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

A/N: I totally plan on answering all of your questions. Again, I will need more chapters to better flesh out what I have planned. Thank you for your constructive criticism :-). Thank you for my reviews! Here's another chapter. We'll see how many I can do before Christmas :-3. I must say, this is like, one of my favorite chapters to date. I hope y'all agree ;-). Reviews please :-)).

I swear I read each chapter 10 times: before, during and after publishing. T_T If it were possible I would declare war on typos. So please keep me posted with GSP concerns or story flow obscurity. *EDIT MODE*

P.S. My original title is below...character limit in the drop-down menu.

Ch. XVII: Nursery Rhymes and Dangerous Times Part I

Harry remained in Sirius' embrace for a long time. His mind abuzz with the reality of seeing his godfather evident in his heart and expression. He slowly stepped back and tried to wipe away his tears with the backs of his hands when Sirius gently cupped his cheeks and wiped them for him.

"I missed you too, baby." Sirius whispered. To Harry's surprise he could see Sirius' eyes held unshed tears. Harry gave him a shy smile feeling less exposed and a side hug.

"Why don't we go meet our gracious hosts, hmm?" Sirius interjected as his own tears were carefully gone before facing the Goblins.

Harry nodded, not trusting his voice. His grip tightened on Sirius' side making him smile slightly.

I'm not letting go of you either, baby.

The Director and Lacie entered the nursery with Fangscales.

"Fangscales!" Harry exclaimed happily, he lurched forward then stumbled back slightly behind on Sirius. "Hello Director Ragnok and Healer Thaxton," Harry said politely. He seemed unsure of what to do as he wanted to remain at Sirius' side and fidgeted.

"Hello Vlatifahn Potter," They said. Lacie's black eyes softening from their usual professionalism, and a faint smile about her lips which Sirius noted.

"Shall we let the children play?" Ragnok asked courteously.

"We can play?" Harry asked curiousl and immediately clammed up.

Lacie narrowed her eyes and exchanged a quick look at Sirius and Ragnok.

He's nervous about playing. Lacie signaled with her eyes. Abnormal behavior. Usually a 12-year-old would not look like a curious six-year-old on Christmas Day along with a worried expression.

«Of course we can play, Vlatifahn Harry!» Fangscales exclaimed imperiously. «You're not going to get into trouble, I promise!»

Sirius cleared his throat. "Yes, you may play with Lady Fangscales, kiddo." He explained calmly. "We'll be in the next room to take care of some things."

Harry immediately relaxed and grinned. He reached for the little Gobliness just as she reached for him.

"I owe you a game of Gobstones," Harry said smiling as Fangscales cooed. He giggled as she tried to take his glasses.

Lacie pretended to walk with Ragnok before slipping a stone into her pocket.

It is a Disillusionment Charm* specific to Goblins. Once Ragnok and Sirius were ensconced behind the veiled wall she would appear visible to them. She wanted to monitor Harry's playtime.

She cast a Silencing Charm* about herself and the parchment and quill she had. Furthermore, she recorded the scene in real time for the other team members ―specifically Ragemark―before casting another spell at the top light. The light would act as a camera.

They chose to limit Harry's contact with the Goblins he already met so as to not appear too staged for the child and he could act naturally.

Sirius took one last look at his child before exiting with Ragnok behind the veiled room so Sirius could still monitor his child's reactions along with the Goblins.

Sirius sensed his House-Witch and House-Elf remain on guard while he sat at the conference table with Ragnok. He opened his satchel and withdrew several documents.

"I came up with a few ideas regarding my cousins Bellatrix and Narcissa," Sirius said. "I hope you'll be inclined for vengeance? And profit?"

Ragnok took one look at the document in hand and showcased his Goblin grin.

"I believe we're of the same mind," Ragnok said, sharing a dark chuckle with Sirius.

The document was written on official House of Black stationery in a woman's flowing script.

The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black would like to formally charge the Noble House of Lestrange with a Breach in Contract due to Line Extinction and formal guilty verdict associated with war crimes against Lady Alice and Lord Frank Longbottom.

Per Wizarding Law, Bellatrix Elladora Black Lestrange* is hereby stripped of her Black lineage. She will not receive benevolence of finances or protection from the House of Black. She will be expunged from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black Family.

Her magic is forfeit to the House of Black. All her worldly possessions shall be perused by Lord Black with the guidance of the Goblins on how best to determine their value or destroyed due to her known alliance with the Dark Lord.

Her dowry will go to servicing the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom for the Longbottom Heir's education.

Due to no Lestrange Heir, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black considers the marriage null and void. The Noble House of Lestrange is under the protection and financial security of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black due its former recognition of Bellatrix Elladora Lestrange.

The Noble House of Lestrange is forfeit the benevolence of finances or protection from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.

Thereby, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black cites Breach of Contract.
Per Wizarding and Goblin Laws, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black claims both supremacy and primacy* over the Noble House of Lestrange.

The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black claims supremacy due its status as part of the Sacred 28 Pureblood Families' lineage to the Greatest Sorcerer Merlin. The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black claims primacy due to the lesser Noble House of Lestrange marrying into the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.

The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black seizes all personal effects of value, property and gold as part of its bride price and atonement for the crimes the Heirs Rodolphus Erick Lestrange, Rabastan Victor Lestrange and Lady Bellatrix Elladora Lestrange* impugned upon the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom by usurping and disabling its Lord and Lady Longbottom and near Line Extinction of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom.

The Noble House of Lestrange's gold will be awarded to Madam Augusta Rachelle Longbottom* for the care of her son, daughter-in-law and livelihood.

The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black thereby declares Line Extinction upon the Noble House of Lestrange.

Per Wizarding Laws regarding supremacy and primacy* the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black condemns Squibdom upon Rodolphus Erick Lestrange, Rabastan Victor Lestrange and Bellatrix Elladora Lestrange whilst they remain in Azkaban.

Very respectfully yours,

Sirius Orion Black
Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black.

"And what of Narcissa?" Ragnok asked. His respect for Sirius growing amply.

Sirius smiled cruelly at Ragnok.

He's almost Goblin. Ragnok thought, maintaining his poker face.

"More or less the same spiel only without being totally disinherited and disenfranchised." Sirius answered, waving his hand airily. He relished the thought of someone else receiving his upbringing. "It has come to my attention that cousin Cissy visits Bella in Azkaban illegally."

Ragnok stared at him.

"How do you know this?" Ragnok asked surprised.

"My godson freed their former House-Elf Dobby," Sirius readily explained. "When I escaped, I made his acquaintance." Sirius' grey eyes flashed deadly mercury for Ragnok not to ask further questions regarding his escape. "I didn't know it myself. It shouldn't be possible since we were deeply held within Azkaban's isolation wards." Sirius' jaw tightened. "However, you can hear dear cousin BellaBitch scream all sorts of tales. Most are insane, remorseless and diabolical. However," Sirius said grimacing. He did not want tell too much of what he knew to the Goblin so he figured he would tell a slight half-truth. "Some things she said made sense. And," he said rubbing a temple. "I must tell you something very important so you may protect you and yours."

Ragnok straightened.

"Bellatrix stole an ancient Black Blood Ward spell and warped it to protect the Dark Lord," Sirius said rolling his eyes at the epithet. "Basically, if you use his professed V-name it acts as a locator spell on you and your family." He closed his eyes disgustedly. "That's how he was able to wipe out entire families and supporters."

Ragnok swore.

"Imagine being related to her," Sirius muttered in agreement. He removed his hand from his temple, crossing one ankle over his knee. He looked the picture of a pondering Pureblood Lord regarding a sunny afternoon on his estate. "However, I am curious if we can find out his true name? There's no way he was born with that name. I mean, really," Sirius scoffed, rolling his eyes. "It's crap French for 'flee from death.'" He regarded Ragnok for a moment. "Surely it might be in Goblin records?"

Ragnok crossed his arms and shook his head as he looked down. "We've tried. But there haven't been any solid leads."

Sirius nodded. "I suppose we can't help that for now," Sirius mused. "I suspect he wanted Purebloods primarily for their family wealth that he could tap into while using specific Lineage Spells." Such as the Black Blood Wards. Sirius scowled. Damn you, Reggie.

"Narcissa?" Ragnok prompted. Uncurling his arms, while he took a cup of tea to sip to regain some composure.

"I'd like to use her and Lucy-boy to locate Bellatrix's dealings as well as make Lucy become our in-the-know Death Eater," Sirius said smirking. "I figure it's about time those two start groveling." He barked his signature laugh. "After all, I bet Lucy used Narcissa's dowry to furnish his lawyer and didn't see behind bars. It's time he pays up on the loan, hmm?"

Ragnok grinned at Sirius. Definitely Goblin worthy.

"For dear cousin Cissy, I think I'd like to use the threat of Squibdom to force her compliance so she doesn't betray our plans to her sister." Sirius continued. "Personally, I'd like her to repay the House of Black the 190 million galleons―or whatever it is―in addition to her punishment." Sirius carelessly shrugged. "I may even pretend mercy if she tries to wheedle it out of me by foregoing it." He tilted his head and smiled ruefully at Ragnok. "But she will pay it. I won't be so cruel as to make them entirely destitute since her brat Draco didn't choose his parents and ought to finish his Hogwarts education," his smile fell. "But I've heard some things regarding how he treats my Heir from his former House-Elf." His eyes narrowed. "If he doesn't change then I might rescind mercy." Shrugging, Sirius would attend to that later.

"How would you propose we do this?" Sirius asked Ragnok.

"I will take this verbiage and hand it to Lawyer Flameclaw to make an official charge," Ragnok arched an eyebrow at Sirius as he placed his teacup down. Sirius took his to sip while he listened. "Did you study Wizarding Law in addition to High Gobbledygook, Lord Sirius?"

Sirius' bark laugh rang. "I chose High Gobbledygook." He answered. "I have a rudimentary knowledge of Wizarding Pureblood Law courtesy of Grandfather."

Ragnok inclined his head. If you could only see your grandson, Arcturus. Ragnok personally knew Arcturus and while they were not friends; they treated each other with an equal respect.

"We can certainly draft something against the Malfoys," Ragnok continued. "I am awaiting Madam Bones' assessment." The Goblin added. "She said she would respond by Monday personally."

Sirius sipped his tea and nodded.

Harry moved cautiously around the Nursery with Fangscales. He did not know why; but he felt like he was being watched as Fangscales jabbered away in Gobbledygook and Harry did his best to guess and accommodate her.

I wonder if this is what it's like to have a―a sibling. Harry thought hesitantly.

Harry eyed several of the more boy toys with abject want and resignation. He wanted to play with the toy Martial Mage which looked eerily like Sirius. And the ball. And the blocks. But he did not dare venture from Fangscales.

They're not mine.

Harry bit his lip anxiously. They said I could play...but what if it's just like Dudley's second room?

Fangscales frowned.

«I know you wanna play, Vlatifahn Harry,» She said confused. «I can feel you want to play. Why are you hesitating? These toys are for us.»

She snuggled next to Harry's heart and watched as a few of Harry's memories filled the young wizard with trepidation as he debated internally.

"Ouch! Dudley why're you being so mean?" A four-year-old Harry said irritably. Dudley hit him several times from behind and on the head that Harry had not moved quickly enough.

"Because you're just a freak." Dudley said simply. "Mummy and Daddy said they had to take you in." The larger boy shoved Harry into his cupboard. "Don't touch my toys. Or I'll tell Daddy and he'll belt you." Dudley smiled meanly at Harry. "He said I can do anything I want to you as long as a teacher didn't find out."

Harry stared at him. "But I don't even know what freak means," Harry said upset. "Why can't I play with you? You have so many toys and I don't have any!"

He heard footsteps come down the stairs. He could tell by the gait it was his aunt's.

Harry feared her worse than Uncle Vernon.

"Shut it freak," Aunt Petunia said disgustedly before rounding on her own son and simperingly cooed and caressed him. "Freaks who kill their mothers don't deserve to live," She said over her shoulder. "Much less eat." She shut the door to Harry's cupboard. "And I don't want your fingerprints on anything Dudley likes." She smiled sweetly at her son. "Isn't that right, Diddydums?"

"Yeah!" Dudley said smiling widely despite Harry being alone, cold and in darkness. "Why does he have to live here with us, Mummy?"

Aunt Petunia gave a long-suffering sigh. "Let's eat cake, hmm?" It immediately placated the fat five-year-old. He had had a cake everyday for all of June and soon it would be July.

Harry knew he would never receive a cake from his Aunt Petunia. Tears leaked down his eyes and he stared at the little light leaking from the vented window and cupboard door cracks.

He began to draw himself a cake and stick figures for parents squinting at the light.

Fangscales looked murderous and immediately tugged Harry to put her down. Confused, Harry complied. She tugged Harry's arm, and crawled determinedly toward the ball, the blocks and most importantly, the Martial Mage doll.

Goblin children aged faster mentally than they did physically and it would take some time before Fangscales could walk.

She made Harry sit with her and crawled into his lap while handing him the doll with her chubby, clawed fingers.

Harry stared at her for a long moment.

Silently, Harry began to play and a small smile appeared as he made up a story with Fangscales involving a princess and a dragon.

Lacie wanted to weep. She may not have seen what Fangscales saw. However, even without her pediatric training it is abundantly clear how frightened the child was. The damage scarring and powerful on Harry's social behavior. He trembled like a leaf and looked around him warily as if expecting someone to harm him. Yet, Harry was learning to play with toddler.

I swear, Lacie thought angrily. I'll make sure you take that doll home and receive all the healthcare I can provide. So help me! These are not from blood wounds. These are from your aunt and uncle. She wrote furiously on the parchment. And I'll bet my last Knut that those blood wounds came from that Dark Witch.

References:

Disillusionment Charm: is from Mad-Eye in GoF. However, I modified for a Goblin's usage since Lacie is Half-Goblin and allowed to use a wand.

Supremacy and primacy: I did some basic Googling about these issues and I explained them on what I could glean; because the House of Black is considered 'royalty,' I liken them truly to a royal family since in my AU they are just that awesome, lol! As opposed to the Lestranges being more like Barons/Baronesses and the Malfoys as Earls/Countesses. Just how I imagined them :-).

*All aforementioned middle names in this chapter is fictional.

*This might be broken into a three-part chapter just to get the legalese and general in-person planning. Again, we will see how many chapters I can post before Christmas.