the first year school text books, and some extra books on defensive shields and offensive curses, as well as extra Potions books, Herbology books, a guide to Noble etiquette and a Wizarding Law Book and 'A Guide to Ministry Forms and Permits'.

Athena after having bought her books dropped into Ollivander's and collected up her completed wand. She immediately felt the power in it and thanked him. She purchased a Dragonhide Holster and Wand Maintenance Kit. Ollivander smiled widely as Athena walked out the door. Athena then went and picked up some Potion's apparatuses and a Standard Household Potion Ingredient Kit so she can work on her potions.

Lastly she headed for the Owl emporium, She walked in and smiled at what she saw, A White Snowy Owl is sitting on a perch flaring her wings at a red-headed boy who got too close to her, Athena walked over and held out her arm, the owl hopped over to her arm and calmly walked up to her shoulder, Athena then turned to the shop clerk and asked "How much for this one and the equipment and treats to look after her?" The clerk smiled, relieved to get rid of the pickiest owl in the store.

"Ten Galleons miss for the lot." Athena smiled and handed over the Galleons to the shock of the red-headed boy and quickly walked out. Athena thought over the names she knew and said "I'll have to find you a name beautiful one. Give me a day to think on it" She walked back to the Leaky Cauldron.

Athena walked up to the Bar and talked to the Bartender "Excuse me mister…?"

The Bartender smiled, he's an older man slightly balding with gray hair, and he replied with "Call me Tom miss"

Athena smiled at Tom and asked "Thank you Tom, now would I be able to rent a room here for a month?"

Tom nodded easily and answered "Or course, it'll either be Five Galleons for the just the room or Ten Galleons and eight Sickles for the Room and all your meals"

Athena handed over Eleven Galleons "Room and meals please"

Tom smiled and nodded to Athena and then pulled a Key out from underneath the bar with a metal tag with the number 8 on it, he handed the key and nine Sickles in change over to Athena and said "Room Eights up the stairs, fourth on the right, There'll be a call for each of the meals and a wakeup call at 6"

"Thank you Tom" Athena walked up the stairs and quickly found Room 8 and got settled in. After dinner, She read some of the text books, in her History of Magic she finds some famous female witches names and asked her owl which one she'd like, the owl nodded at Hedwig and so Athena named her Hedwig and said "Good Night Hedwig" Athena then pulled the covers over herself after getting changed into pajamas and went to sleep, having the best sleep she's ever had for ten long years.

Athena loved the month and a bit she spent at the Leaky Cauldron, when she mentioned her birthday Tom baked a small cake and she thanked him, she eventually gave him her name and asked him to keep it a secret and he agreed. "I can see that you might hate your fame, don't worry I just call you 'Thea, that okay" Athena nodded happily. She quickly read through all of her books and bought several more. A week before her September first she commissioned the Goblins to purchase her a house, they tole her that she already owned one and just had to move in.

Soon Athena found that she was the proud owner of Number 12 Grimmauld Place. She was told it was the ancestral home of the Blacks before Sirius Black was put in prison, she was told there was a curse on anyone not of Black blood who tried to own the place but as the head of the Blacks she was perfectly fine.

Athena three days before September first walked up the steps of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, the Fidelius charm and ancient wards didn't faze her in the least. She eased herself up to the front door which opened as she walked up to it. Athena strode into the living room as the front door closed behind her. Suddenly "WHO ARE YOU" was shouted by a female voice. Athena turned around to see a portrait of a woman who at one time might have been beautiful. She replied in a voice dripping with ice cold formality.

"I? I am Athena Artemis Potter-Black, Granddaughter of Dorea Black and the new Head of the Blacks and Potters, I am a True Banshee and I am the one who will destroy you if you cannot talk like a proper Pureblood Lady instead of a howler monkey"

The portrait was shocked and then smiled elegantly at Athena before she replied "I like you, you are definitely more worthy to be head of the house of Black then my son Sirius. They say he betrayed your parents, but I call that absolute rubbish, not matter what I thought of my son he was no traitor. But I have forgotten my manners, you are right I wasn't acting like a Lady of Pureblood standing should. I am Walburga Black, Wife of Orion Black, mother of Sirius and Regulus Black and your cousin and technically your Great-Godmother. Sirius is your Godfather, another reason why I cannot believe he betrayed your family to the Dark Lord. He would have been slain by the magical oath he took"

Athena who had already heard the story of Sirius' betrayal from Tom nodded slowly, before she said "Hmm, Maybe I should ask for an appeal for Sirius, I hate the idea of my Godfather being tortured by my lesser cousins"

Walburga frowned at this and asked "Lesser cousins?"

Athena nodded in response and answered "Yes, you would know them as Dementors, They are a lesser form of what I am, a True Banshee. Born from a witch who has been abused for years and slain, Lady Death has brought me back and made me nearly unable to be slain. Now may I ask why this place is so decrepit? I would assume the Blacks had a House-Elf?"

Walburga nodded slowly "Yes they do, KREACHER"

An ancient House-Elf pops in with a "Yes, My Lady"

Walburga gestured towards Athena "This young Woman is now the Head of House Black and is worthy of her title, she wishes to know why it has fallen into such a decrepit state, as do I"

Kreacher then turned to Athena before he paled and bowed "Handmaiden of Death, My Lady is right you are worthy of this house, I'm afraid I am getting old and cannot work as well as I used to, please forgive me"

Athena walked towards the House-elf then stopped right in front of Kreacher and asked "You smell like you have been near an object of true evil not mere darkness, tell me has anyone of your previous masters handed you an object and asked you to guard or destroy it"

Kreacher nodded and answered her question "Yes, Milady, Master Regulus gave me a locket and asked me to destroy it"

Athena smiled grimly and asked Kreacher "Would you bring it to me, I would like to remove it from this world" Athena smirked as Kreacher popped away and then popped back holding an elaborate silver Locket with snakes, emeralds and an S inscribed on it. She noticed the snake carvings and without realizing it picked it up and hissed "Open" in Parseltongue. The Locket sprang open and two eyes were revealed where pictures should have been.

"Foolish one, wait… I cannot read you! W-what… a-are… y-you?" A Dark melodious voice came from the locket before it began to fill with terror as it realized what it was speaking to.

Athena smiled sadistically at the locket "I? I am your end, foolish fragment of a foolish wizard. Do you think Lady Death appreciates your attempts to escape her? I am her Handmaiden and I will send you to her" Athena then opened her mouth and sucked the dark malicious energy and soul fragment from the locket. Athena then turned to Kreacher and laid a hand upon his shoulder, in a flash the old House-elf was young and virile once again "For your loyal service I bind thee to me, serve me until the end of my house loyal one" Athena then placed the locket around her neck, a sign of her victory over the dark one who had tainted it, she then realized that in the back of her mind she'd heard the voice of Lady Death informing her of what it was, A Horcrux. An Abomination.

Kreacher bowed deeply and asked "Yes, Milady what is your command?"

Athena looked around and appraised her surroundings before she replied with "Return this house to a state worthy of its family, the Black ancestral home should be mighty, not like this"

"It will be done, do you wish me to get the master bedroom ready for you Milady" Athena nodded and Kreacher popped away to fulfill his orders.

Athena then turned to face Walburga Black, bowed and asked "Lady Black would you kindly instruct me in Pureblood etiquette. I'm afraid the Muggles I was staying with weren't very noble at all"

Walburga smiled softly and said "You poor child, I'll happily help you" For the next week Athena learned Pureblood etiquette from Walburga Black. She found a rare joy in the stiff and stately nature of etiquette and grew to love it.