Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. However, I do own anything OC, non-canon and fictional magic.

A/N: Thank you for my reviews! My goodness, four chapters in a week! Thank you for my motivational reviews and please keep it up. This is a hefty background chapter. It could not be helped. I am sure I will have a few here and there but will try to keep it to a minimum. LMK of any GSP errors/or confusion in the story flow. Enjoy!

IX: Goblin Plotting

Lacie turned to her fellow Goblins.

"I suggest we pursue this endeavor with Lord Black on a three-fold basis," Lacie announced. "Attacking in tandem in order to get the most expedient results and to be sure we are not misconstruing anything." They remained in the cavern bewitched against eavesdroppers.

"How do you mean?" Ragnok asked calmly.

"I think we need to use your expertise as a solicitor for Lord Black," Lacie said to Flameclaw. "But not directly against Dumbledore...no, we need to get the attention of Madame Bones." Lacie frowned. "There's been no record of a trial...and frankly, she's too much of a Hufflepuff to let that stand." Lacie said with a sniff as a fellow Badger. "Next, I think I'll need your expertise in my healing, Ragemark...for I don't know how volatile or malnourished Lord Black is after Azkaban...but we'll need Nutrient Potions first. So if you could make a month's worth of supply until I can properly assess him…?"

Ragemark nodded. "I'll get on it and send you the supplies with your correspondence to Lord Black?"

Lacie agreed. "Captain?" She asked with a glance at Ragnok who inclined his head with permission. "Is there any way we can subtly ask where the Aurors are in regard to Lord Black's whereabouts?"

Capt. Lockjaw smirked. "I can poke around and ask on behalf of the Bank's interests?"

Ragnok returned the smirk. "Say something bland like our wizarding customers are worried with Black on the loose. How can we, as the Bank, stay up-to-date on his whereabouts?"

"As for me," Lacie said thoughtfully. "I will write up a permission slip for Lord Black to sign and have it disguised as the Muggles' signature."

Ragnok chuckled. "Well Lacie, I believe you're taking the lead quite well." He remarked.

Lacie lowered her gaze. "He is the key to the child's protection, sir."

The Goblins regarded her with a touch more compassion than they normally would.

"Quite right, as always we are bounded by our oaths. Keep me abreast of any changes. In the interim…" Ragnok said softly as he produced matching Gobbledygook Tapping mechanisms for Lacie and two of his Goblins.

"Use these. Tap once to indicate an emergency portkey to the Bank." The Goblins stared at the Director. "In the event our investigation gets us in a bind," Ragnok continued. "I believe we're going to ruffle many feathers with poking into 'wizarding business,'" Ragnok's lip curled. "Tap twice to convey updates and thrice for your own reports as a recording that we can all listen in and stay updated."

The Goblins said their goodbyes and went their respective ways.

Lacie immediately began searching for a Goblin forgery spell. Ironically, it was the one Narcissa Black asked Jawcracker to use to write her name on the parchment receipts of the Black Vaults as Arcturus' signature.

She wondered what Lord Black would do to his cousin.

Her lips curled back showcasing her fangs and she began laughing. I hope I'm there to see Narcissa grovel like she expects us to do for her.

"There you are," Lacie said triumphantly as she found the emergency guardian slip for minor's rights. She grabbed her quill and warded the parchment.

Dear Lord Black,

My name is Goblin Healer Lacie Fistbiter Thaxton. I met with the Child over the summer. I have many disturbing findings I wish to bring to your attention. These are a copies of my reports I filed at the Goblin Child Services. In addition, I have added a pensieve memory for you to see for yourself of what I witnessed with Goblin magic. It is my belief―and that of the team's―that Albus Dumbledore has been in cahoots with the Child's relatives regarding the Child's mistreatment. Due to my background, I am unable to pursue the wizarding equivalent without express permission from his guardian. I ask you sign this warded document. I will forge his aunt's signature since she is the Child's blood relative and has the most sway.

Very respectfully yours,

Goblin Healer Lacie Thaxton
Certified Pediatric Healer at St. Mungo's

Hedwig appeared and Lacie smiled warmly at the familiar. "Please see this to Lord Black," she said politely.

The snowy owl regarded her for a moment and lightly nipped Lacie's fingers before taking flight.

Lacie took a deep breath and made a cup a tea.

Now, she thought. I'm making progress. Thank Merlin.

Sirius perused all sorts of documents and was writing on the Hogwarts-styled blackboard when he heard a knock on the door.

"Yes?" he called.

"Lord Sirius must eat." Kreacher said. "Kreacher has brought the financial documents along with justice on the Account Manager Jawcracker, sir."

Sirius' eyebrows rose and he opened the door.

"Tell me everything," Sirius commanded.

Kreacher complied while Sirius ate the conjured tea and scones.

The wizard threw back his head and gave his signature bark-like laugh.

"Absolutely marvelous!" He said approvingly. Kreacher stood straighter. "And what did S―," he choked for a moment. "S―," he coughed.

This feels like...but it can't be. He thought wildly.

"Thank you, Kreacher." Sirius said instead. "I have cleaning orders for you to do. I shall write my orders down and leave them for you in the kitchen when I come down for breakfast. It'd be easier to keep track of our doings," he sighed. "Keep all those parchments at the end of the day in this log," he handed the House-Elf a medium-sized leather journal. "So I can make sure I'm organized for Our House Management."

Kreacher bowed and exited Sirius' study.

"Séraphine," Sirius said.

The Handmaiden curtsied. "My apologies, Lord Sirius." She said demurely. "You cannot utter my name to anyone except your Heir or your Lady."

Sirius stared at her. "And why not?" he asked incredulously.

"I may be powerful but I have limits, Lord Sirius." Séraphine explained. "No House-Elf knows a House's true name. It is only given to the Lord, Lady and Heir to use in family magical protection. Within the House, I can do many things." Her dark eyes shadowed. "Outside of the House...I'm only able to protect the immediate family."

Sirius' eyes softened. "Thank you for telling me, Séraphine...is that why the House-Elves call you My Lady House of Black?" I see. House-Elves are expendable because everyone guards the Family.

Séraphine nodded. "I received that title as a courtesy post mortem. But all Houses are not like the House of Black. For example, I was once a living woman. Not an inanimate spell casted upon a dwelling."

Damn, Sirius thought humbled, she must've loved my nutty family to sacrifice her soul, autonomy and peace and now she's insulted beyond measure by being treated as a thing. Sirius would strive never to do that to her. Perhaps, this is why Grandfather spent much of his time building rapport with her and what Grandfather was trying to tell me. Sirius did not doubt Séraphine would sacrifice again for his sake―and Harry's―if she was treated well outside of obligation; but of fondness.

Or love, his lips pursed. He immediately thought of the difference between Kreacher and Dobby. Duly noted.

"What was my great-great-great-great Grandmother Ursula like?" He asked, surprising them.

"She saved me from being sold to men," Séraphine said quietly. "I was a six-year-old orphan when Lady Ursula bought me." Séraphine's eyes lowered. "She even taught me to read and write."

Sirius closed his eyes. "I'm sorry, Séraphine." He resolved never to treat her like dirt. No wonder.

Séraphine quickly changed the subject. "You must never remove your Lordship ring, Lord Sirius." She said firmly. "The Goblins have pledged a team to assist you. They bring many skills to the forefront that can benefit you and Your Heir. Furthermore," she dug into her pocket and Sirius noted the blood bracelet. "You must keep this spell on you to protect you from being found by the Aurors."

Surprised, Sirius took the innocuous pebble and frowned. "Can we make a calf-band?" He asked kneeling and raising his trousers to his knee. Séraphine created a thin leather band for Sirius from nothing and handed it to him with a Permanent Sticking Charm* for the pebble to attach itself to. "I figure keeping it in my pocket would be too easy to lose and if I wore it as jewelry someone might recognize it." He explained. "This way I can hide it underneath my trousers."

Merlin that sounded so wrong.

Séraphine smiled at him. "While you're within the House my magic protects you from being found."

Sirius laughed.

"I presume it's all due to Black cunning?" he asked. She nodded. They both turned at a tapping sound from the window.

"Hedwig!" Sirius said rushing toward the window and opened it quickly.

"What's this?" He frowned, realizing it was not from Harry. "Is Harry alright?" he asked the snowy owl.

The owl regarded Séraphine and landed on Sirius' shoulder.

Sirius swore viciously. "WHAT?!" He screamed. Ruffling Hedwig as she clamped her beak angrily.

He immediately penned his name as Lord Black on the permission slip. "Do we have a pensieve? An extra one?"

Séraphine thought for a moment searching the House's inventory. "Nay, Lord Sirius."

"Kreacher!" Sirius shouted. The House-Elf appeared. "Go and purchase me a high-quality pensieve."

Kreacher bowed and Apparated.

"Séraphine, can you stay hidden while I call Dobby? I want us all to witness this pensieve memory." he turned to Hedwig. "I bet you were there so you don't need to review it with us. But would you stay a moment longer? I need to give something to Harry."

Hedwig bobbed her head. Sirius reached into his pocket for another letter he penned that morning to his godson.

"Thank you Hedwig." He said.

"Séraphine, do I need to add Hedwig to the 'safe entry tablet'?"

She nodded and quickly produced the Blood Quill and the tablet. Grimacing, Sirius signed Hedwig the Heir's Owl Familiar to it. He flexed his hand and watched everything disappear as Kreacher reappeared with an expensive gold-lined marble pensieve.

Sirius whipped open the first pensieve memory and glanced at Séraphine. She disappeared as well but he had no doubt she was in the walls. Watching.

"Dobby! Kreacher!" he called. Both House-Elves looked at one another. Kreacher more menacingly and Dobby stubbornly.

"Both of you are to assist me in helping Harry, got it?" He said sternly to them. "Good." He braced himself. "We're going to watch this together."

He poured the silvery white fluid from the tube into the pensieve.

They fell forward.

**Abridged Ch. IV from What do blood, bruises, burns, belts and bites have in common?**

Lacie followed Molly briskly upstairs and was pleased to see several homemade 'Get Well Soon' cards plastered on Ron's door from all the school-aged Weasley children and a new friend. She sniffed. Muggleborn. Lacie was not prejudiced unlike some of her Goblin contemporaries. She inwardly smiled at the Weasleys' kindness and inclusivity.

Molly hesitated and then turned the knob. What's the harm, Molly? Lacie wondered as unease settled in her stomach.

Harry James Potter looked from the mirror to Molly and he whispered. "I'm really sorry, Red's Lily." Harry's emerald eyes welled with tears. He had not noticed Lacie.

"Harry sweetheart," Molly immediately held her arms to the abused child. "You'd done nothing wrong. Why would you be sorry?" She demanded outraged as the Harry clung to her.

"Because I couldn't understand why everyone was so upset and―and I woke and…"

Molly knelt to Harry's level. Concern, worry and understanding in her dark hazel eyes.

"Harry James," Molly said in a firm, but gentle voice. "Look at me, sir." Harry stared at her with huge, frightened and guileless eyes. "I did not leave because I think any less of you." She admonished gently. "I left to ask for help." She smiled wryly at him. "I have some medical knowledge, yes, but even adults should not let their pride or their fear prevent them from asking for help." Molly looked at him meaningfully. Harry blushed and nodded leaning into her hand as she wiped away his tears.

Meanwhile, Lacie closed the door. She grabbed two cards from both Hermione and Ron and Hermione herself for the distraught child. She read what Molly was teaching both to Molly and to the most famous wizard of their time. However, all Lacie saw was a love-starved, frightened little boy receiving maternal care he desperately needed. Lacie was proud to be a friend of the Weasleys. Anyone else would have exploited the child and she fully grasped what she needed to do. Lacie opened her medical bag. The sound startling Harry and he nestled into Molly's embrace seeking protection. Molly's arms tightened reflexively.

"I would like you to meet a friend of ours Harry dear," Molly soothed as Harry looked at Lacie inquisitively and then back to Molly trustingly before setting on Lacie again. "Will you say hello to Healer Thaxton?" Molly encouraged.

Harry carefully straightened and grabbed two chairs in Ron's room for both Molly and Lacie as he said politely. "Hello Healer Thaxton. My name is Harry James Potter. Would you care to sit down?" Harry remained standing.

Lacie thanked Merlin that her training as a healer maintained a placid expression on her face. "Why thank you, Mr. Potter." She sat down in the smaller chair Ron had outgrown and noted Harry's thoughtfulness. Only when both witches did Harry sit on the bed waiting expectantly.

"What exactly happened, Mr. Potter?" Lacie asked calmly.

Harry looked again at Molly then took a deep breath. His thin chest barely containing his movement before looking at her with fathomless emerald eyes seemingly boring into Lacie's soul as if to weigh her merit. He brushed his jet-black bangs from his eyes and she glimpsed his scar.

"I'm not entirely sure, Healer Thaxton." Harry answered truthfully. "We were having fun earlier today. I got pranked by the Laughing Twins and My-My was staying with me because…I'm not a very good swimmer." Harry blushed but bravely did not relinquish his gaze into Lacie's shrewd ones. "Red suggested I get my glasses waterproofed by Red's Lily." He's still squinting with his glasses. He needs a check-up. Molly looked worried and uncomfortable with Harry's nicknames―especially for her.

"And then…I'm not sure exactly what happened when I was underwater…I felt like my blood went ice cold, then boiling hot and I saw the Weasley Mermaid frantically waving me to the surface; but all I saw was black ink everywhere like when I almost drowned after Dudley pushed me." Harry said.

Lacie listened attentively. She already knew of the Weasley Mermaid Arthur had charmed as a novelty and as a monitoring device for his children. She also knew it took a lot for the child to be honest with her. Clearly, Harry worshiped Molly and the Weasley family because he believed if Molly said Lacie was a friend of the Weasleys then she was trustworthy. Lacie filed that away for later. That could be a security breach. Her Auror father's voice muttered in her ear.

"Who's Dudley?" Lacie asked watching Harry's actions carefully. She was not disappointed.

The child stiffened. His eyes flashed angrily before he shuttered into an expressionless mask. He controlled his voice into a polite tone before answering. "My cousin."

"Is your cousin a wizard?" Lacie pressed.

"No. He and my aunt and uncle are Muggles and despise magic." Harry said succinctly.

Lacie's eyebrows rose. Now this will be filed later. She flicked her wrist absently. The motion told a compartment in her bag already making notes of the conversation and condition of Harry.

"May I examine you properly, Mr. Potter?" Harry looked dumbfounded. "Like what Madam Pomfrey does? Does that mean I have to stay in bed?" Harry made a face. Lacie almost smiled.

"I will be more extensive, Mr. Potter." Lacie answered. "I will be doing a combination of healing magic performed by both the wizarding society and by Goblins." Harry's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Like what Professor Flitwick does?" Harry asked curiously.

Lacie did smile this time. "Of sorts," she answered. Her eyes flicked to Molly and back to

Harry. "Unfortunately, Molly is not your guardian and therefore is not privy to this examination, Mr. Potter." Harry looked upset. Molly looked chagrined but understood the proceedings.

"Don't worry, Harry dear." Molly said instantly. "I need to prepare dinner…would you like spaghetti tonight?" She asked kindly. Harry looked at her. "Yes please." Harry said shyly. Molly smiled at him gently. She gave him a quick hug and nodded to Lacie before exiting.

Harry looked surprised seeing Ron's door covered with his 'Get Well Soon' cards and his eyes brimmed with tears. He immediately wiped away blushing.

Lacie handed Harry the two cards she nicked. "You have good friends, Mr. Potter." Harry beamed at her. "I know," Harry said shyly. Then he looked at her nervously while clutching his cards in his lap.

"I will perform the wizard's magic on you first since you'd be more familiar with that." Lacie explained. "That involves my wand and a few potions for you to drink." Harry made a face. "Then, you will lie down on the bed and I will place several stones in a circle around you. It will monitor your vitals for me as I gather more information on the condition of your wounds." She eyed him speculatively. "You may hold onto your cards while you're in the circle." Harry nodded thankfully. He was nervous but curious about Goblin magic.

Her diagnostics had come back the same but more detailed than Molly's and she performed a simple Episkey Spell* for Harry's minor injuries while a Ferula Spell* bandaged and splint Harry's torso. Harry sighed in relief. Lacie nodded to him to lie down and Harry held his cards and saw several gemstones circling above him. They hovered above Harry, and Harry to remind himself not to touch them. Two large rubies, one at Harry's heart and the other at his head, glowed brightly. Four emeralds mirroring at Harry's shoulder sockets and elbow joints glowed. Two opals at Harry's feet dimmed while three sapphires dimmed at Harry's hips.

With great practice, Lacie hid her rage. Her scans revealed she would need at least five Goblin Healers to handle the physical portions of correcting a child's body from the severe malnutrition. Additionally, his blood wounds had seeped into his skeletal structure severely weakening him and stunted his growth. Her first sense was to use Skele-Gro on Harry's body but she needed a second opinion on the matter. Furthermore, the detection spells saw one strong magical binding on Harry's core. Two concealment charms remaining on Harry that she did not dare remove on her own. Moreover, a strange magical signature alien to Harry's core. She could not determine if this was Light or Dark magic. It was somewhere in-between. She sensed a malicious witch's magic which disturbed Lacie deeply. She gazed at Harry's core curiously. The child was indeed very powerful. His magic was constantly fighting the binding and trying to repair his blood wounds despite being malnourished. She frowned. That shouldn't be possible. The child would suffer extreme magical and physical exhaustion. She inwardly gulped. We are on borrowed time. But how long? Lacie could not even begin to guess but she knew it would not be for more than a year at the most before this child became a true ticking time bomb.

**Flashback end**

Sirius snarled enraged once he was spat out of the pensieve. "I'LL BLOODY KILL EVERY LAST ONE WHO DARED MARK MY GODSON!"

Dobby was shaking, too. He had glimpsed the malnutrition from the Dursley household. Yet, seeing the blood wounds did something to the littlest House-Elf.

Kreacher's lips curled. Pale eyes shrewd and curious. Muggles and a Witch? Together or separately?

Sirius began pacing and swearing viciously.

Guilt-ridden, enraged and paternal Sirius took deep breaths. "My poor child," he said sitting down in his chair. He knew he would never replace James. But at this moment, he did not care. He wanted his godson. His Heir and child safe with him. "And he just takes it because he doesn't believe anyone will rescue him." He said suddenly, straightening. "He doesn't believe in any authority to help him because he's called for help and no help comes."

He squared his shoulders and opened the second memory vial. It disclosed how Lacie detected Memory Charms in laced tea and chocolate.

Sirius frowned. "I don't think the Weasleys are even aware they've been drugged." He said slowly. "I think they're innocent of this whole affair...and they did reach for help despite being the least empowered Purebloods…" His respect for Harry's friends grew admirably.

He popped his neck. "Alright, we'll throw our lot in with the Goblins." he said to everyone present. "Dobby, Hedwig," he said decisively. "Keep me posted on Harry's health and well-being. Come here immediately if something is seriously wrong...Dobby," he said suddenly. "When Harry is in his classes, I want you to bring me the Marauder's Map, OK? I'll see if I can recreate it so I can watch out for him as well." He looked at Hedwig. "You're noticeable." he said chagrined, "but if you could spy on Dumbledore's familiar or something I'd be much obliged."

Hedwig hooted and landed on Dobby's shoulder as Dobby Apparated to Hogwarts.

"Kreacher," He said quietly. "Bring me books from the library on scars and markings. I'll take dinner in here. I want you to lock all of Father's alcohol and to keep it from me. Otherwise, clean the House."

Kreacher bowed fulfilling Sirius' orders and several books appeared on Sirius' desk.

He scrubbed his face with a hand. Sirius had partied as youth. When James told him he was worried Sirius would become a drunk and ruin himself, he stopped.

Because he would disallow losing James for anything within his control. Besides, he knew if he drank now he may never stop.

Being sober is bollocks because I have every right to being drunk. He thought ruefully.

He opened the first book of Dark Magic and Cursed Scars.

Although, Sirius was glad to have help now. Otherwise, he would be overwhelmed and woefully ignorant of the proceedings. He finished reading all of Lacie's notes.

He muttered a swear word. "How am I going to get this to Lacie?" Kicking himself for dismissing Hedwig so quickly.

Séraphine appeared. "I can give it to her." Sirius stared at her confused. She held up her bloody bracelet. "I know where people are when they Blood Oath themselves to the House of Black and what their intentions are."

Sirius chuckled. "Can you mind-read as well?"

Séraphine smirked. "Nay, but this is close enough, Lord Sirius. Is that all you need of me?"

Sirius handed the necessary forms to Séraphine. In a swirl of silver-and-black mist she disappeared from him.

He shivered. "I don't think I'll ever be warm again...not with Black Family Magic so similar to Dementors…" he muttered before returning to his book. "I may be late to the party, Harry; but I swear to you I'll make everything right for you. Or my name isn't Sirius Orion Black the biggest S.O.B. these rat bastards have no idea who they're messing with."

References: the Dark Magic and Cursed Scars is made up but I am sure it exists because I imagine the Black Family Libraries are extensive in fanon.

The Gobbledygook Tappings is creative license. The Permanent Sticking Charm is canon.