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

A/N: Special thanks to Guest for pointing out I accidentally put Séraphine's name when Kreacher cannot know about it in the previous chapter. Reviews are my motivation and keep me on-track. Yes, I plan on answering as to why Harry has all these guardians and such. Please be patient and review :-). Enjoy!

Kreacher Apparated Lacie in the same room where Jawcracker's interrogation took place. She was unsurprised seeing a gathering of her team.

"Kreacher," Lacie began. "I would like you to sit in these proceedings until we meet with Lord Black at his convenience."

Lacie took a deep breath. "I'm appalled at what I've found thus far, gentlemen." Lacie said with barely contained fury. "Poppy Pomfrey is deliberately keeping this child underfoot. But I can't tell if it's of her own free will or Dumbledore's orders." She figured she should give the Medi-Witch one last ditch at professional courtesy.

"What have you found?" Ragnok asked directly.

"A seven-inch thick folio containing his health records," she said disgustedly. "I know he's a 12-year-old boy," Lacie continued at everyone's raised eyebrows. "But I know he's not that clumsy."

Capt. Lockjaw nodded. "I have a few reports myself." He announced as everyone sat at a conference table with Lacie in the center as she spread Harry's documents on the large walnut table for everyone to see.

Kreacher remained standing. His pale, beady eyes ever-watchful. He could admire the Goblins in their efficiency and would keep his own counsel until he spoke with Her Ladyship and Lord Black.

"I met with our liaison, Auror John Dawlish*," Capt. Lockjaw said, his lip curling slightly. He rolled his shoulders, showcasing expansive muscle over his stocky chest with brown dragonhide leather with gold accents. "He claims, 'The Bank has nothing to worry about with the Sirius Black's capture. We will find him. We are deploying several resources, including but not limited to: Martial Mages and Hit Wizards and Witches are on his trail as we speak.' I tried poking around further and got nowhere despite the Director's Seal," He opened his hand to show an official Goblin Coin. It had jewels appointing a pentagram and was only used as a show of faith between the Ministry and the Goblin Nation. "Then I figured a plan with Lawyer Flameclaw." He inclined his head to his friend and business associate.

Flameclaw grimaced. "I think Lacie's right. We need to instigate a meeting with Madam Bones. I have taken the liberty of writing a formal summons, a personal summons and a few others for everyone to peruse and we make a decision on wording it. I believe we have a short window of opportunity." He shrugged. "I was under the impression that Fudge wanted her every second of the day for her 'expertise,' to distract her from doing her job. This way she has an excuse to speak with us on more than simply financial matters."

"What do you mean?" Ragnok asked.

"Lockjaw and I figured it would be best to approach her with a formal summons during her lunch hour. She is in a heavily warded office, Director. But, I wanted to be sure we had Lord Black's approval," he acknowledged Kreacher, "and the Bank's before we went anywhere."

"Ragemark?" Ragnok queried.

"I have made a month's worth of Healing, Nutritive and Warming Potions, Director." Ragemark answered. "Lacie gave me a copy of Mr. Potter's health records to date and I have made similar potions fit for a child. These," he said gesturing at the records. "Disturb me more at present than Lord Black's predicament since this child is a literal ticking time bomb."

Everyone sobered at the thought for a moment before Ragnok broke the silence. "Lacie and Ragemark...I want you two to work together for the next hour and give all of us a summation of what you've learned. I know it's not a lot of time to do it justice. But I agree with Capt. Lockjaw and Flameclaw that we need to strike at Madam Bones before tomorrow morning. I will confer with them about the legalese and the Bank's stance before we owl Madam Bones." Cracking his neck, he added. "One hour. Convene. Then an early morning owl. Agreed?"

Assenting the Goblins went about their tasks each in on three points of interest. Lord Black, Harry and Madam Bones. Most Goblins had a grudging respect toward Amelia Bones. She was often sought for her impartial views.

But how are we not going to look so suspicious? Ragnok wondered as he and his Goblins went into the next room. Without looking like we're taking a stand in Wizarding affairs?

Lacie and Ragemark exchanged a long look.

"Let's do this," Lacie remarked. Ragemark summoned teacups for them and Kreacher and girded his stomach at the extensive photos and Healer's script.

In essence, he wanted to stake something. The child had succumbed to malicious treatment and had actually been notified by Madam Pomfrey on six occasions to the Ministry regarding his time before Hogwarts.

Well at least there's some decency. Lacie thought begrudgingly. But nothing came of it...she looked up at Ragemark.

"Memory Charms," they said in tandem. "Or even the Imperious Curse." Ragemark added darkly.

During Hogwarts, they read horrified that the child in question had been struck by a Basilisk and dealt extensive injuries not pertaining to Quidditch alone.

"Bloody hell!" Ragemark swore. "By rights, where is the Basilisk? Did the child ever receive a reward for his services or just some paltry trophy from Dumbledore?"

Lacie scowled in agreement. "He has Hunter's Rights to the Basilisk and should have had publicity, gold, venom, and fangs for the cursed thing….although, the child would have wilted from it so perhaps there's that." She muttered. At Ragemark's look she disclosed what she knew of Harry's character and how genteel and modest the child is.

Meanwhile, the child sniffled, sobbed and coughed as Sirius crooned and held him. "That's it, baby," Sirius said gently. "Let it all out and tell me what happened."

Baby? Harry wondered, his heart beating fast. He had heard many a mother refer to their child, regardless of said child's age as baby. They said it like it was akin to precious or something.

Harry hungered to be precious and worthwhile. Shivering, Sirius pulled a House of Black handkerchief and took Harry's glasses away making Harry stiffen.

Usually, his glasses were taken away as a form of punishment.

Except, Sirius did not backhand him. Sirius cleaned them after he wiped Harry's tears and gave him his handkerchief to blow his nose. Harry complied and Sirius matter-of-factly took the soiled handkerchief and pocketed it.

"What happened?" Sirius asked solemnly. His grey eyes worried and sincere. He knelt to Harry's level and put his hands on either side of Harry's shoulders.

"Did you know Lily had another kid?" Harry asked in quiet rush. He could not say 'Mum,' nor could he say his 'sister.' Those words are sacred and Harry did not want to feel any worse than he already felt. Not since he was a toddler had he asked his aunt and uncle about his parents using those words. "It was a girl. She was 19 weeks pregnant."

Sirius did not so much as blink. Frankly, he had forgotten about Harry's would-be sibling. Lily was going to find out the gender sometime after Halloween. He had had many other more important things like the living child before him to worry about.

"I'm so sorry, kiddo." Sirius said regretfully. "How did you find out?"

Harry looked down. "There was a folder with a bunch of pictures in it…" Harry whispered. "Someone left it in my trunk." he gulped, upset.

"What?" Sirius demanded, his voice dangerously calm. Harry started. He was just about to proclaim his honesty in the matter until he finally caught onto Sirius' angry words.

"―someone put that in your trunk?" Sirius continued. "I'll have to ward your trunk, then." Sirius muttered.

Harry winced, he did not want to be causing Sirius any trouble. He knew firsthand glancing at Malfoy's expensive trunk cost at least a small fortune. His wince caught Sirius' attention. "Kiddo?" He asked concerned. "None of this is your fault, you know that don't you?" Sirius asked firmly.

Harry did not look at him. "Yes, it is." Harry said quietly.

He felt a fingertip raise his chin. "What did you just say?" Sirius asked. He was actually angry at Harry. His grey eyes flashed mercury and Harry shrunk into himself. He felt a nudge on his shoulder. The coldness of it signaled Séraphine's influence while dampening his anger enough to where he thought about it from Harry's perspective.

Sirius could understand the guilt trip. He was a living totem to guilt. However, he flashbacked to something Lacie had written about Harry's mistreatment from him Muggle relatives.

He could relate to abuse. Although, not in the same vein as Harry nor for as long as Harry. He had had the good fortune of other relatives and the Marauders to fall back on.

Harry's isolated in the Muggle world because I bet Hermione lives farther away and there's no way Harry can Apparate to the Weasleys. He thought glumly.

Although, a little voice inside his heart said. Abuse is still abuse and you both need healing.

One thing at a time. I'm unfixable but Harry is. He said sternly to the voice.

"Who told you to think that?" Sirius asked perceptibly. "Or did you think that on your own?"

Harry's emeralds widened in surprise. "Um, well, er, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia said if I hadn't been born then Lily wouldn't've died?" Harry asked uncertainly.

Soon, Sirius swore. I'll visit you Petty Petunia and your buggering walrus of a husband.

He felt another nudge and sighed. "We'll continue this conversation later, pup." Sirius said. "My two hours are up." He softened seeing Harry's expression. "I'll visit when I can, kiddo." He said tenderly. "Dobby!"

The little House-Elf appeared. "Yes, Master Harry Potter's Snuffies and My Lady House of Black?"

Harry frowned in confusion. "Another time, Harry." Sirius said with an apologetic look at the wavy shields around the Shack's perimeter. "For now Dobby, I want you to take Harry to the Kitchens. Make sure he's well-fed and bring him to his room. And," Sirius added meaningfully at Harry, "I want you to take this, er, folder? From Harry's trunk to me immediately upon doing so. As for you," Sirius said to his charge. "Write to me and we'll make arrangements, OK kiddo?"

Harry nodded and hugged Sirius one last time. It hurt Sirius to see Harry go. "Oh, and Harry?" The boy turned around so fast it had to have given him whiplash, making Sirius feel a little guilty. "Keep your quill on at all times, do you hear me?" Harry nodded and whispered. "'Bye Siri―Snuffles." Dobby took Harry's hand and Apparated.

"Be safe, baby." Sirius murmured as he became Padfoot.

Séraphine wrapped her arms around Sirius and all the Animagus knew was black-and-silver swirls as she whisked him away to Their House.

Releasing Her Lord in his Master Suite on his bed where he transformed into himself. He took stock.

He gaped at Séraphine and immediately rushed to lead her to sit down. "Séraphine! What happened?"

She smiled at him. She looked tired. "I told you, Lord Sirius. I am powerful; but I have my limits. Kreacher is assisting you with the Goblin Entourage. They are scheming many things to the benefit of Our House." She answered. She looked bruised and exhausted; but regained strength before his eyes as silvery mist conferred upon her and she sighed in relief.

"The House shall guard Its Lord while he rests," she said as the clock chimed 8:45 p.m. Sirius' eyebrows rose. "You cannot assist Our Heir if you are worn, Lord Sirius." She advised, rising. Sirius strongly suspected Séraphine was scheming herself. "The Basilisk guards Our Heir and Dobby will arrive shortly with that folio Our Heir spoke of." She continued. "I am most curious about how we are to avenge Our Heir, Lord Sirius."

"As am I," Sirius answered. He bowed to her. "My thanks, Séraphine." She gulped. "You have no idea how much he means to me and to see him and really speak to him...makes me a happy man."

Séraphine regarded him thoughtfully for a long moment. "Then I will do everything in my power to assist you in your happiness, Lord Sirius." She said as she exited his Master Suite, she regarded him over her shoulder. "For I have no doubt, Our Heir is happiest with you."

Sirius decided a hot bath was definitely in order. It would have to do since he had no choice than to remain sober.

He opened the Master Bath and was not all surprised to see steaming hot water in the large, claw-footed bathtub, and from the scent of it a mixture of medicinal herbs and cologne. He shrugged out of his clothes and placed them in the hamper.

Sirius never looked at the mirror for long periods of time. He hated them now. Whereas before his vanity perused even the slightest reflection in a window.

All he cared about were basic grooming despite wearing Father's clothes, modified courtesy of Séraphine.

Sighing in relief and exhaustion he settled in his steaming bath and recalled holding his child in his arms.

It would be enough to keep the nightmares at bay this night.

As soon as Harry arrived, he was bombarded with several questions. Dobby advised putting a glamour on Harry to make him look sickly so as to stave off any suspicions.

After everything was settled enough for his Gryffindor comrades he sat down at his bed while Dobby took the folio. Dobby shook his head at Hermione and Ron and his two friends decided to help Harry with his homework until it became late enough to rest and Harry promised to awaken early to finish his work. It took a lot of convincing Hermione; but he succeeded.

He noticed Hedwig perched herself above his headboard and he closed his curtains. He felt happiness at seeing his godfather again. Harry's mind churned with worry. He had not had the chance to go through everything in the folder. He frowned. Perhaps I should have used a different word? Sirius seemed confused about it for some reason. He shrugged. He would ask Hermione in the morning.

Albus Dumbledore is displeased. He tried a few charms to locate Harry and could not. Frowning heavily he thought the boy would be in the loo regarding an upset stomach but still easily located. Why haven't you come to me? He thought irritably.

So consumed with his pacing he did not notice Fawkes purposefully sitting by a few instruments which his magic obfuscated.

Fawkes only knew what a few of these instruments did. Some were tied to various charms placed upon those closest to Harry like his relatives and the Weasleys with one or two on the Granger girl. As for the ones associated with Harry's person it seemed one of them had a ticker on it for Harry's major organs. Another seeped little bits of magic on Harry's core.

As a Potter, his Family Magic is a golden stag. Since Harry is a child it is a golden fawn. It symbolized his Light magic and would always keep Harry warm and react to any threats on the last living Potter descendent. However, due to Harry's childhood mistreatment it took a serious dent to providing relief for Harry along with battling true Basilisk venom. Furthermore, as a child, his magical core was still developing.

This particular magic stemming from a globe trinket pulsated cold and Dark magic into Harry's core, confusing the young fawn and jeopardizing Harry's magical core development. Fawkes' phoenix warmth offered respite from the dangers associated with this malignant magic. He hoped he is not too late.

But the Potter fawn is changing. His emerald eyes developed silver serpentine slits in his pupils and his furry pelt had a scaled pattern atop it. The House of Black's Basilisk was guarding Its Heir.

It just needed more time. It would borrow from the Phoenix what it needed to keep Its Heir from Fading or worse, becoming a Squib...but this child would be Its. The Basilisk noted a particularly Dark brand of magic located between the young fawn's eyes.

He would notify Her Ladyship.

Dumbledore continued pacing until he called a House-Elf to give him tea. He took out a specially enchanted journal with a planetarium design. He actually sniffed when he saw Sirius, the Dog Star or the Brightest Star. Rolling his eyes, he opened it and began to write.

Several notes to tell. The boy was warded somehow. I must find a way around whatever usurps my powers regarding his location.

For you see, Albus was not a nosy man. No, such a word would not be associated with the likes of him. However, he was Headmaster of Hogwarts. And everyone obeyed him.

Perhaps I should have Dobby spy on Harry. He scribbled. It would be best to tell the obnoxious loyal House-Elf that I need him to it for his own good. That should work at placating the House-Elf that he isn't spying only helping me further my interests regarding the boy's health and well-being.

He chuckled. The boy should come running to me soon. Not his dreadful, flea-bitten godfather. Although, Albus had to admit rotting away in Azkaban was a cruel thing...but he had only implanted a suggestion to the reckless youth to switch with that ratty, worthless Pettigrew. Oh, he truly did not know that Peter was in league at the time with Voldemort until certain things clicked into place. After the fact, of course it was merely convenient for him to deny while still telling 'the truth,' to Sirius and the boy.

Dumbledore simply thought to be rid of another Black. Not that he doubted Sirius' hatred for his cousin Bellatrix for anything...but it was simply easier to destroy the whole lineage in one fell swoop. Sirius would always be a powerful threat as long as he was alive. He personally did not destroy or tamper with Sirius' trial records. He actually thought the poor bastard had snapped under the pressure of the Wizarding War and genuinely killed his best friends.

And he could admit he liked having the scholarly Werewolf under his thumb. Loyal to him and beleaguered made him a perfectly controlled animal. While he thought Lupin could be educated he only intended him to be for his usage. He had told Lupin he was suspicious of Black's behavior at the time and he wanted to keep his Werewolf running off to further divide Black's attention.

Must tell Harry to keep me posted on any correspondence. Albus wanted to be sure the misdirection spells he had on the fugitive would keep him far and away from Harry.

Otherwise, I'll have to claim Harry as my Magical Heir...Albus thought carefully. There would be political ramifications...but it would be worth it for the Greater Good. Once I have Harry politically, financially, and physically under my control I can put an Imperious on him and perhaps a Cruciatus Curse to keep him compliant if he misbehaves. Then, I can truss him up to Voldemort and detonate the internal bombs I have on the boy. It would destroy the Horcrux within him while also pinpointing the remaining Horcruxes on a map on his body. His sniffed in disgust as he wrote.

Peel Harry's skin to use as a map. Then take Harry's core before it dies to power the Elder Wand. Next, Apparate to all locations while using Harry's organs as Portkeys. The magic Voldemort would use would be attracted to the last remaining Potter since the stupid fool wants immortality. And a little vengeance.

By that time, Voldemort would be weakened to nothing more than a shade. It would be quick work to end him. Next, he would take Harry's magical blood and use it in a ritual to preserve his strongest mind magic on the Ministry of Magic's department heads and make laws and other such political gains for A Better World.

Everything must be carefully harvested...for my experiment and little lamb...to help me in achieving the Greater Good.

I am sorry my boy, Albus thought as he closed the journal and warded it with some of the heaviest wards he knew and hid it deep within Hogwarts herself.

I promise I will make you a decent memorial. No one else will miss you like I do. And Sirius? Well, he'll be given the Kiss and so the Pureblood family known for its Dark Magic will be blamed for wanting terrible things from an unsuspecting child. He nodded sagely. A terrible thing to have on one's reputation. But it shall suffice. Oh the Line Extinction of the House of Black will be celebrated amongst many...least of all Narcissa whom I am sure, has her sights set on the Black Family Fortune for her snotty Heir. He smiled coldly. But it shall be mine as well. Since, Sirius is a fugitive he can't legally use any money and where would it go? The bloody Goblins? I think not.

He leaned in his high-backed wing chair with steepled fingers. "No, I think I can have it all." He picked up a little strawberry cake. The Black and Potter fortunes would be his. He would be the hero again. Black would be labeled as an animal preying on a child and die a death befitting the scum of the earth. Voldemort would be vanquished once and for all. Harry would be a sacrificial lamb that may be lamented by that Granger girl and Weasley brood; but otherwise a legendary historical wizarding hero. I don't doubt that any Death Eater would die as well, once the Horcruxes are destroyed. He hoped to save Snape that hypocrisy since Snape did his bidding and not the Dark Lord's. Perhaps, I can use him as a Magical Heir afterwards...and gather the Snape fortune as well?

Sometimes, you can have your cake and eat it, too. He bit into the scrumptious cake.

Lacie frowned. "I just can't figure out these magical signatures." She commented to Ragemark. "There's definitely a Witch here; but it doesn't have the Healer's essence to it like Poppy's. It's definitely a Dark Witch."

Ragemark grunted in assent. "I'm positive one of these signatures is Dumbledore. He's just hiding behind the Dark Witch's signature to mask his own."

The Goblins exchanged an uneasy look.

A woman walked past No. 4 Privet Dr. and smiled benignly at a young mother passing her by. She had a fairly nondescript disguise over her distinctive features.

Now where is my little Serpent? She wondered. The woman could not come near Privet Drive completely. In fact, she did not know she had passed the house where Harry lived due to the wards Dumbledore imposed on the house and its denizens. It had taken her an inordinate amount of time to come this far.

I'll find out No. 07623. She thought, still thinking of the young mother and her toddler. Your foolish aunt decided to save you at the last second...I wonder why the change in heart? She gave a dainty shrug. I promised her I wouldn't sell you to anyone. You were always earmarked for my usage. Your blood is potent and I know you're a Parselmouth. It's why I selected you in the first place. You must be...12 now. A perfect specimen.

The woman looked down at her hands. Her disguise was beginning to peel. She gave a hateful look at them. I need my third Gorgon. She thought irritably. She had spent the past eight years working with her Scorpion and Spider...but they were not the one she coveted the most.

She wanted her Serpent.

Briskly, the woman made her way past Arabella Figg's street and turned the corner behind a dumpster and Apparated timing it perfectly as the dumpster truck lurched toward her selected dumpster to disguise the Pop!

References:Auror John Dawlish is a favorite Auror to bash. He actually had a decent record from Harry Potter Wikia in terms of his abilities as an Auror. He just was not the best at emoting or conveying like he was smart, apparently.

I decided Martial Mages sounded cooler than using Martial Magic. Obviously, this is AU and I will further explain this upper echelon of Hit Wizards (which is canon).

Please review and let me know if there is any confusion since this is an important chapter and I want to be sure it is well understood before I write anything more complicated. Thank you!