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

A/N: Please keep reviewing! They are my motivation and currency. I write for us. There are a lot of simultaneous scenes and this feels like one of those necessary explanatory chapters. I try to keep those at a minimum...but it couldn't be helped. Enjoy!

Ch. XXXVII: Meeting of the Minds Part I

Everyone ate in thoughtful silence. Harry's mind raced with misgivings. He did not want to leave the House but he knew Hogwarts awaited him. Particularly a Muggleborn witch.

What has Ron been up to? He wondered annoyed as he swallowed his orange juice.

Sirius sighed and pinched his nose slightly.

"What is it?" Séraphine asked, frowning slightly.

"I have to meet with Rufus this morning…since I start Monday he wanted to have a 'chat' with me." He rolled his eyes. "And I nearly forgot about it." He glowered at the clock behind them.

"How long do you have?" Harry asked.

"About a quarter-hour." Sirius muttered. "What were your plans today, kiddo?"

Harry blinked. "Well I was going to read some Transfiguration." It came out more as a question. He did not have permission to actually practice but he felt he should be able to write an essay.

Clearly his godparents agreed.

Séraphine smiled faintly. "I wanted to bring to everyone's attention that I must meet with the Centaurs tomorrow before we return Harry."

"Why for?" Sirius asked curiously. He did not have any grudges against Centaurs like most Purebloods but he also chose not to deal with them.

"I made a pact with them and Lady Hogwarts," Séraphine supplied. "And, I believe someone here knows a certain Firenze?"

Harry nodded and quickly told them how he knew the Centaur.

Sirius shook his head and barked a laugh.

"Goblins, Centaurs, Basilisks oh my." He chuckled, recalling Lily mentioning some book called Wizard of Oz and how she and Remus tried to get everyone to read the classic.

I certainly will read it with Harry, Lily-flower. He silently promised, a little saddened he did not.

"While Harry is studying," he said meaningfully at his godson who squirmed. "I think we need to plan on how to introduce 'Serena,' to the wizarding world."

Séraphine smirked.

"I have a few ideas," she said smoothly, before checking the clock and arching a dark brow at Sirius.

"Indeed," he sighed, before standing and taking his dishes to the sink.

The House seemed offended.

"Alright," Sirius held a placating hand, knowing full well they had pushed the House's sensibilities enough.

"Where are Kreacher and Malthus?" Harry asked. Normally a mention of their names would have brought them to their young charge. However, Sirius overrode that nominal command for them to rest.

"They're running important errands for us, kiddo." He said casually. Yeah, like important healing errand for each. "They'll be back before you have to leave."

Sirius actually looked upset before schooling his features as he grabbed a plain cloak and walked over to the Floo. Séraphine was not fooled and gave him a knowing look before inclining her head to the mirror. Sirius gave her a slight nod behind Harry's back and lightly ruffled the boy's head before leaving with a "Ministry of Magic!"

Séraphine had reinserted the Floo Network to their House provided it was in heavily guarded areas like the Bank or the Ministry. Even then, the witch placed a Black Ward over it with the singular distinction of meaning the House of Black well or bodily harm.

Have to be wary of our enemies.

She gestured for Harry to follow her to the mirror.

He's obviously reluctant to tell Harry about his eyes. She thought vaguely annoyed. Out of everything we've done…that's what he chooses to balk over?

"I don't want you to be alarmed," she said facing the boy wizard. "but have you noticed you haven't needed your glasses for some time?"

Harry blinked owlishly before nodding slowly.

"Your eyes are the same as Merlin's." She told him seriously. "After we removed the Horcrux your Basilisk venom within expunged it and left its own mark in conjunction with all your magic." The witch stood behind Harry with her hands on his shoulders as she indicated the large mirror from her new closet appeared on the opposite wall.

Harry gasped.

"I'm such a freak." He blurted.

"What. Did. You. Just. Say?" Séraphine asked in a deadly soft voice. All traces of warmth removed from her person and the House flared dangerously about them.

Harry gulped, unable to read anything except her temper and disappointment from the mirror.

But I am. He thought sincerely. He knew the truth. There was no need to softsoap it.

"Heir Harry James Potter-Black." Séraphine actually shook with her overpowering emotions. Still better for me to do this than for Sirius. Not that she ever worried about Harry's safety from Sirius. However, she had an inkling it was different for Harry to ascertain a maternal rage as opposed to paternal which could be misconstrued from the Dursley reports.

"Yes ma'am." Harry whispered, unable to look away.

"You're not a freak." Séraphine said quietly. "We will have to replace your glasses with actual Glamour Glass* so as to not look suspicious."

Her gentleness seemed all the more deadly to Harry as she slowly turned him toward her and tilted his chin up.

"You're handsome boy," she said simply. "Your eyes are exactly the same as Merlin's serpentine pupils. He was the first Parselmouth in recorded history and I for one am pleased you're a Parselmouth." She glared at him to let her finish. "Never let anyone tell you differently. Your power is descended from him…and if you recall Arthurian legend he tried to help Muggleborns and Muggles alike."

Why she never understood, although if it garnered Harry's trust then she would use it to her advantage.

"Yes ma'am." Harry repeated.

Deciding it was enough she allowed Harry to retreat to the Informal Library where she had set up his desk and had tasked Dobby to bring his school books for him along with Hermione's notes.

She rolled her shoulders back and proceeded to the guestroom which had a large desk.

The witch did not feel comfortable sitting in Sirius' Study without his express permission despite her new rank.

Gathering her thoughts, the witch planned different entry points based on the pensieve memory from Kreacher and expertly drew the Dursley house layout.

"There could be any number of spells," she muttered as she wracked her brain. "Dumbledore had placed blood wards using Harry and that horrid Petunia's blood relation via Lady Potter…but what else?"

Albus sighed irritably as he glowered at three letters from respective magical European schools.

It's just as well it's here at Hogwarts. He thought dismissively. I didn't want it here originally but now that my plans have changed…I'll concede to Jocy's viewpoint.

Madame Jocelyne suggested using the Forbidden Forest or the Black Lake as a major part of the Triwizard Tournament.

He could use the Black Lake…but not the Forest, Hogwarts did not actually own the Forest as opposed to the Lake.

The Dark Witch scoffed at that.

"Why not? Don't tell me as something to do with those beasts?"

Albus arched a brow. He was not as congenial as most would believe regarding magical races. He kept to his bargaining chips close to vest since it was worth his political wiles.

"Yes actually." He answered. "And frankly? They're not worth going to war concerning territory."

He knew Karkaroff would have his way in the Black Lake to settle and Olympe would remain in the Abraxan horse-drawn carriage nearest to his groundskeeper.*

She shrugged and offered several suggestions based on research, experience and observation with Tournaments.

Albus took notes and to his surprise the Ministry of Magic along with his counterparts seemed more or less on the same page.

At least someone has thought this through. He internally shrugged. Too bad everyone has to die or be incapacitated in order for Harry to win.

He had not quite worked out the details but he suspected the trophy would teleport Harry to Madame Jocelyne's Orphanage.

That's what she thinks anyway.

No, Albus wanted to toy with Harry and Sirius a little while longer.

But how do I get the boy into the Tournament…

He would sleep on it.

Fawkes remained still and silent. His plumage becoming grayer than ever. He would be of no use to Harry once his Burning Day arrived.

But then, once I burn…I'll switch allegiance to him instead. For the Phoenix could not leave his current Master.

How you've changed, Albus. The Phoenix wondered sadly.

The Dark Witch scowled at her scrying pool.

"Wherever that brat is," she hissed to her servant boys Scorpion and Spider. "he's heavily guarded." Contrary to Voldemort, the Dark Witch did not consider herself invincible.

But I am formidable and No. 07623 is merely a boy. No, it was the House of Black she concerned herself with, knowing their reputation aptly.

There must be a spell where I can undo Heir Status somewhere. She thought, her conniving red eyes burned through her brown contacts and thought the boys tried to hide it their expressions held fear.

Her sallow lips curled into a dark smile as she eyed the sightless Spider and mute Scorpion.

"Spider," she said softly. "You will head toward the Forbidden Forest and speak to the Acromantula again. Be certain to guarantee their support for the upcoming Tournament."

Spider bowed, "As you wish, Mistress." He said in low, stiff voice.

Black shadows wrapped around his body and he disappeared through the cracks of her home swirling toward the Forbidden Forest and the Acromantula cluster.*

"As for you," she titled her head and gestured to Scorpion to come closer. She could see him will himself to not flinch.

She grinned with her macabre features without disguise at him.

"You will attend me."

The day passed without much interest for Harry aside from being checked on by Séraphine regarding his homework. She turned out to be quite the expert in Potions, Charms and the Dark Arts. She was not bad at Transfiguration although she conceded she knew more on the theory of his other subjects.

"You know a lot," Harry murmured.

She grinned at him. "I've lived for many centuries. I have a good background in all the subjects and we have extensive Libraries." The witch readily explained.

However, I want Sirius to help Harry, too. She wanted them to bond more than ever and she figured schoolwork would be the way to do it. It did not take a Healer to see Harry's academic weaknesses and low self-esteem.

Sighing, Harry asked her on how to explain Snape's assignment regarding Draught of the Living Death. It spooked him to no end and he had an odd sense of foreboding.

Sirius scowled before relaxing his features before heading straight to the receptionist. As part of his new status he needed to first check-in properly.

"Good morning," Sirius greeted with impeccable Pureblood manners and his devilish charm making the young witch blush.

"G―good morn..ing." She stammered as she quickly paged Rufus Scrimgeour, second to Madam Bones when it came to the Auror Department.

"Thank you…Jenny." Sirius' pewter eyes flicked to her badge as Auror Dawlish appeared eying Sirius warily.

"Haven't got all day, Black." He said annoyed.

Sirius barely refrained from rolling his eyes and silently followed the Auror.

They made their way down several corridors into a labyrinth of offices before they found the Head Auror's Office.

Sirius remembered it when it was Madam Bones' office and vaguely wondered if Rufus' office would be just as Spartan as hers.

Surprisingly it was cluttered.

Various knick-knacks and Dark Arts memorabilia were in place along with various means of finding Dark Wizards and Witches such as a veritable Sneakoscope.

Internally shrugging, the tall wizard removed his cowl and waited to be told to sit as he placed his hands behind his back, soldier-style.

"Sirius," Rufus greeted curtly and gestured for him to take a seat.

"You're dismissed, Dawlish."

John Dawlish nodded once and wondered how in the world he was going to survive being partnered with Sirius.

Ignorance is bliss. He thought with a sigh as he headed toward his next assignment which was to guard the Minister of Magic as he was on his way for some publicity stunt reminding the Daily Prophet that Lord Sirius Black would be a part of his Auror dispatch.

Just petrify me now.

Rufus cleared his throat unnecessarily in Sirius' opinion.

"I need to know your special skill." He said bluntly.

Sirius stared at him.

"I signed the Secrecy oath." Sirius answered flatly.

"True," Rufus agreed, before producing another contract. "However, I'm your superior and aside from Madam Bones, I will know of it."

Sirius glowered at him.

Raising his wand he muttered a Black spell against eavesdroppers.

Rufus' brows raised and he eyed Sirius' magic with renewed interest.

"Family spells cannot be used for the Ministry," Sirius said tightly. "I am an Animagus."

"What kind?"

"The Grim." Sirius said with a curled lip.

"Bollocks," Rufus choked. "Well that explains a lot." He muttered.

"True," Sirius countered. "Now I will have you swear an oath to the House of Black."

"I beg your pardon?" Rufus all but growled.

"I'll not be misused or abused again, Rufus." Sirius said, his pewter eyes changing to mercury he all but snarled at him. "My wife will be here shortly."

He flicked his wrist and ignored Rufus' shocked expression as he spoke in French to the small, platinum bracelet.

"I need you here with me for a few minutes to warrant an Oath."

Séraphine stiffened as she looked at her wrist and ignored Harry's confused and curious look as her expression shifted to suspicion.

"I'll be there in a moment."

"House," Séraphine called. "Remain on Lockdown until my return."

The House rushed its Blackest Magic to obey realizing Its vulnerable state with Its Lord and Lady gone and Its Servants incapacitated.

Swirls of platinum, black and emerald revolved around Séraphine as she placed a traveling cloak about her shoulders.

"I'll return shortly, Harry," she promised. Her hazel eyes glittering.

Sirius and Séraphine agreed they needed to be able to find a way to one another at all times and after some brainstorming they agreed on a bracelet in lieu of using the Lord and Lady Black wedding bands.

There are too many protection spells placed on those bands. Séraphine thought as she forced her way through the Ministry's protective wards into Auror Rufus' office.

Dainty and deceptively sweet the witch regarded Rufus coolly. Despite their height differences, Sirius could honestly say Rufus was rattled.

Serves the old codger right. He thought irritably.

"My Lady," Sirius greeted graciously. "Would you be so kind as to administer a House of Black Blood Oath to my boss regarding my Animagus capability?"

"With pleasure," she said smoothly. Her eyes flicked to the door, sensing several Aurors' confusion.

Rufus glared at the Blacks, but ultimately had to obey.

Amelia tried to warn me not to get too close.

But Rufus demanded to be in-the-know about all of his Aurors' lives.

After receiving a Blood Bracelet around her other wrist she merely nodded to her husband and 'Apparated,' to their House.

"I cannot be too careful under my unique situation, Rufus." Sirius said simply as he removed the Black Blood Ward and several Aurors rushed in.

"What the bloody hell was that, Black?" A young Auror blustered.

"Never you mind," Rufus snapped. "Return to your positions at once."

After much grumbling and withering looks the Aurors returned to their duties.

Returning to Harry she smiled sweetly down at the boy.

"Sirius is fine," she reassured his worried look. "He needed my magic since I'm closest to the House."

Harry still looked curious but remained silent as Hedwig flew in and Harry greeted his familiar while Séraphine smiled at her and removed the small box of Harry's newly glamour glassed glasses.

The boy tried them on then took them off. "They work," he answered Séraphine's unspoken question. "I just don't like wearing them if I don't have to." He said shrugging awkwardly.

The witch nodded understandingly.

Before long Sirius returned from getting a 'lay of the land,' from Rufus and the other Aurors to be assigned on his team. Sirius would have to prove himself among the other Aurors and garner some sort of allegiance from them.

I know for a fact it'll be like boot camp all over again. He thought irritably. Only this time no James to provide a backdrop or have my back.

As he was thinking this Séraphine's hazel eyes speared him a glance.

Well not entirely alone.

Later that night, Harry was in his bed thinking about tomorrow and feeling strangely mixed about leaving Grimmauld Place.

But I haven't seen my friends in ages. He thought annoyed. Sighing he turned on his side and held onto Merlin.

Meanwhile, Séraphine upbraided Sirius about Harry's serpentine pupils and Sirius had to ward their Master Suite against Harry.

"Are you…serious?" He asked angrily.

"Yes, Sirius, I'm serious." She snapped. "He said that word regarding himself." Séraphine's expression wilted. "I'm glad you weren't there to see it." She glared at him. "He must seek a Mind Healer." She whispered.

"I know," Sirius said lowly, pinching his nose, frustrated. "the boy's just gotten through a rough ordeal with bloody Horcruxes, and we still have Dumbass, and…"

"Sirius," Séraphine said softly, her hand reaching to his shoulder.

Oddly enough, Sirius settled into her touch.

"What should we do?" He asked, feeling burdened and lost and showing this weakness to the one person he knew who could understand what it is like to be a Black and have weaknesses.

"The Centaurs and Lady Hogwarts," she reminded him gently. "Not to mention the Servants."

It felt strange to say 'Servants,' and not be a part of their class anymore.

Refocusing on Sirius' haggard expression, she softened.

"We're not alone." She said with conviction. "Everything is going to be alright."

And Sirius believed her.

"Tomorrow." He agreed.

Smiling at him, Séraphine started to exit, until she felt an arm snake around her waist, making her gasp.

"I…promise not to be untoward, Séraphine." He said gravelly in her ear. "But if you're agreeable…I'd rather not sleep alone."

The witch turned and looked at him out of one eye, and nodded.

"I'd like that."

References:

Madame Olympe Maxime: actual term for her carriage and her name listed from Harry Potter Wikia and Pottermore websites.

Acromantula: Basic Googling said a group of spiders are called cluster or clutter and I chose cluster for the obvious swear word.

The Dark Witch/Madame Jocelyne: Yeah, I legit hate her…and honestly? I'm only implying her filth. She hosts an orphanage with a nefarious reputation and she definitely chose Spider and Scorpion based on their talents. She refers to Harry as her Serpent and I loosely based them off the Gorgon Sisters (caveat Medusa was an innocent and I sincerely thought it was heartless for Athena to be so cruel to her…ah well).