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

A/N: Y'all are the most amazing readers! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you so much for your encouraging words and thoughtful questions. This chapter is chock-full of characters spinning behind-the-scenes. Please keep the reviews coming. These next three chapters should answer your questions :-).

Ch. XIX: A Bone to Pick

"May I borrow these things for a bit, Harry?" Sirius asked as he lightly ruffled Harry's mop. So like James. He thought sadly.

"Oh you can keep it if you want to," Harry readily answered, basking in Sirius' paternal attention. His eyes closing and the boy felt a sense of security. "I'd rather it not remain in the castle―and I've no use for it anyway."

Sirius exchanged a calculating look with Séraphine. The House-Witch smiled mysteriously. We can definitely use the Basilisk venom and fangs to our advantage.

Harry's shoulders sagged. You can't stay here forever. He thought chagrined. Everyone will wonder where you are.

As if reading Harry's thoughts, Sirius gently extracted himself enough to where Harry had to look up.

"I imagine you've got homework?" He asked softly, grey eyes memorizing Harry's face.

Harry grimaced. "Yes." he muttered.

"Right then," Sirius said. "Harry." He paused, debating. "Always keep the Black Quill on your person...and never be alone with anyone other than Hermione and Ron, OK?"

"I might have to," Harry's eyebrows rose as he said, "there's a strong possibility Snape might not like my Basilisk essay."

"What? Snape?" Sirius asked, his lips thinning. The older wizard did not forget―or forgive―Snivellus of costing precious time and messing things up for him. Nor could he make allowances for Remus being sacked. Not that I'm trying to be friends with him...that was just a snotty Slytherin thing to do. He thought quickly.

"Yeah, I, er, blew up a potion by accident." Harry muttered, feeling compelled to tell the truth.

Sirius arched an eyebrow. "On purpose? Or accidentally?"

"Accidentally," Harry said quickly, biting his lip. "I've never blown anything up before at Hogwarts." The boy awkwardly muttered. "It's always been accidentally at the Dursleys or in the Muggle world."

Sirius nodded more to himself. His powers are still manifesting...which means we need to get him quickly back and starting on his regimen.

Sirius pulled from Harry reluctantly and swung an arm around his godson. "Kreacher," he called.

"Yes sir?" The House-Elf asked.

"Please send in our gracious hosts." Sirius commanded, not looking at his House-Elf while maintaining eye contact with his godson. "Harry needs to return to Hogwarts."

Bowing, the House-Elf complied.

"At some point, Harry," Sirius continued. "You will need to visit us at Our Home." Harry beamed. "You must keep us posted on any potential holidays or even a few scant hours. I don't care what time of day it is so long it doesn't impact your sleep or homework." He eyed Harry meaningfully. "I expect you to send me your six weeks' report card. And if I find you lacking," he said arching a black brow at Harry. "We will have to improve upon it."

Harry stared at Sirius. It belatedly occurred to the boy his godfather is serious about his education.

It is a strange feeling for him. Never before did Harry experience an adult giving a damn about his success or failure before. On the one hand, Harry reveled in any sort of positive attention. On the other, Harry desperately did not want to disappoint him.

Unbeknownst to Sirius, he had unwittingly caused Harry undue stress on the boy's magical core.

"I will." Harry promised quickly just as the door knocked and opened.

"Vlatifahn Potter," Lacie greeted. "I have your potions regimen. I ask that you drink this with every meal. And," She opened her valise and withdrew a spoon and a large bottle. "I want you to drink this and tell me what you taste."

Harry exchanged a surprised look with Sirius before obediently gulping a spoonful, expecting a nasty medicinal taste.

Harry licked his lips and smiled. "It tastes like strawberry kiwi!" He exclaimed.

Lacie rewarded Harry with one of her rare smiles. "Then all your potions shall taste like strawberry kiwi, Vlatifahn Potter."

After a brief discussion regarding medicinal instructions to the surprised child and they bid him farewell before Harry and Kreacher Apparated to Hogwarts.

Sirius watched Harry leave him with a heavy heart.

He's not alone. The wizard strenuously reminded himself. He's got Kreacher. Never before was Sirius grateful and glad of the Black House-Elf. Hedwig, Dobby and his friends.

Sighing, he turned toward Ragnok.

"Lord Sirius," The Goblin said courteously. "There are still other materials we would like to attend to...but would you like to conclude for the day? My time is yours."

Sirius inclined his head. "Then, with your permission," the wizard respectfully answered. "I would have that time."

Ragnok led them toward the conference room once more.

"Firstly, it's come to my attention the true identity of You-Know-Who," Sirius said mildly. "thanks to a frank discussion with Harry."

Ragnok straightened. "Indeed?" His black eyes sparkling in anticipation.

"Tom Marvolo Riddle," Sirius answered. "He showed himself to Harry in the Chamber," without turning around Sirius held out a hand for his House-Witch. She readily procured the enchanted, shimmering sack for him. "Additionally, I have the venomous Basilisk fang to destroy the Cup Horcrux."

"My Lord and Master Ragnok," Séraphine interjected, surprising them. "I think we should do our utmost to protect the Hogwarts relic." She eyed Sirius carefully. "We can use it as a bargaining chip to Lady Hogwarts..." she said shrewdly. "I've no doubt she is displeased with the Headmaster."

"Well, we certainly will try, My Lady," Ragnok assured. "Perhaps, with your guidance?"

The House-Witch smiled cunningly at the Goblin. "I'm looking forward to it, sir."

Madam Bones rolled her eyes at the coming storm as she Apparated a few blocks away from her former colleague and friend's house.

More like a hovel. She thought irritably. One he can practically turn into a tunnel and escape like a Goblin at the Bank.

The Bones matriarch withdrew her wand and murmured a few Auror protection spells. She flicked her wand at Moody's door while carefully making her way to the front gate.

The gate swung open after recognizing the pattern Amelia casted. The witch walked up the stone pathway to the little cottage practically built into a large hill.

Orange sparks appeared in front of Alastor Moody's doorway. Scowling, the old wizard put on his peg leg before sipping his trademark flask.

He maneuvered toward the front door with his wand at-the-ready. His peg leg providing a stump, glump, thud sound as Amelia counted his paces.

"12.5," Amelia said. "1981. Urgent."

Alastor sputtered swear words as she guessed his paces as a part of their code.

"This had better be good," he said gruffly while he opened the heavy door with a grunt.

"Oh, it is." Amelia said angrily. "A bloody conspiracy!"

Alastor laughed. "You sound like me, old friend." he said as he shut the door and replaced his nasty enchantments.

Summoning firewhiskey he poured a glass for his friend.

"What's this business about?" He asked genuinely surprised and curious about her rancor.

Amelia eyed him pointedly as he put high-security anti-eavesdropping charms* on his sitting room.

"Sirius Black never had a trial," Amelia said getting straight to the point. "He was convicted for murder." She huffed. "Dumbledore didn't allow for him to have a trial. The evidence box had his wand using basic child healing spells and standard Auror concealment spells." Amelia grimaced. "There was absolutely no Blasting Curses or Unforgivables on his wand. No one checked it!"

Alastor choked on his firewhiskey. Amelia scowled and quickly spelled his flask's liquid into his mouth.

A Calming Draught? Amelia thought surprised. I'd've thought he'd have firewhiskey all this time.

The ex-Auror stared at her. "Merlin's balls," he whispered. "And I let it happen...oh Amelia...he was my best...all he had to do was pass the test right before that awful night and he'd've been the best damn Martial Mage if not Hit Wizard..." he trailed guiltily before shaking his head. "How do you know?"

The witch pursed her lips and finally told Alastor how she met with the Goblins.

Alastor roared with choking laughter. "Well, Sirius was, well is, bloody brilliant, Amelia." He said. "He speaks five languages including High Gobbledygook." Alastor said smirking. "If it memory serves Arcturus had Sirius translate original documents to him."

"Did he really?" Amelia asked, her turn to be amazed. "Arcturus trusted him that much?" She remembered Arcturus Black and respected the elder statesman for his unflappability and logical mind.

Alastor snorted. "Arcturus actually said Sirius should've been his son. I know for a fact Arcturus never disowned Sirius." Alastor rolled his eyes. "He was Lord Black―not that bloody coward Orion for all his airs―his word was law."

"That dovetails with what the Goblins showed me." Amelia said thoughtfully. Her eyes sharpening in anger.

Alastor hid his smile. Oh Amelia's coming for you Dawlish. He thought gleefully. Better sow those family jewels while you still can.

"Onto more pressing matters," Alastor said soberly, garnering Amelia's attention. "What do you need of me?"

"I need you to try and win Sirius' trust," Amelia began and then sighed at Alastor's look. "if at all possible―or at least help me win the Goblins over and find out where Potter lives." She peered over her glass. "I have a feeling Dumbledore's on the Goblins' hit list."

Alastor grimaced. It was widely known the two wizards were friends and held each other in high esteem. "It's the least I can do," he growled. "Being Chief Mugwamp is a responsibility to oversee all trials. If he deliberately withheld that...Merlin." He glared at his glass. "I know I was out for much of it," he tapped his left eye. "But I assumed too much. I felt like Sirius betrayed me and just let him rot." He shuddered, guilt racking his soul. "Sirius has the Black temper alright...but I won't pussyfoot it. I owe him that much." Alastor said decisively. "I still have access to much of the records? Do you have a way to contact him?"

"I already checked Wizarding Child Services," Amelia said annoyed. "Nothing on Potter. Not where he lives or anything to even suggest a seal." She sighed.

"What?!" Alastor snapped, nearly jumping from his seat in outrage. "The most famous orphan in wizarding society and there's nothing?" he demanded.

Amelia nodded as she sipped her firewhiskey. "Do you have parchment?"

Alastor quickly summoned a leaf of parchment and handed her a quill. He sipped in silence while his mind churned.

"Figgy!" Amelia called.

"Yes Mistress?" The Bones House-Elf queried.

"Take this immediately to Director Ragnok." She commanded. "Tell him it's about our mutual," Amelia eyed Alastor. "Friends."

Sirius sipped his tea.

"I have a proposal regarding Cissy and Lucy," he told Ragnok after a beat. "One I think would satisfy our mutual desire for humilation, subjegation and revenge...whilst getting them to do our dirty work for us."

Ragnok eyed him with interest.

Sirius withdrew his plans from his satchel and handed them to the Goblin while he waited for the 'Horcrux Room,' as he titled it, to be finished.

It is a huge cavernous room the Goblins created for their more dangerous experiments or for clients to use in ridding Dark Magic.

The Hufflepuff Cup remained in the center. The plan is for Séraphine to use the Black Family Magic in conjunction with the Basilisk fang. After which, he knew he needed to discuss with her regarding the remainder of the Basilisk venom. He did not want to just give it away to the Goblins.

They're good. He admitted. But Harry might need this again...besides, they have plenty of resources at their disposal.

"I think I'll invite them to the Our House and have a...family chat so to speak," he continued. "But I'd like to have this be officially binding. Since, I took everything from the Lestrange Vaults I can do that to the Malfoy Vaults." Sirius grimaced. "But I'd rather not since their brat can claim Line Theft. And I can't very well kill them since that'd be two Line Extinctions and it would signal to Riddle's supporters we're onto them." The wizard gave a nonchalant shrug. "So this way I can threaten in other ways."

"Absolutely," Ragnok quickly agreed. "Lockjaw!" he summoned his lawyer.

"Take this document and prepare any necessary changes whilst we undo this abomination with Her Ladyship." Ragnok commanded. Lockjaw nodded to them both, his Goblin grin apparent as he glanced at the rough draft.

"With pleasure Director, Lord Black." he said as he walked to his office.

Séraphine swirled into view.

"May I speak with Lord Black for a moment?" She politely asked. "The preparations will be ready in 10 minutes."

"Of course," Ragnok agreed, ushering them into an unused room as Séraphine pulled her signature wavy shields to prevent eavesdropping.

"I absolutely give you permission to discreetly take care of Lockhart in any way you see fit," Sirius said immediately. "Just leave no detail in the retelling." he said smirking while Séraphine beamed.

"And, I believe there are more than one Horcrux Riddle used." She said making Sirius shudder. "It's a hunch, Lord Sirius," She began as Sirius paced and he gestured for her to continue. "But I know there were artifacts associated with the Founders. It's no coincidence to me that he made a fake Sword of Gryffindor," Séraphine had grudging admiration for Riddle's skill. Even with her experience and magic it was hard for her discern it from the real thing as a non-Goblin. "I don't know what they are, but," she said quietly. She knew her Master is fully engaged despite anxious pacing due to being formal for a long period. "Let's reasonably say there are four of them―corresponding to each Founder―with Our Heir being the fifth." Sirius froze. His grey eyes a living mercurial flame as he his temper rose.

"My godson is a Horcrux?!" He hissed.

Séraphine nodded, her eyes closing in shame. "Our House Totems informed and confirmed it, Lord Sirius." She said sympathetically. "It's in his scar. I can free him using the same techniques they're using at Our House." She quickly reassured. "But I dare not do it until he has his regimen."

Sirius nodded sharply. "And if we count the bloody diary...that's six." He stopped pacing.

"Séraphine," he murmured, looking at her. "We have the Horcrux spellbook don't we?" She nodded. "It's returned to us from the Lestrange Vault." His House-Witch admitted disgustedly. Her cheeks silvering in embarrassment.

It did not surprise Sirius in the least his cousin gave Riddle that knowledge* Filthy BellaBitch. "But you have to be strong in Arithmancy," he said slowly. "And seven is strong number, isn't it?"

His House-Witch nodded grimly.

So what's the seventh Horcrux? He thought bewildered. He heard the knock on the door while glancing at his House-Witch.

"We'll tell the Goblins once Bones is on our side and you're successful with Hogwarts," he advised. "We're not lying...just...verifying."

"Very good, sir." Séraphine agreed.

Ragnok stared at the parchment he received. Regarding Black Family business he had all evidence, correspondence and the like addressed to his person. He went to his office to take a swig of Snarlroar's he kept in his desk when the Bones House-Elf appeared. Taking the letter from her he read it and grinned.

"Thank you, Figgy." He said courteously. "Tell Madam Bones I will see that our guest receives this notice immediately." he added. "And for her to be on standby."

"Yes sir," Figgy said promptly before Apparating.

Ragnok took his private elevator to the deep tunnels where Sirius and the his Goblins were.

"Lord Black," he said smiling. "I believe this is what you've been waiting for from Madam Bones."

Sirius grinned, his handsome features relaxed making him more approachable than his 'Lord Black,' persona.

"Gentlemen," Séraphine said demurely. "Please wait behind the protective glass with your team." She glanced at Sirius. She suggested adding the Black Blood Dome to them and suggested Sirius putting a Muffler Charm* on his voice so as not to have any Goblin copy their family's spellwork.

Sirius nodded. He wandlessly* charmed himself before receiving approval from Ragnok as he raised Grandfather's wand.

«Protect us from the Horcrux!» He shouted in Old French*.

The Dome swirled around them like a hungry, vicious predator safeguarding them from their enemy.

Meanwhile, Séraphine closed her eyes and concentrated.

Her hands in front of her while her fingers splayed.

«Come forth.» She commanded in High Latin.

The silvery-black Basilisk slowly uncurled itself as it wrapped itself around the Cup. The black-and-silver Raven cawed and spread its wings above Séraphine. Her scleras became black and her eyes platinum.

«Can you destroy the Horcrux without affecting the Cup?» She asked.

«Yes.» They answered.

Séraphine felt the Basilisk infuse its body with real venom while the Raven opened its beak. The House-Witch halted them until Sirius and his entourage were protected.

«Now!» She exclaimed.

The Horcrux became a reddish miasma. It attempted to possess its attackers.

A Horcrux cannot possess a non-living soul. Once willed to an artifact it acts as a defensively until an unwitting host appears. Then it would enable Tom Riddle's will to overtake it.

The House of Black cannot be possessed by such trivial pursuits as opposed to Its Family. The House-Witch's rage ignited as she sensed the Horcrux yearn for the powerful Pureblood family to control and imbue its dominion since its entrusted Death Eaters hailed from Her House*.

Séraphine slammed energy into the Raven and the Basilisk as the Raven deafeningly cawed and stunned the Horcrux. Its claws pulled the Cup while wrapping its wings around the artifact leaving the Horcrux floating above its former host. The Basilisk bit the miasma solidifying it as it wrapped its scaly body around the Horcrux itself.

The Horcrux gave a frightening scream as a face appeared. It tried to strike again but the venom burned through. The air became noxious and Séraphine waited as the Raven flew the Cup to her. Satisfied, Séraphine felt her eyes return to their normal dark brown.

You will never possess My Family, monster. She vowed. The Raven and the Basilisk bowed to her and touched each hand as they returned to the House.

References:

Auror Protection Spells: I plan on going more in-depth here...but I suspect Moody would not leave any room for doubt or eavesdroppers to bother him at his private residence.

Muffler Charm: I know there are other spells in canon; but this seemed simpler to spell it out for Sirius to do without being too obvious to the Goblins.

Old French and High Latin: Total AU here. I am taking it from a historical point-of-view since Séraphine (obviously of French origin) and the House of Black being established in the medieval age would have had its elites take Latin. 'Old French' would have been the current language and no one speaks it as opposed to High Latin since many wizarding spells are in Latin (thanks to Merlin and lore and other legends). Thereby, ensuring the Goblins would not have a basis to copy Black Protection Spells, etc.

Wandless Magic: Sirius is decent at wandless magic since he had to have a high degree of aptitude in order to be a good Auror. However, he cannot wield most magic without a wand. Séraphine enhances his power since he is the Black Lord. It is different from how she will assist Harry as the Black Heir (more on that to come).

Horcrux Lore: I am taking creative license in how I interpreted the usage for my FanFiction. In my view, the House of Black is not a living soul. What make the HoB special is due to Séraphine's living sacrifice to protect the Black Family. It is different from other Houses (like Bones or Potter) or even Hogwarts (more on that in the upcoming chapters).