4th of November Wednesday, Several Locations, Morning

At Hogwarts Alastor Moody sat down to talk to a bird.

Fawkes looked at the man with interest. He had faintly heard his Master calling him but fortunately with too little magic behind it to find him. Maybe he would get an explanation now?

Moody said, "Fawkes, Albus is in a holding cell awaiting trial. We need to investigate him more first before that. Busy times."

Fawkes chirped happily.

"You are not angry?"

Fawkes sang.

"Huh, strange. So, if we asked you not to listen to his call even if we took off the magic suppression cuffs?"

Fawkes lay his head to the side, clearly considering it, and then squawked and burst into flames.

Moody nearly fell off his chair.

Soon, a chirping chick sat on a pile of ashes, looking proud of himself and Moody started laughing.

"Perfect solution! Thanks, Fawkes. Goodbye!"

Fawkes was elated. A burning got rid of all the bindings on him, but usually made him unable to flee and so Albus always had enough time to bind him once more. The man never left for longer than one week, to hinder Fawkes from fleeing. But with enough time he could escape now! Fortunately, he was fed regularly by the elves and would develop his wings enough to take flight and fire port soon!

At Gringotts, an underground squadron of goblins returned, tired and wet, but feeling very accomplished. They had found the Black boy and a cave full of inferi and mystery.

The main task was done but now they would explore, clean up, and map the cave. It would be perfect as a seaside resort for goblins. They didn't swim but liked standing in the cold spray of seawater. It was good for their skin.

Regulus Black was rushed off to the Healing Cave and worked on for three hours. They had arrived just in time before the enchantments in the Lake that put and kept the boy in stasis had faded enough for the inferi to find and eat him.

He had lain there for over two years and even with magical stasis that was a long time.

They decided against telling his family, that they had found the boy as long as he was in the Healing Cave. The only thing his family would be able to do was wait and fret, nothing else.

At Castle Black, Poppy visited Arcturus, helping him to pass the time while waiting for the goblins to call and tell them about Regulus.

Funnily the longer the wait, the calmer Arcturus got. Like he knew on some level, that Regulus was alright now.

They talked about Poppy's prospects. She knew that the Headmaster was in holding and therefore she could go back to Hogwarts. Maybe. She had asked a friend to man the Wing for the time being, but the friend agreed to stay for a week, no longer.

Could she risk it?

Did she want to?

Arcturus offered her a job as the mediwitch of the Black family and she was not uninterested.

Was it time to change her workplace?

She had been working at Hogwarts for so long that maybe it was time for a change. It had been the perfect place to work after the horrors of the war in 1945. But the whole Hospital Wing needed an overhaul and new procedures and someone on top of all the developments in the care for adolescents. Did she actually want to do that?

The more they talked about it the clearer it became. She would resign from her post at Hogwarts. She was 76 now, and witches worked until they got 120-150 so she really needed another job.

Maybe start a practice as a private Matron? She had the Black, Longbottom, and Potter family to look after already, anyway. Also she knew many people and she knew from a friend that it paid well.

At the Herbarium, two boys entertained themselves by playing happily. Once in a while Harry asked for his Mummy or Dada but was content to have his Bafoo with him. He had become much more 'zen' after the healing by the goblins Sirius had noted. Harry asked for Unta Mooey as well and Sirius decided to write a letter to the man whom they had seen at the reading of the Potter's will.

It would distract him from fretting about Regulus he decided and sat down in full view of Harry and wrote a letter, telling his friend of the switch and all the strange stuff that had happened to them and about Dumbledore's manipulations.

Remus needed to make up his mind for himself, Sirius wrote. But begged him to talk to Moody for example and not to believe everything Dumbledore told him.

At the overly full holding cells, people had gotten used to being there. Bella was humming and cackling, her husband was brooding, Lucius was ranting, and some others were talking to lawyers or Aurors and such.

Albus Dumbledore sat in a tiny cell all by himself and was calling for Fawkes. But due to the magic suppression enchantments in his cuffs, the stupid bird didn't come.

Everyone looked up when Moody entered and stomped to Albus' cell and barked, "Hands through the bars!"

"Alastor, my friend, have you come to let me out, at last?" Albus asked and kept sitting on his cot.

"If you want to keep the cuffs, be my guest," Alastor said uncaring, and turned to leave again.

"No no! I am here! Here are my hands!" Albus stuck his arms out as far as possible.

Moody turned back and took off the cuffs.

As soon as Albus had his Magic back, he yelled, "Fawkes!"

Moody stood there with a raised eyebrow, waiting.

Nothing happened.

"What? How? What did you do to my phoenix?"

"You really must think us to be totally demented. You called for the bird since yesterday. You really think I would release the cuffs if there was a chance he could break you out?"

"Alastor, my friend. You wanted to give me back my magic!"

"Yeah, but not if you could escape."

"But it would have been unhealthy for me!"

"So?"

Bellatrix cackled and Dumbledore gaped.

Moody left the holding area, probably to go back to his desk.

It took a while for Albus to realize that he was running out of options. Not even Aurors which were more loyal to him than the Ministry did seem to exist anymore!

He was not a criminal! He was Albus Dumbledore! In his head, he cited all his titles and accomplishments. How could people forget so quickly? Everything he did was for their sake! The thing about the boy was just a slight misunderstanding! But no one seemed to understand that!

He saw his political credit trickle away. He was sure his opponents were jumping at the chance to topple him.

At least some, like Malfoy, were right here with him. But internationally it was another matter. As soon as they got wind of his confinement, they would pounce.

At least they could not give veritaserum to purebloods. And he had buried the fact, that his mother had been Muggle-born extremely thoroughly.

The only thing concerning was that the Aurors actually were investigating everyone. Had he leaned on the fact that he was seen as untouchable and good for too long? Sloppy!

At Lestrange Manor, Rabastan and Barty were relaxing and wondering what to do now.

"You sure, I can stay, Ras?"

"As long as crazy bitch and horny dog are in holding at the Ministry, you are more than welcome. It looks like they will get a sentence anyway and go to prison. It is perfect. I am not alone, and you are away from your crazy dad."

"He is unbearable since our short stint in the holding cells. He was so looking forward to running for Minister, which is unlikely, now. His son running with Death Eaters! The shame! I just wish my mum would be able to get away from him. He makes her sick!"

"She is welcome to stay here! Do you want me to write her an invitation?"

"Worth a try."

Rabastan nodded and set to work.

Barty knew when his father was at the Ministry for sure, his mother would take a walk in the nearby park. She loved to watch the children play. He could catch her there.

In Ottery St Catchpole in Devon, an exhausted rat was found by a red-headed little boy, who brought it bread and cheese. The rat decided that it was perfect, he got food and news this way. It fell int an exhausted sleep.

In another holding cell, a quiet, dark-haired young man sat, brooding. His blond cellmate was ranting and raving about his importance and riches but looked more and more desperate. If they even kept Dumbledore here, what chance did he have, by relying on his family's reputation?

The young man hid behind his long, stringy tresses. All was in vain. Lily was dead and his 'savior' was in the same cell block as him. He just wanted to die and leave this miserable life.

The only happiness he had found was in the company of Lily and sometimes he had found contentment in his friendship with Regulus, but Reg was dead as well. His mum, Regulus, and Lily. All dead.

Severus didn't care what would happen to him now. Not like Lucius who had a wife and child waiting for him at home.

He remembered how Dumbledore had sneered at Severus when he told him he didn't plead for Harry and James Potter's lives. Idiot man. The only thing that would have led to, was the Cruciatus Curse. The Dark Lord had been set on finding the boy and Severus would have given his life to save the little one. Maybe not James, but Lily's child? Always! But he had seen no possible way to do so.

And now she was dead.

The only good thing in all of this mess was that her child had survived.

Dumbledore had always called him 'the boy', never Harry. The Slytherin in him was suspicious as to why that was. To never name the child would keep an emotional distance, Severus guessed. But Dumbledore had made Severus swear on his life and magic, to keep Harry safe. It made no sense. If Dumbledore didn't care for Harry, why was Severus to swear, to keep him alive? The only reason he could think of was quite dark, so he refused to consider that thought.

At least the boy seemed to be alright, Severus magic and life were intact after all.

Lucius sat down on his cot and started crying.

Severus didn't care.

The Herbarium – Castle Black – Gringotts – Goblins Hunt, Afternoon and Later, Same Day

After lunch, just as the boys had fallen asleep, Billy popped in and handed a letter to Sirius.

He ripped it open and read it quickly.

"He is alive!" He yelled.

Everyone cheered.

Well, the boys slept on, in their one-way silence bubbles.

He gave the letter to Frank who read it smiling and then took it back and said, "Am right back," and Apparated directly to the entrance hall of Castle Black. No time for niceties he thought and sprinted to Grandmother Melania's favorite room.

Poppy and Arcturus sat there obviously waiting for news when Sirius barged in. He handed the letter to Arcturus at once and said, "He is alive! They have him!"

Poppy sank back into her chair in relief.

Arcturus was grinning like a little boy. He jumped up and said, "Let's go to Gringotts at once."

The other two nodded.

They stood in the Healing Cave and looked at the sleeping Regulus. He looked thin but healthy.

Tears were running down Sirius' face at the sight.

His blowing his nose woke Regulus who looked around in confusion and then at Sirius, Poppy, and Arcturus. Quite an unlikely group.

"What?" He croaked.

A glass of water with a straw appeared in front of him and the upper part of his bed rose so he was more sitting than lying. He took a sip and said again, "What happened? Where am I?"

His Grandfather answered, "You were found in a cave near the sea by goblins. Sirius had contracted them to look for you after hunting down your location. You were found on an island of an underground lake that had enchanted water in it which had put you into stasis for over a year. You are at the Healing Cave of Gringotts now."

Regulus was speechless. He had survived! He had been found! By Sirius and his Granddad.

Then a thought entered his head, "The Dark Lord!"

"Has been vanquished, for now," Sirius said.

"He has a Horcrux! I asked Kreacher to destroy it."

"He has more than one, but good to know. The goblins are looking for them. But that is a matter for later. I thought you were dead!"

"Shit. Sorry! I didn't know how to escape his clutches." Regulus pulled back his sleeve to look at the greyed-out tattoo.

"The newspaper said one had to kill to receive that mark," Poppy whispered.

"Yes. And when I couldn't, Bella snuck behind me and cast the killing curse over my shoulder. The Dark Lord pretended not to see it but never allowed Bella to come to the initiations again. At least during the time that I was a Death Eater. He wanted as many Blacks as possible. He either killed them or had them join him."

"Or he incapacitated them. As he did with me," Arcturus added morosely.

Regulus looked at his grandfather and said, "I am so glad, we are free of him for now!"

They all nodded solemnly.

"As soon as I am healthy enough I want to turn myself in, Sirius," Regulus said. "I didn't do anything criminal but receive the mark at the age of 17."

"You were still in school then!" Arcturus said.

"Mother and Bella insisted. No chance to escape."

"Are you sure, that you want to turn yourself in, grandson?"

"Yes, and I will insist on taking veritaserum."

"Good idea, Reg. I was asked to come to the Ministry tomorrow to give my statement. Damn, but I have to leave now before Harry wakes!"

"Harry?"

"Grandfather will explain, bye!"

Sirius returned to wailing.

Shit, too late.

He went to Frank and asked him, "Why is the alarm going?"

The wailing stopped.

Sirius turned to Harry, "Did the caterwauling charm wake you, pup?" He held out his arms to Harry, who jumped into them, clinging to Sirius.

"There, there. I keep you safe from the wailing!"

Harry giggled and hiccupped wetly.

"You know, I just was at Gringotts. My brother Regulus is there. He had an 'owie' as well and they helped him."

"Bosa Ledulus?"

"Yes, him. He is your Uncle Regulus. You will meet him soon, I am sure."

"Now!"

"Nope, sorry, pup, Regulus has to get a little better still before you can meet him."

Harry's lower lip wobbled.

"Gnhn, why don't we go into the kitchen and look if Billy has some cake for afternoon tea?"

"Tate!"

"Cake."

"Tate."

Sirius sighed amused and they went looking for 'tate'.

Regulus stayed at Gringotts for the night and another intense healing session in the evening and the next morning. After that, he would be free to go.

Later, after dinner at Castle Black Arcturus called out, "Kreacher!"

Popp

"Master Black is calling for Kreacher?"

"Yes. Tell me elf, did you fulfill Regulus' last order?"

"Master Black knows of it?"

"Yes. So, did you?"

"Master, Kreacher tried everything! The locket is indestructible!"

"It is alright, Kreacher. I know you tried everything you could. But I know a way to get rid of the darkness in the locket. If I call for you in a few minutes bring it."

"Kreacher will."

Popp

Arcturus Flooed to Blackfang's office and said, "I have access to another Horcrux, will you cleanse the item if I give it to you?"

"Yes, Lord Black. The abominations are to be cleansed at once. It is the law!"

"Kreacher!"

Popp

The surprised elf looked around, the locket dangling in his hands.

"Put the thing on the ground. The goblins have a way to deal with it."

"Master is most gracious!"

Blackfang wrapped the Horcrux in silk and picked it up, "I will bring it to the curse breakers."

"How long will it take?"

"About half an hour."

"We will be at the Healing Cave then. Could a goblin bring us there in say, ten minutes?"

"Yes."

The goblin left and Arcturus turned to Kreacher, "You wondered, how I knew of Regulus' task. Well, yesterday, I got a visitor. Sirius Black came by."

"Mistress most hated abomination came?"

"No, my eldest grandson came. My heir."

"Mistress said –"

"Kreacher, you are foremost a Black elf, yes?"

Kreacher nodded confused.

"If Lord Black tells you something it has much more weight than your Mistress' word," Arcturus said firmly.

"Kreacher understands. Master Sirius is not an abomination and the shame of our house."

"Exactly. Damn that woman. You will not listen to her call anymore, I will send another elf whom she has not indoctrinated yet. …Tell me, elf, did she kill my son Orion?"

"Yes, Master."

Arcturus bowed his head in mourning.

Wizard and elf stood there in silence for a minute.

Kreacher, free of the darkness of the locket and the house he lived, in started to realize how wrong everything at Grimmauld Place was. He shuddered.

"What I need to tell you is that Sirius and I looked at the tapestry at Castle Black and saw that Regulus was alive."

Kreacher stood ramrod straight, eyes nearly bulging out.

"We don't know why the one at Grimmauld has shown him as dead. Our guess is the state he was in confused the already weakened spells on it. Anyway, Sirius had a way, of figuring out where Regulus was, approximately. He found a cliff and a cave entrance."

Kreacher shuddered again.

"We contracted the goblins to search the cave, and –"

Someone knocked.

Arcturus opened the door and told the goblin there, "I need a couple more minutes. Please wait." The young goblin nodded, and Arcturus closed the door again.

"To shorten the story, they found Regulus, barely alive in the cave, and brought him here this morning. He was healed and is now resting in the healing cave. We will go to him now."

Big fat tears were running down Kreacher's sunken cheeks as they followed the goblin to his little Master.

He could not believe it. It was too fantastic, even with magic! But then he saw his Master Regulus alive and sleeping and broke down. Silently, as not to wake his little Master.

Arcturus sat down on the chair next to Regulus and waited. The boy was so young. Just 18. He had been in that cave since late summer of '79. So over two years, not one as they had idiotically thought earlier.

Live and the war had gone on, but Regulus had lain in the cave, waiting. If Walburga and Bellatrix had done what the others said they did, like killing Orion and pressing Regulus into service with the Dark Lord, he Arcturus, would disown them.

The elf pulled himself together and bowed to Arcturus, "Thank you master for bringing Kreacher to Master Regulus."

"You are welcome. Now, you need healing as well, it seems." Arcturus looked around and said to a goblin, that was walking by, "Could a healer have a look at my elf here?"

"Yes. One minute."

Soon after, Kreacher was getting healed as well and looked much better after about 10 minutes. The healer was finished with the elf just as Blackfang entered and brought the Horcrux-free locket.

Arcturus looked at it and said, "Is that Slytherin's locket?"

"Yes, Lord Black. It grants the wearer the ability of parseltongue."

"Amazing! Did you have any luck, finding the others? And how many are there anyway?"

"We don't know the answer to that. Just that the soul piece in that locket was eight times bigger than the one we extracted from Heir Potter's forehead. That means, that there are at least 4. Two between the ones we found. And no, we didn't find any additional ones. We are stumped about where to look."

"Well, if we asked Regulus he might know. But he might have given the others to his Death Eaters as well. Why don't you start, looking through the vaults of known minions of the Dark Lord, and then look through their homes? Or maybe look through their homes first, before the Aurors get there. If they find a Horcrux, it will disappear in the Department of Mysteries for sure."

"That is good thinking. We will start with the most notorious ones, like Bellatrix Lestrange, Antonin Dolohov, and Lucius Malfoy, tonight."

"You do that."

Blackfang rushed off to organize the Horcrux hunts.

Arcturus nodded to himself and then turned to Kreacher, "Regulus will come to Castle Black tomorrow. Why don't you pack all of Regulus and Sirius' things and bring them to the castle? Afterward please clean yourself up. You are representing a proud house!"

"Yes Master, Kreacher will!"

Popp

At midnight, several homes of known Death Eaters were invaded by goblins. The sleepy-eyed inhabitants were assured they just looked for forbidden magic and would be gone again, soon. If they wanted to have them collect any dark objects found to be collected, it would be 10g.

Rabastan paid the 10g and leaned back. He watched gleefully as the goblins found all of the bitch's hiding places. Ras told the goblins to take anything not belonging to the Lestrange family and do with it as they saw fit. For a few heirlooms that emitted dark magic, he told them to give to the curse breakers and return the items to his vault. Oh, maybe look through his family vault as well and sort through it for forbidden and dark magic. If they found any he asked the goblins to handle the items the same as the ones found in the house. He didn't want anything to do with things not belonging to his family. The goblins asked for another 10g and Rabastan paid them happily as well.

Narcissa paid the 10g at once, too. She had been afraid the Aurors would search her house and find Lucius' hidden stash and fine her. She told the goblins to give everything to the curse breakers, she would look through the stuff afterward. – There was some excitement at one point. The goblins seemed to have found what they were looking for. Narcissa didn't care what it was, just that it would be taken away. She didn't want forbidden magic around her child!

Most of the other households paid the 10g and would be happy for doing so, later when the Aurors came calling.

The goblins were happy as well, they made more than 200g and had found two Horcruxes. One of them not having the same magical resonance as the others they had encountered in the last few days, so another imbecile had made one…

They were just stumped that when they destroyed the one with the known resonance it was four times bigger than the locket! That meant that there had to be even another Horcrux they didn't know about. So, three unknown ones! What idiot made 6 Horcruxes or more?

A huge discussion was going on if the rest of the soul that had been ripped apart at least six times could even survive without a body with three of its anchors gone, including its largest? One goblin calculated that if the book had been the dark idiot's first Horcrux then they had destroyed nearly two-thirds of the soul already.

Well, no one had been so stupid before and so they had no idea, how that would work out. What they knew was, that all Horcruxes faded when the 'main' part got to an age where wizards naturally died. They didn't prolong life; they just kept a soul anchored should a wizard die before he met his biological end.

But the more of the Horcruxes gone, the smaller the chance the dark idiot would find a way to return during his biological lifetime.

The other Horcrux was destroyed as well. It was a little smaller than the one in the book. They never figured out to whom it had belonged to. [Goblin Scholars would write books about their results found with the Horcruxes for decades.]