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's reviews surprised me with your warmth and encouragement. Kudos to Gman64 and daithi4377 as a few of my earliest reviewers for catching a few things I have planned in this chapter along with your insights. Thank you so much and please keep reviewing. I have noticed my past three chapters have typos T_T Eventually, I will take time to edit later this week.
Answers: You are correct in the Narcisse snakes and your insight is very much appreciated. I will add to my references along with carick of hunter moon. My main reasons for not using Kreacher nor the Body-Bind Curse/Petrificus Totalus Curse is because I do not want the House-Elves to fix everything nor do I want any one character to come up with all the answers or have the plans. They must all have flaws, drawbacks, and limitations. AU Lacie is a half-Gobliness and I have made it to where she cannot wield a Patronus Charm. However, she is not without her resources since Azkaban is made of from the earth she would be mostly unaffected. I felt Kreacher and Lacie would balance each other's weaknesses since I doubt House-Elves would be permitted due to the predominance of its Pureblood prisoners. Furthermore, there is a special reason I have made for Narcissa's Narcisse Patronus to carry physical objects.
Ch. XV: Hunting Horcruxes Part I
Harry awoke with a start. Squinting, he found his glasses and he ascertained it is about 6 a.m. Sighing, the child cleaned up and went to Gryffindor Common Room.
Something just doesn't feel right. The boy thought, worrying his lip. I felt like someone was watching over me and then they left. Harry looked about him. All is silent in the early Sunday hours. But that's silly, isn't it?
Hedwig appeared before him and nibbled his ear.
"I feel like I'm being hunted, Hedwig." Harry muttered to her. "But Pettigrew can't be here at the castle, can he?"
Unbeknownst to Harry, he is hunted.
But not by Pettigrew.
His scar throbbed and hurt him worse this month than it had his entire life. Should I tell someone? He immediately thought of Sirius and Hermione. She'll worry and I don't want to worry Sirius.
Sighing, Harry sat beside the window as he absorbed avian comfort.
Sirius exited the the pensieve with Remus and Séraphine.
He wished he could drink some firewhiskey. Instead he drank his Earl Grey tea without honey or sugar.
"Well, that's everything." Sirius grunted. "What do you think?"
Remus sat still. His amber eyes moving rapidly as his thoughts zipped by. Unperturbed, Sirius offered Séraphine a cup of tea and shook his head slightly at her not to rush the Werewolf.
"I do think I need to make haste to visit with Moody and this Healer Lacie." Remus said after a few minutes. "I need to make sure of some things once she returns with Narcissa."
Sirius slightly raised his brows as he and Séraphine turned toward the door. Kreacher Apparated with Lacie and a shaken, but determined Narcissa.
The House-Witch brought more chairs for everyone to sit comfortably along with tea and crumpets.
Narcissa exchanged a dark look with Lacie.
"I have no words but to express my desire for the restitution of Reggie at my sister's hands and to assist you in any way possible, Lord Black." Narcissa said formally.
Sirius straightened and gestured for his cousin to continue.
For a long moment, Sirius remained silent. "Please wait here," he said quietly.
Rising, Lord Black exited the Study and immediately went to his Training Room. Thankfully, his House-Witch charmed the room to be silent.
He emitted a blood-curdling scream as he fell to his knees, swearing vengeance on the Dark Lord and all DEs.
The House shook with fury and might as it awaited its Lord and Master's Black Will.
Remus shuddered as his Wolf informed him how deadly the House of Black is.
Wanting to change the subject he asked a curious question of the stiff, blonde Lady Malfoy. "I've heard of corporal Patronuses." He admitted. "Able to move small objects or lift them in my studies...however, you have to be ruthlessly determined while not losing your happy memory. Generally those two objectives don't work together. So how?"
Narcissa thought for a moment. "I love my son more than life itself." She answered. "And I realized if my sister and brothers-in-law lived and escaped then Draco would suffer worse than Reggie at Bella's hands. My Patronus is my son's birth." She said wistfully. "And I was 'ruthlessly determined,' as you put it to take those toffees and destroy Ro and Rab before anything worse could happen."
Intrigued and eying Narcissa with new respect he sat back, thinking.
"My Lady?" Remus asked the House-Witch as she eyed him coolly. "I have reason to believe Pettigrew is on his way to Little Hangleton as we speak. Are there any special Black Spells which might entrap a Rat Animagus? I think we need to be prepared to do that and to capture a cursed snake. I could read it and share it with Mad-Eye and we go from there."
Séraphine regarded the Werewolf coolly. "You will need to take a Blood Oath regarding your service to Lord Black and to this House." She informed him. "Especially after how Bellatrix Lestrange entered, I take no chances regarding my Lord and Heir."
Remus grimaced but readily agreed. Narcissa watched and thought she would visit Draco herself. She needed to see him and explain the new world order to her son not to mess with his new 'cousin.'
"Is Pettigrew a Half-Blood*?" She asked mildly.
Frowning, Remus nodded. "Why?"
"I should think we need to recruit Half-Bloods," she said nodding in his direction. "to be better informed of any misbehavior that can be hidden from us in the magical world." Lucius would be extremely irate with her; but at that moment, Narcissa could care less what her spineless DE husband thought. You're the reason we're in this mess to begin with. Couldn't be satisfied with being Pureblood nobility. You greedy, simpering fool. And now my son is endangered.
Séraphine eyed Narcissa interestedly. "Indeed," she said shrewdly before turning to the Werewolf. "I will have Kreacher escort you to Mad-Eye Moody's home presently." she said glancing at the House-Elf. "As for you, Lady Malfoy." She said softly. "I think it best if Kreacher returns you to Malfoy Manor while Lord Black is...indisposed."
Taking her cue, Narcissa took Kreacher's hand and thanked him politely as she shook her head at Lucius in his usual armchair.
"I will need to speak with Draco as soon as possible." She informed him. There was a coldness in her that reminded Lucius uncomfortably of the Black Family.
"What's all this about, Cissy?" He asked, frowning.
Her blue eyes flashed. "Bella is dead by my assistance." She answered in her clipped voice, making Lucius choke.
She sat down and drank tea as she informed all that transpired. "I suggest we do everything possible to assist Lord Black in the Lestrange and Crouch Manors."
Narcissa thought carefully. "You could visit Barty Crouch, Sr. and ascertain things I cannot," she said mildly. She took a piece of parchment and a quill as she wrote her request in her neat, aristocratic lady's hand.
Lucius looked ready to object then quickly thought better of it.
Lacie sat beside the House-Witch.
"My Lady," Lacie began, garnering a warmer reception from the House-Witch. "Has Lord Black been taking his potions? I ask since I would like his permission to visit Harry again...I am disturbed that these toffees were given to him and I doubt Dobby made Harry eat them."
Séraphine nodded. "I've made certain that Lord Sirius takes his potions regularly, Mistress Lacie." She answered. "Lord Sirius has no issue with you visiting Our Heir and Lady Hogwarts and I have an agreement. I can take you with me to verify it."
"My thanks," Lacie answered. "I think those toffees should be examined by Potionmaster Ragemark and possibly Auror Moody. Just so each side has evidence."
Séraphine readily agreed. "I shall speak with Lord Sirius with Mister Lupin." She said simply. Kreacher reappeared and took Lacie's hand who smiled sincerely at the House-Elf. "You've done so much, Kreacher," she said genuinely. "this mission wouldn't've gone half so well without you."
Kreacher's chest puffed and he bowed to Lacie before Disapparating with her.
I couldn't agree more. Séraphine mused before blanking her expression.
"Lord Sirius is in a foul mood," she remarked as she sipped her tea. "I wouldn't be too contrary or woebegone today, Werewolf."
Remus' eyes narrowed. "And what is that supposed to mean, pray tell?"
Séraphine smiled cruelly in his direction. "You still have your freedom, your mother's love and your capabilities in exchange for a few painful nights a month." She said mildly. "I would suggest keeping your moping, mercurial views to yourself."
Taken aback, Remus did not know what to say as the door swung open. Sirius relaxed slightly. "Thank you for escorting the ladies home," he said to Kreacher and Séraphine.
"Go visit Moody directly and reconvene with Madame Bones," he said crisply to Remus, who stood. "I need answers as to when I can get my freedom back so I can move some." he glanced apologetically to Séraphine, who gave him a delicate shrug. "Furthermore, we need that Gaunt Ring and Pettigrew and well, bloody hell." he ran his fingers through his hair as Kreacher immediately took Remus' hand.
As soon as Remus left. Sirius swore in three languages.
"He's such a stick-in-the-mud." He said scowling at his House-Witch. "Always melancholic―he needs to work." Pacing, the man glanced at the clock. "It's maddening." He added aggravatingly.
"It's barely 4 p.m." he muttered. "D'you reckon it's too early...yes, how about we bring Harry here in the morning and Lacie can determine if it's a go or not for him to get that Horcrux out?"
Séraphine's eyes sparkled. "I would love to do it, Lord Sirius," she admitted. "Our Heir is an early riser. May I whisk him away? We can leave a note with...his friends of course."
"Of course," Sirius said relieved she did not gainsay him. "Early it is."
Meanwhile, Dumbledore angrily paced in his office.
Fawkes pretended to sleep as gauged his Master's mood.
Stupid House-Elf. He thought irritably. I need that boy at my feet doing as I say!
He would go in the morning before his friends awoke.
You can't escape me then. He thought wickedly.
Harry stayed with Hedwig as he felt a whoosh behind him.
Startled the boy withdrew his wand and shoved his owl behind him, making her snap.
Séraphine hid her smile as she curtseyed low to Her Heir.
"Greetings Young Master," she said politely.
Harry awkwardly lowered his wand. "Hello," Harry said shyly, then his eyes grew worried. "Is Snuffles OK?"
She inclined her head. "Please come with me, Young Master and Mistress Hedwig."
The Snowy Owl graciously took Séraphine's shoulder as she held her cold hand before Harry, who hesitantly took it.
Swirling away, Séraphine transported Her Heir in the Informal Drawing Room where Sirius sipped his tea and read the Prophet.
"Snuf―Sirius!" Harry exclaimed. Harry took a few steps forward then hesitated. For some reason Harry flashbacked to when Uncle Vernon read the newspaper and never wanted to be disturbed by Harry.
Sirius looked up and his handsome face broke into a wide grin. "There's my pup," he said happily. His stress and worry fading until he looked years younger as he stood and opened his arms to his waif. He let his paper slide to the floor in a crumpled heap, surprising Harry.
Harry flung his arms around Sirius' middle. "I missed you!" Harry blurted before blushing madly and burying his face.
Sirius grinned and stroked Harry's mop with paternal satisfaction. "And I miss you always, kiddo." he said, barely keeping his voice normal.
Séraphine wiped a tear away from her eyes, surprised at the genuine emotion from her Lord and Heir.
"Have you been drinking your potions?" Sirius asked. Due to Séraphine's influence on Lady Hogwarts he received Harry's report card earlier that week instead of the Dursleys. I doubt they noticed.
"Yes," Harry said readily, not letting go. "I,er, meant to send in my report card, Sirius. But, I realized that Professor McGonagall only sends it to Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon and I...didn't want to ask them any questions." Harry trailed off.
Sirius and Séraphine exchanged dark looks.
"Where do they live, pup?" He asked, while stroking Harry's mop. The boy stiffened and thought wildly for a moment before deciding he never wanted to lie to Sirius.
"They live at No. 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey." Harry answered. He frowned and flinched as he pulled from Sirius and rubbed his scar. The shooting pain hurt him worse than before.
Sirius immediately tugged Harry onto the settee and Séraphine knelt next to him as she looked at Harry's scar.
"Lacie is on her way, pup." Sirius said grimly.
Harry smiled faintly. "It'll be good to see her again and ask about Fangscales," the boy said sweetly. "Excuse me, My Lady?"
Surprised the House-Witch turned her attention to Her Heir curiously.
"You never did say what your name was...unless we were in the House?" Harry pressed, blushing.
"My name is Séraphine Marie-Hélène Beaufort." She answered readily, surprising Sirius at her full name. Never thought to ask but then again Harry's a charmer. He thought ruefully. "Handmaiden to the former Lady Ursula." She continued. "I am the embodiment of the House of Black. I take on human form because I was once mortal. I service all who have Black Blood or are adopted in, Young Master."
Harry blinked at her. "That's one of the prettiest names I've ever heard." He said before he could stop himself. Sirius grinned at Harry. He fully intended on teasing him as Séraphine blushed silver.
"Thank you, Young Master." She demurred.
Harry tilted his head at her. "Why do you call me that and not Harry?"
Sirius shook his head. "She can't, kiddo." Sirius said simply. "In her time period she would've gotten in serious trouble if she did not keep up with titles and suchlike." The House-Witch gave Sirius a grateful look.
He glanced at Séraphine. "We need to ask you a few things, Harry." He said. "Or rather, Séraphine does."
They had discussed that she needed to be with Harry alone for checking his magical core since Sirius' core could adversely affect Harry's in close proximity.
Harry frowned as Sirius rose to leave, his hand reflexively holding Sirius' tightly. "Don't worry, kiddo," Sirius said looking between them. "she's trustworthy."
The House-Witch glowed under Her Lord's praise and demurred her thanks as he left.
"Young Master," she began. "May I see your core properly? I cannot have Lord Sirius in the room because his core may latch onto yours and it would complicate matters for both of your health."
Harry nodded. Even with Sirius' character reference regarding the House-Witch he felt a strange kinship with her.
She raised her hands and summoned the Raven and the Basilisk.
Harry eyed the Basilisk with interest. He doesn't look as scary as the other one.
«Hello.» Harry said politely.
«A Ssspeaker in Our Houssse, at lassst!» The Basilisk hissed gleefully as he bowed low to Harry.
Harry laughed. «It'sss jussst Harry, what'sss your name?»
«I'm known sssimply as the Black Basssilisssk.» He answered. «But you may call me Malthusss.»
Séraphine watched avidly as the Raven perched on her shoulder. Hedwig had flown and perched on Sirius' shoulder to keep him company.
Harry smiled at Malthus and agreed to call him by his name.
Although he still calls me Speaker. Harry decided to let it go for now before turning expectantly to the House-Witch.
"Young Master," Séraphine began. "May Sirius become Potter Regent?"
Harry blinked. "I don't know what that means? But sure?"
"It means he can oversee your financial affairs and magical representation as you are his Magical Heir." She explained it in the simplest terms. "Being Potter Regent is legally and magically binding until you're of the age of majority in the wizarding world."
"Oh I've no problem with that," Harry said easily. "Does this mean…?"
"One of the steps, yes, Young Master." She said, internally sighing in relief. Harry had to willingly agree to Sirius being Potter Regent and with her senses she found it satisfied the magically binding requirements.
"We do not mean to overtake your Potter Lineage, Young Master." She continued as Harry frowned. "You see in Pureblood Families like the Blacks and the Potters each is known for its magical attributes."
The boy listened curiously. "Magical attributes?" Harry echoed.
"The Black Family is known for its Dark Magic, our outward symbol," The Raven cawed. "Our offensive, lethal symbol," Malthus hissed. "And me." She shrugged, flipping her plait over her shoulder.
"The Potter Family is known for its Light Magic, your outward symbol," she said frowning slightly. "Is the Noble Stag," Harry beamed thinking of his Patronus. "As for its offensive, lethal symbol...we need to make sure He is OK."
Harry frowned. "How do we do that?"
She raised her hands and barely touched Harry's face making him blush. "Just concentrate on me for a moment."
Harry did and felt a warmth as fierce as the sun engulf him. In his mind's eye he could see an injured fawn and angrily tethered antique golden Hippogriff who seemed just as injured.
Séraphine spoke to them in High Latin; which Harry realized in surprise he could understand as she remained touching him.
«What happened to you?» Séraphine asked seriously.
«We were attacked.» The fawn whispered. «By that Dark Witch, the Dark Lord's Basilisk, the Dark Lord and that Wizard at different times and at different levels.»
«I cannot maintain my hold for much longer.» The golden Hippogriff said full of anguish. «Lady Potter swore me to guard Our Heir and used herself as a Sacrifice to do so; but I cannot continue in this state. If you remove the bindings it will harm Our Heir without another magic to tie himself to. At best, he'll be a Squib. The worst is he'll be possessed by that demon-souled Sorcerer and maybe die a slow death.»
Séraphine bared her fangs. «We will guard Our Heir,» she said respectfully inclining her head to each totum. «If Lord Sirius becomes Young Master's Potter Regent would Our Dark Magic be a detriment to his health?»
The fawn and Hippogriff exchanged looks. «It's a risk we're willing to take. Better become Dark by Lord Sirius Orion Black forever friend of the House of Potter than become Evil by those Dark Wizards and Witch because that Horcrux weakens us. He has agreed to be a part of the Black Family and magically he is Potter-Black. He will need to give some blood to you before you complete the ritual. Once he's made the conversion it can be used as proof.»
The House-Witch readily agreed and withdrew from Harry's consciousness.
"L―Lady Potter?" Harry asked shakily.
Séraphine saddened. "Your mother, Young Master." She quietly affirmed as she opened the door and led Sirius to His Heir.
She nodded behind the child's head as Sirius immediately gauged the mood and held his hands out to Harry who buried his head in Sirius' arms.
Hermione turned and felt a slip of parchment tickle her nose. Surprised, she picked it up and eagerly read in Sirius' penmanship and smiled.
Oh Harry, She thought pleased. I know you love him dearly and he loves you to the moon and back.
She readied for the day and decided to go to the library since she doubted Ron would wake up without Harry before noon.
She managed to bypass Dumbledore altogether with Crookshanks leading the way. His ears pricked and he paused, pulling Hermione robe with his teeth as he led her to a different direction. Perplexed, Hermione followed. For once, she remained silent as she saw Dumbledore's florid purple robes.
Something strange is going on. She looked down at Crookshanks and picked him up as she made her way to the library.
Crookshanks remained alert.
Unfortunately, Ron's owl is away and does not warn his master as Dumbledore turned himself invisible*.
Well if I can't have what I really want. The wily wizard thought darkly. Then I'll take his friend in for questioning.
He raised his wand and brought the Weasley boy to an empty classroom and transfigured his pajamas into Hogwarts robes.
Lest anyone sees us and gets nefarious ideas. He thought, rolling his eyes.
"Ahem," he said lightly jabbing Weasley's shoulder, interrupting his deep snores.
He jammed a toffee down Weasley's throat. The boy gagged and his eyes blanked as he swallowed the Imperious Cursed, Memory Charmed and Veritserum-laced toffee.
"Is Harry in contact with Snuffles or Sirius?" Dumbledore questioned.
"We wanted to ask you if your scar has been hurting lately," Séraphine after getting a nod from Sirius.
"It...has." Harry answered nervously.
"You're safe, Harry," Sirius said sincerely as he held Harry's shoulder. "Her Ladyship, Kreacher and I will do everything in our formidable power to see to it."
Harry blinked at him and flinched again.
"Have you eaten any toffees lately?" Sirius asked.
Harry frowned. "Dobby said not to eat any toffees that came my way...although he never said why not."
Relieved, Sirius said simply, "They've been poisoned, kiddo."
Harry stared at him. "Well, that's encouraging." He muttered.
Lacie appeared with Kreacher and Harry mustered a smile for them before removing his hand. Black-and-red goo exited Harry's scar and Lacie immediately removed the discharge with her wand while Séraphine summoned a Unbreakable Charmed potion bottle for her to use.
"Just in time," the Gobliness said grimly. "I need you to lie down, Vlatifahn Harry."
Startled, Harry did as he was told and Sirius held Harry's hand reassuringly.
"I promise to explain everything, Harry," Sirius promised. "But right now, we need to do whatever Lacie and Her Ladyship say, OK pup?"
Harry nodded, as he felt his consciousness drift. Lacie had used her Goblin magic to bring Harry into a calmer state before she placed a stone on his knee which made him sleep.
"I don't think we can wait much longer," Lacie said grimly. "When did this happen?"
"Just now," Séraphine said readily as she gathered her Black Magic, the Basilisk and Raven readily appearing and Sirius waved Grandfather's wand around them, summoning the Black Blood Dome.
«My Youngling Ssspeaker!» The Black Basilisk said gleefully. Harry turned his head toward the Basilisk.
«You can speak with him later,» The Raven said firmly. «Right now his life is in danger.»
«I call upon the House of Black,» Séraphine commanded in High Latin. «Our Heir's life is in danger. Assist me in all ways to safeguard His Magic, His Soul, His Body, His Mind. Remove this tainted Horcrux from his scar. Guard Our Lord and Master Sirius Orion Black!»
References: mostly canon from the books and some fact-checking from Harry Potter Wikia.
Peter Pettigrew blood status: I wish Harry Potter Wikia was clearer. It claims that Peter is either Half-Blood or Pureblood and I chose the former for this story.
Dumbledore's invisibility: he actually can turn himself invisible as it is referenced throughout canon. It always bothered me he needed James Potter's Invisibility Cloak and I decided I will use creative license in the upcoming chapters regarding it.