Huge thanks to you who took the time to review the previous chapter :) This previous chapter was one of the hardest to write to date, and knowing that it was well received, even among readers who are more on Dhaal's side of the agreement than on Severus', was really gratifying.
AN: Many thanks to Miette and dpstone12 for betaing this chapter!
"I've thought a lot about how to cast a Patronus without a wand. It's very easy in fact," stated Lucius as he faced Severus.
The two of them were in the veranda of Malfoy Manor, enjoying the weak December sun while sheltered from the cold.
"The wand movement is as much a crutch as thinking of a happy memory is," explained Lucius, immediately supporting his point by casting a silent and wandless Patronus. The luminous fox sauntered around Severus, mouth opened in a silent laugh.
"Are Patronuses always this expressive?" asked Severus, curious and mesmerized.
"I believe they are, though we do not always notice," answered Lucius.
Severus could imagine you would not waste your time looking at your Patronus' expression if you were surrounded by Dementors.
"You can study it once you're able to cast your own," smirked his Brother.
"So how do you cast a wandless Patronus?" asked Severus, ignoring Lucius' teasing.
"As I told you before, your Patronus is the guardian you create to protect yourself from outside influence," explained Lucius as he grew serious. "You must focus on yourself, on being free from influences you are neither aware of nor desire. Then you cast your Magic. The spell is Expecto Patronum."
Severus nodded thoughtfully. Intent was the key. It was always an important component with Magic, but it was the essence of the Patronus. However, how did you focus on yourself?
"You must not occlude until you are able to cast your Patronus as easily as breathing," added Lucius. "Else, you won't be able to cast it if your shields are down."
So first, to lower his Occlumency Shields. Severus hesitated before lowering his Sensing Shields as well. Lucius did not know about them but Severus felt they could be used as a crutch as well as Occlumency Shields to cast a Patronus and he had to learn the spell the right way.
Then came the hardest part. How to define himself? Through his abilities? His attitude? His knowledge? His relationship with others? What part of himself could he not bear to part with?
His Bonded were precious. Dhaal. Lucius. Draco and Narcissa. His friends. His goblin family. Abraxas. Augustus and Madeline. Each of them reminded him of a part of himself. His motto and his House defined him. His fears and failures as well.
Severus closed his eyes as he tried to hold in his mind the awareness of each of these parts of him. He struggled not to let one slip through his mind fingers.
Finally, Severus opened his eyes and focused his Magic, careful not to use any outside flows, the words of the spell coming to his mind but never leaving his mouth.
For one breath, nothing happened but Severus felt Magic squirm and swirl until it burst into a small but majestic translucent Nundu. Severus stared as his Patronus circled him before running her head against his hand, sending warmth through Severus. Kea was his Patronus. He had been so sure he would see Dhaal.
"You once more defy expectations," said Lucius wryly as he put his arm around Severus' shoulder, watching the Nundu Patronus with interest as she sniffed at him. "Trust you to not only manage this spell in one go but to also be one of the few to have a magical creature for Patronus."
The Nundu Patronus playfully bared his teeth at Lucius who chuckled.
"Yes, this one is yours. Don't be surprised that Dhaal is not your Patronus," added Lucius with a knowing look. "Your Patronus is not you, it's your guardian."
Severus cocked his head thoughtfully, replaying in his mind all of Lucius' explanations. In a way, Dhaal was a reflection of Severus as he came from the wand Severus had bonded with. They had the same objectives though each of them could grow their own way as demonstrated by Drunek's Familiar. On the contrary, Severus' Patronus was the manifestation of Severus' Magic to protect his inner self, even from himself. Obviously, the Nundu was linked to his Grandfather. The man had certainly always aimed to protect Severus even if he did not agree with all the man's decisions.
"I understand what you mean," said Severus slowly. "She's certainly fitting."
"My Patronus changed after Father's Death," said Lucius, eyes far away even though his arm was still around Severus. "It used to match Narcissa's, as if she was the one who protected me. Her own changed after Draco's birth... Anyway, my current Patronus was Father's before. He's the one guarding me now."
Severus squeezed his Brother's hand in remembrance and understanding before disentangling himself to face Lucius.
"I don't understand how your Patronus can work for others. They are our personal guardian, given form with the intent of protecting our inner self, yet someone else's Patronus could protect me from Dementors' influence."
Lucius nodded with amusement.
"I asked Father the same question. He answered that someone else's Patronus will not be as efficient for you as your own. However, all Patronus are cast with the intent of keeping outside influences at bay so it will still work somewhat."
"Even if it was cast using a happy memory?" asked Severus, puzzled.
"It depends on the intent of the one casting it. If his intent is to protect you from something, it will work no matter the way it's cast if he manages to cast it."
Severus nodded in understanding.
"Using a happy memory makes it harder to cast successfully under duress but once it's cast, it's efficient if the intent was right."
"Exactly," agreed Lucius. "Now I want you to train casting your Patronus until it becomes as instinctual as breathing, then you will do it again while I try to influence you."
Meaning Lucius spent one hour casting every kind of humour altering charms he could think of on Severus, while Severus used his Patronus to counter them. It was hard at first not to use counter spells or Occlumency. However, Severus' Patronus managed to dispel the charms every time, faster and faster each time until Lucius finally deemed Severus accomplished.
"This session cannot replace a 'trial by fire' like facing a Dementor but I think you've mastered the Patronus spell," announced his Brother proudly.
"Thank you for teaching me, Brother," said Severus with a smile.
"It's nothing," answered Lucius, waving Severus' gratitude away, but he did not miss the flash of pleasure on his Brother's face. "Will you stay for lunch? You know Draco has been asking for you again."
Severus rolled his eyes.
"Your son doesn't speak yet Lucius."
"But your godson knows how to convey his wishes," replied Lucius with a raised eyebrow.
Severus huffed.
"He is your son."
"And Narcissa's," added Lucius gravely.
Severus laughed and followed him to the dining room where Narcissa and Draco were already seated. Because Draco was his father's son, he fussed until Severus took him in his arms under Lucius' knowing smirk. Severus ignored him and cast his Patronus instead, enjoying his godson's bright smile as he followed the translucent playful Nundu through his burgeoning Sense.
Two days later found Severus in much the same situation as Felsen raced after a translucent Nundu while Soraa and Dhaal plotted mischief together and Kiveä pestered him with Patronus questions, Drunek and Frekka watching over them with fond gazes.
Severus had decided to make use of Uusi's library in the hope of finding out how to reunite Horcruxes with their main body as well as find ideas on how to block the Marks. While he refused to ask his clan for help and risk Lord Voldemort's life, Severus was not above using his clan's resources to find the information he needed. Drunek was the one who had warned Severus of the Horcruxes' existence so he would not be surprised by Severus' inquiries. He just needed to remain vague enough not to paint a target on Lord Voldemort's back.
To Severus' disappointment –but not his complete surprise– his morning in the library had been fruitless but it was a nice pretext to then spend the rest of the day with his goblin family. Severus had come prepared with photographs of his wizard family and friends to the pleasure of Frekka and Kiveä – at first, Severus' blood brother had been jealous of the Wizards stealing him but he now seemed very curious about them. They had both found Draco adorable and laughed at the picture Narcissa had taken of him watching Severus' Patronus with focused delight.
Severus waited until he almost needed to leave to take Drunek apart.
"Why so serious suddenly Daoack?" asked Drunek curiously as they settled in the house office-library the children were forbidden to enter.
"I'm working on the problem you mentioned the day before I left," answered Severus, choosing his words carefully. "I have identified its source and I am working on correcting the problem, but I have troubles finding some of the information I need."
"You did not find them in the general library," stated Drunek.
"No," agreed Severus, "but if it exists, it might have been put in a protected place to ensure it was only accessed by those knowing enough not to use it frivolously."
"One of the library rooms can only be entered if accompanied by a Wise. Wirkrund would be happy to see you," said Drunek casually.
"I'll visit him before going back home," answered Severus with a nod to Drunek. "You should still be able to answer one of my questions. Do Dark Lords from other species than Wizards exist?"
Drunek laughed.
"Of course, though Dark Lords are not always famous. You know what most Wizards call Dark Lords are Pahuus, and I can tell you that most species aside from Wizards deal with those quickly, unless they are too powerful."
Severus was definitely not telling his Master anything about Lord Voldemort unless the situation was dire. He did not think that Lord Voldemort's ignorance of the working of Khorlos would be an attenuating circumstance in his eyes. He had the feeling that a Pahuu was a Pahuu in the eyes of the Goblins.
Drunek continued, unaware of Severus' thoughts.
"The most clever Dark Lords are those who are not known to be so."
"Would you know of any?" asked Severus, studiously ignoring the open curiosity in his Master's eyes.
"You know of Lord Grindelwald for Wizards," answered Drunek. "I don't know of any goblin or fae Dark Lord at the moment. However, rumours are that Family Ressurs harbour at least two."
Severus did not show his surprise at hearing the name of his allies.
"Vampires are creatures of the Dark and you can usually find several Dark Lords among them. I've never heard of a house-elf Dark Lord nor a giant one. Dwarf ones can happen but not for at least two centuries from our clan knowledge."
"Thank you, Master."
The moniker slipped easily from his lips. Far more easily than Drunek's name.
Drunek looked at him with piercing eyes before smiling.
"I believe it's time for you to visit Wise Wirkrund."
Severus nodded wordlessly.
"Do be careful Daoack."
"I always am," answered Severus seriously.
Drunek looked like he would disagree but then thought better of it and contented himself with putting his hand on Severus' shoulder to steer him back to the main room.
Severus and Dhaal's goodbyes took almost half-an-hour, the children unwilling to let them go. In the end, Frekka had to gently pry their youngest from Severus' leg while Dhaal pushed Soraa away gently into Drunek's arms.
Wirkrund's house was a two minute walk, in less than five Severus was seated in front of the Wise with a hot mug of sweet but spicy ale.
"I am glad Wizards did not make you forget Uusi," stated Wirkrund with a pointed smile.
"Uusi would be no easier to forget than my blood brother and his family," replied Severus evenly.
Wirkrund's smile widened.
"I must thank you again for allying with clan Röykkiö. Your Lupacem has brought many opportunities to our clan, Lord Caspian. We were truly fortunate Lord Abraxas Malfoy agreed on Drunek as your Master."
"He always wanted the best for me. As does Lord Prince."
Wirkrund inclined his head.
"I appreciate your Grandfather allowing you to fly off your own wings instead of trying to mould you into his image."
"I appreciate it more than I once did," admitted Severus.
Wirkrund smiled showing pointed teeth.
"Elders often know better than youngsters."
Severus nodded, acknowledging the veiled reference to his brief desire to leave the Goblins before the end of his Apprenticeship
"Tell me Daoack, what brings you to my door today," asked Wirkrund, suddenly serious.
"I was wondering how you reunite a Horcrux with its original core once his use is obsolete," said Severus bluntly.
Wirkrund's ears flickered in surprise though the Goblin's face was impassive.
"I see. Why do you ask?"
Were they really playing this game? Wirkrund had to know about Drunek's warning.
"I haven't found any information related to it. A few authors mentioned how to create Horcruxes as well as destroy them, but none explained that you could reunite a Horcrux with his host. I find it puzzling as you told me Horcruxes first were a way to open Khorlos and that they were only temporary."
Wirkrund looked at him thoughtfully.
"Have you told anyone of Khorlos?"
"Not yet," answered Severus, looking him in the eyes, "though I fully intend to teach my Godson everything I learnt about practising Magic, including Sensing and Khorlos. I will certainly tell my Brother and my friends one day."
Wirkrund nodded with a pleased gleam in his eyes.
"I expected no less from you. Thank you for not telling me to mind my business Daoack."
He needed information from Wirkrund.
"In a way, to reunite a Horcrux with his host is too easy. To cut a Khorlo in two requires a huge amount of Magic, which is why you must use either a vortex or the core of another living being," explained Wirkrund. "I say cut but the term is misleading. Think of it as the Khorlo being made of two magnets. To separate them, you must use a lot of force, and if you do not keep them away from each other, they will get stuck together again."
Wirkrund paused a few seconds, letting Severus absorb his words, then spoke again.
"A Horcrux longs to be whole once more, as such it's difficult for the one who created it to keep it close without being tricked into taking it back into his core. However, it does not mean reunifications are always done right. To ensure the core is not twisted, that the Khorlos are properly set, the Horcrux must be properly… fitted for lack of a better word. If the host is willing to reunite with his Horcrux, he only needs to make contact with his Horcrux, open to it and the reunification will be done correctly. However, if the host is unwilling, he will try to reject and prevent the reunification while his Horcrux will leech on any part of the host's core it can reach. An outsider must help the Horcrux find the right path for the reunification through Sensing."
Severus nodded, mind racing furiously as he pictured the process and the steps needed to go through it.
"I expect the outside helper must be careful to only use outside Magic to guide the Horcrux, to prevent it from sticking to his own core instead."
"Exactly," agreed Wirkrund. "The outsider's Sensing Shields must be extremely strong, precise and agile to allow him to Sense the Horcrux path while protecting himself from it."
It would not be easy but it was not impossible.
"From what you're saying, the reunification of a Horcrux with his Khorlo can take place anywhere," said Severus slowly.
"Indeed," confirmed Wirkrund. "though vortexes are usually avoided. The amount of Magic available could disrupt the link between the Khorlo and its Horcrux, and the Horcrux could decide to latch onto the vortex instead."
"I suppose this risk increases when the host is unwilling to be reunited with his Horcrux."
Wirkrund nodded.
"I believe you understand the mechanism, Daoack."
Severus frowned as he reviewed the Wise's explanation in his mind.
"I don't understand how the Horcrux manages to find his way back to its Khorlo if they are truly separated. I don't see how you can open your Khorlo using a Horcrux when it means cutting it in two."
Wirkrund smiled, showing his incisors.
"A link remains between the Khorlo and its Horcrux, though what affects the Horcrux will not affect the Khorlo and vice-versa. As you must have read in the common library, destroying a Horcrux requires specific and powerful means. It's because you must sever the link between the Khorlo and the Horcrux to be able to destroy the Horcrux."
Yes, Severus had read that Fiendfyre was one of the few ways to destroy a Horcrux. It might be a good idea to be prepared to counter it, in case someone like Dumbledore stumbled upon them and tried to destroy them.
"And what happens when your Horcrux is destroyed? Do you feel weak? Do you lose some of your ability to use Magic?" asked Severus, dreading the answer.
"Nothing so dire," answered Wirkrund with an amused smile. "It's akin to a small blood loss. You will feel a bit weaker or find your spells or runes less powerful for a few days, depending on the time your core will need to replenish your Khorlo. Think of it as having used too much magic at once. The host notices it even less if the Horcrux was created a long time ago. The more the time passes, the more the link between the Horcrux and its Khorlo… leaks. As the Horcrux tries to reach back to reunite with its Khorlo and fails, it loses Magic."
Severus refrained a sigh of relief. It gave them some leeway.
Though he supposed the matter would be more complicated if more than one Horcrux was destroyed. If the destruction of one Horcrux was similar to a small blood loss, destroying several could be the same as a fatal blood loss, especially if Lord Voldemort already lacked sufficient levels of Magic to make a proper sacrifice. And there was no equivalent to a blood replenishing potion for Magic loss. But there were the Marks. Which made it even worse.
He pushed the thought aside, using Occlumency to lock it away for the moment. Now was not the time to panic, especially in front of Wirkrund.
Severus quickly reviewed everything he had learned to check if he had any question left and repressed a sigh. He did not want to openly admit that more than one Horcrux existed. Yet, he needed as much information as he could get from Wirkrund.
Severus hesitated before carefully formulating his next question.
"Is there any possibility for a Horcrux to reunite himself with the wrong Khorlo?"
Wirkrund stilled a second, face blank, before relaxing his body slowly, eyes impenetrable.
"It could only happen if the host had made more than one Horcrux and either is unwilling to reunify with them or made them so long ago that his Khorlos and his Horcruxes have evolved on their own and do not completely fit naturally anymore. In this case, it's important to first reunify the main Khorlo which always corresponds to the first Horcrux created. The outside helper will need to guide the Horcrux until it is reunified, not just help it find its path."
How much energy would it require from him? He would need to train his Sensing capacity better.
To Severus' relief, Wirkrund did not ask him who had dared create more than one Horcrux. Instead, he asked Severus about his projects and future research. Dhaal left halfway through, complaining he was both bored and hungry.
By the time Severus made it back to Malfoy manor, only Minky was up to welcome him and feed him "per Mistress Narcissa's orders".
Living at Malfoy manor meant spending more time with Lucius and his family, and Severus enjoyed making up for lost time. However, it made it harder to work discreetly on his Horcruxes problem. His grandparents made a point to invite him for lunch at least once a week, Regulus and Jonathan joining them afterwards, but it restricted the time Severus could fully focus on it. He also practised Taichichuan in his room, unwilling to risk a discussion with Lucius until his Brother was free from the Mark.
He sometimes felt there were far too many questions without answers yet he could not afford to be discouraged, reflected Severus as he sat in his armchair, listening to his Grandfather and Jonathan debate Baxter, one of the ministry's closest councillors, while they waited for Regulus to begin their meeting. As one of the youngest Death Eaters, Regulus had to attend training sessions twice a week to improve his skills in case he faced Aurors – or talented Muggleborns, though the possibility had never been uttered out loud during a meeting– during raids.
"Sorry I'm late!" apologized Regulus as he entered the room. "Beltram insisted we practice Levicorpus again and again so we could scare puny Muggles and Mud-Muggleborns properly the next time we went on a raid. I cannot wait for the elections to be over!"
"Yes, but we have so much left to do and the elections are in less than five months! If we want Lord Voldemort to be elected, he must be back to sanity at least a month before to avoid any last minute folly!" exclaimed Jonathan.
"Even if we succeed in reunifying the Horcruxes with Lord Voldemort, we might lose the elections," pointed out Augustus seriously. "You must be prepared for this eventuality. We would still have won a huge battle."
Regulus shook his head.
"I really hope we win because I don't think our group would react well to losing."
"I think it can work out if Lord Voldemort is back to sanity, has stopped influencing you through his Mark and once more reigns in those most extreme in the group," disagreed Severus. "However if we fail, we will really be in trouble."
"So let's get to work," said Jonathan with determination. "What do we begin with today?"
"We need to check on the Horcruxes hidden places as soon as possible so I want to test all of you on Occlumency and Patronus," said Augustus.
"How will you do that?" asked Jonathan.
"To test your Occlumency shields, I want you to first try to show me false information and memories. I will push harder and harder and when it becomes too much for you, I want you to eject me from your mind," explained Augustus.
Before his Apprenticeship, Severus' practise of Occlumency had been solely focused on making his mind impossible to breach, using various layers of protections around his potion lab. In the event someone was strong enough to push past these defences, he had hidden his memory in potion jars and his inner core under the trapdoor covered by the flames of his bigger cauldron. Severus had set up several traps to capture any intruder and neutralize him until he could be properly ejected from his mind.
When Severus had come back from his Apprenticeship and his Grandfather had insisted on the role Occlumency would play with finding and reuniting the Horcruxes, he had borrowed several books from the Prince library to increase his knowledge of the field. He had discovered the best defence was to make the would-be intruder believe he had breached your mind when he had not. It meant covering Severus' first layer of outside defences with memories he had chosen. While Severus was loath to share memories with anyone, he understood how efficient the method could be. He took a long time picking out the memories he would put on show, keeping them as short as possible without making it obvious they were part of his defences. He mixed a few memories from his childhood of studying magic with some of Hogwarts with his friends. It was harder to choose some from his Apprenticeship and he settled on those focused on brewing or studying plants for the Lupacem. Severus was very curious about how his efforts would measure against his Grandfather.
"For the Patronus, it must remain a surprise. I won't say more if we want the test to be as close to reality as possible," concluded the older man.
"Can you remind me why we need to be proficient at both?" asked Regulus. "I am glad for the experience but I don't understand why Occlumency is not enough."
Augustus looked at Regulus severely, though Severus was certain the older man was amused by their youngest member.
"First, we are Slytherin and we know it is always better to be prepared and have back-up plans of back-up plans instead of rushing in foolishly following the first idea that came to mind and realising too late it was not such a good idea."
Despite his Black family's genes, Regulus blushed. Severus had to admit his Grandfather was impressive when he was projecting.
"Second, Occlumency and Patronus do not work the same way. A Patronus' goal is to keep yourself unchanged while Occlumency protects your mind by using different layers of protection, thus allowing you to separate an intruder from most of your mind if he manages to breach your defences until you can eject him out. I strongly believe we will need both to prevail against Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes and the defences in place to protect them."
Augustus looked at them in the eyes one at a time, waiting for them to contradict him. When none of them did, he nodded decisively.
"I need some time to prepare myself, in the meantime Regulus, would you tell us more about your training session please?"
"Sure," answered Regulus.
What was his Grandfather plotting?
Regulus and Jonathan seemed suspicious too but did not raise any protest and Regulus went on describing his training, who had been present, what they had learnt and who was adept with which spell.
"You are telling us Crabbe was not able to cast Locomotor Mortis properly?" repeated Severus perplexed. "It's a fourth year spell."
"I know!" agreed Regulus. "And it's not even the worst part..."
As Regulus described the scene with enthusiasm, Severus felt a light probe inside his mind. That was it. His Grandfather's test. Taking care to split his attention between the ongoing conversation and the intrusion without revealing anything unusual was happening, Severus focused on showing flashes of his chosen memories, letting them glide on his potions fumes without revealing the existence of the smoky barriers.
He felt his Grandfather poke and prod lightly against his mind, trying to find a path through the memories, stopping the pressure then trying again somewhere else. When it did not gain him results, Augustus increased the pressure against Severus' mind until the memories parted to reveal the fumes. Severus did not know how long the man persevered, watching for a breach but he held on fast though he was beginning to find it harder and harder to follow his friends' conversation. Finally he had enough. Increasing the potions' fumes and gathering his will, he pushed his Grandfather out.
They were both breathing heavily, Jonathan and Regulus watching them with attention.
"Keep talking," ordered Augustus.
They did, moving on to other subjects like Quidditch and other superficial small talk. Severus' Grandfather obviously went to test Regulus next as their youngest conspirator stopped mid-sentence a few minutes later, face taunt with concentration. As seconds passed, his breathing quickened while sweat glistened on his forehead. Augustus did not display such obvious signs of struggle, however his eyes were hard and his entire body rigid.
They both relaxed suddenly, and the older man nodded his head approvingly. He did not need to tell them to keep on with their discussion. Once Jonathan had been tested as well, they waited for Severus' Grandfather verdict expectantly.
Of course, the man first called for Pearl to bring tea and snacks for them and waited for each of them to have begun eating before speaking.
"The three of you were really impressive. You all noticed my intrusion tentative from the beginning. I have a few suggestions for you to improve, but nothing major which would prevent you from hunting those Horcruxes," stated the older man proudly. "Jonathan, your inner shield is perfect, but you need to work more on the memories you show to distract the intruder. Some I saw clearly were not intended to be a distraction."
Jonathan nodded.
"My training focused more on protecting my mind by pushing out Legilimens."
"It usually is the case," agreed Augustus. "Regulus, your memories were perfect, however your inner shields showed a small breach after I pounded them soundly. You ejected me before I could use it but you should find the source of it."
Regulus nodded.
"The Black's way is more to deceive than outright keep people outside so once my shields were deemed acceptable, we never worked on them again, and focused instead on memories, even how to show false ones without intruders noticing. I will work on strengthening my inner shield."
"Good."
His Grandfather finally turned to him.
"The only improvement you may need is the length of your memories. While some could be short, especially as the mind jumps from one to another following a specific line of thought, you must have some who last longer or your intruder will realise something is amiss."
"I understand," said Severus.
He was already quite proud of his success without having had any formal training.
"How did you manage Legilimency without looking at us in the eyes?" asked Jonathan, awe colouring his voice.
Regulus and Severus nodded in agreement. They had not been aware it was possible.
"As with most magic manipulations, looking into someone's eye to access his mind is a crutch," answered Augustus. "Well, the word might be too strong in this case. Looking into someone's eyes makes it easier to reach for his mind. It also helps maintain a connection between his mind and yours. However, it is not necessary once you have mastered Legilimency."
"But Dumbledore locks eyes to Legilimens people," said Severus, frowning.
"The Headmaster is breaking the law when using Legilimency on his students," answered Augustus mildly though his eyes were hard as steel. "Legilimens can glimpse impressions from unguarded minds without meaning to if the person is projecting his thoughts strongly, especially if they cross their gaze. I suspect Dumbledore makes certain to lock eyes with you in this case so he can claim the Legilimency was inadvertent."
"It totally sounds like him," agreed Jonathan. "But it's quite a Slytherin way of thinking. Why does he despise us so much? I mean, his manipulations of politics and Muggleborns clearly are worthy of our House!"
"Abraxas believed it's because of his past friendship with Grindelwald," answered Augustus. "I believe he knows Slytherins are the ones less likely to fall for his machinations and so he tries to discredit us, with far too much success to my taste."
Regulus cocked his head thoughtfully.
"Grindelwald... I don't see it but with the Prophecy…"
He was interrupted by Pippin – one of the Prince's house elves – popping in.
"Master Augustus, Pippin is sorry for interrupting but Mrs Delacour has come to visit you."
"Mrs Delacour?" repeated Severus' Grandfather raising an eyebrow in surprise. He sighed. "Boys, I hope you won't mind interrupting our session. I should not be long but... In fact, why don't you accompany me? It might help to keep this visit short."
Severus had no idea who Mrs Delacour was but she clearly was important enough to drop by unannounced expecting to be entertained if not welcomed and being right. He was curious to meet her. Regulus and Jonathan were of the same mind and only minutes later, Augustus was introducing them to the mysterious lady and her companions.
Mrs Delacour was an unassuming brunette witch, dressed in simple but surely expensive dresses as she cut an elegant figure. Severus would have been hard-pressed to give her an age, her face showed no lines yet there was something in her eyes which spoke of experience. He frowned to himself, focusing on his Sense but did not feel anything indicating a Vampire or a Werewolf. However, his Sense did not seem to be able to focus on her as it should. He did not dare press on, unwilling to warn her of his study, but tightened his Sensing shields. He then checked his Occlumency shield and almost gasped in surprise. It was… porous, for lack of better words. The shield was still there but full of gaps which could easily let someone enter his mind. His Grandfather had checked it only minutes ago, what had happened?
They had only had tea before being interrupted… Severus struggled to keep his eye from narrowing. The tricky snake. Mrs Delacour definitely was the one who would test them on Patronus. Herself or her companions, who all gave off that same feeling of experience and unthreatening presence. Even though Severus knew of no potions that could alter Occlumens' minds in such a way. He definitely needed to look at his great-grandfather's journals.
"Severus," called his Grandfather, shaking him from his assessment.
"Yes sir?"
"Would you please show Miss Delacroix to the Library?" asked Augustus as he gestured to one of the three women standing behind Mrs Delacour. "She should find the book she needs."
"Of course," agreed Severus.
He was separating them. Time for the testing to begin then.
Miss Delacroix smiled shyly at him as he led them to the Prince public Library.
"Can I help you look for whatever book you need?" asked Severus, wondering if his Sensing shields could be enough to protect him from her and thus fail to make him test his Patronus. He reasoned they should not as his Sensing shields protected him from air, fire, earth and water Magic but not from the magic corresponding to his three remaining Khorlos. Yet, his core Shield was supposed to prevent his core from twisting so it should protect him from all kinds of Magic. Or it would not prevent him from being affected, only from being twisted by it. This was confusing his understanding of Magic workings.
He looked up at a soft giggle. Miss Delacroix was watching him with her hand hiding her mouth, eyes sparkling. He felt his heart beat faster. She was really attractive despite her plain looks.
"Please, I would love your help. I am looking for Healing practice through the Dark ages."
"Well, it should be around this shelf," said Severus, chiding himself for feeling flustered. The woman was going to attack him, make him feel fear and despair to test his Patronus. He needed to be ready.
She remained close enough he could smell her delicate perfume which made him think of roses and forest, but without touching him which made him feel disappointed without knowing why.
What was going on with him? Why did he care about this woman when she was going to… His mind went to a stop. There were other ways to influence minds than forcing fear on them. Mermaids or Veelas could enthral men before charging on them to maim or kill them.
His Patronus rushed on Miss Delacroix, almost making her fall in surprise. The Nundu turned around her three times before coming back in front of Severus, interposing herself between the two of them, ready to pounce at any moment.
Severus' mind was clear as he coldly observed Miss Delacroix. Gone were her brown hair and plain face. Gone were her simple clothes. She was dressed in shimmering robes which underlined her perfect forms. Golden hair reaching to her lower back framed her delicate and glowing face. Blue ancient vibrant eyes appraised him.
"I was warned you were perceptive but what gave me away?"
"I expected you to attack me. It made no sense for me to be affected the way I was when I knew what you were planning."
She laughed warmly. His Nundu prowled around him.
"Remarkable from one so young. But it was to be expected from Lord Caspian."
Severus forced down his flush. Praises still made him uncomfortable. You never knew when someone was just trying to butter you up.
"We should join the others."
She cocked her head playfully.
"Afraid the shrewd Veela will ensnare you once you let your guard down?"
Severus met her eyes impassive.
"I believe the others must have passed their test too. There is no need to prolong this tête-à-tête."
She laughed again.
"Very well Lord Caspian. Lead the way."
Severus offered her his arm, because he knew how to respect etiquette, because she would not scare him when he had faced Werewolves, and because he wanted to surprise her.
She did not bat an eye and accepted his arm gracefully, yet her gaze sharpened.
They walked in silence until they reached the garden. Jonathan and a young Veela who had to be his tester were already speaking with Augustus, Madeline and a woman he guessed to be Mrs Delacour. Like Miss Delacroix and the other testers, she had revealed her beautiful blond hair and sparkling white skin, with eyes blue like the sea, though she felt older than all her entourage. Regulus and his tester joined them a few minutes later.
The three of them had passed their test though Regulus had needed more time than Jonathan and Severus to realise a Veela was influencing his mind – Severus wondered if the younger man had found his tester attractive even without her using her powers, thus having a harder time realising his mind was being influenced as it was only enhancing an already existing feeling. The Veelas did not linger and left as swiftly as they had arrived.
"Did you ask for your pretty Veela's owl, Regulus?" teased Jonathan as they made their way back to the meeting room.
"I don't understand what you mean," answered Regulus, though his ears took on a bright pink colour.
"You sure took longer than us to counter her alluring spell," said Severus with a smirk. "I think you wanted to spend more time with the beautiful lady."
"Regulus and a beautiful Veela, sitting in a tree…" singsang Jonathan with a huge smile.
The younger man resolutely ignored him and hastened his pace to join Augustus who was already sitting in his usual armchair.
"Augustus, I was thinking, before we were interrupted, that you could help me with Kreacher using Legilimency," said Regulus.
The older man looked up at him, concerned.
"None of the counter spells worked?"
Regulus shook his head.
"The usual counters don't work. Two of the most obscure even caused him pain. Whatever Lord Voldemort wanted to hide must be important if he went to the trouble of blocking a House Elf's memories so thoroughly. We need access to these memories, especially if they are linked to a Horcrux as we suspect, but the only remaining solutions are really Dark, even for a Black."
"If Kreacher consents to it, I can use Legilimency to enter his mind and try to undo the block on his memory. However, the odds of succeeding are not in our favour. House Elves' magic usually protects their mind and their core from wizards' spells."
"It's worth a try," answered Regulus. "I have no other idea to propose."
"I could ask Tuei," intervened Severus. "She seems to have many connections among the House Elf community. She may know one of their Healers."
"Good idea, thank you," said Regulus with a grateful smile. "It's really frustrating not to be able to help Kreacher. Masters are supposed to take care of their House Elves."
"Don't beat yourself up, Regulus," chided Augustus. "Lord Voldemort is an experienced and powerful Wizard. To have managed to erase memories from a House Elf would be an impossible feat for most of us. That you're having trouble undoing his spell is to be expected."
Regulus nodded, clearly unconvinced.
Augustus shook his head but did not press his point. Instead, he got up to face the three younger men.
"Today has proven we are ready to begin our hunt for Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. However, it will be for naught if we have not found a way to repay all the Dark sacrifices he has not made, as well as the interests Magic may require."
"I've been thinking about it," admitted Regulus. "And I really do not see how to achieve this. Obviously, the easiest way would be to create a spell specifically to pay the price required by Magic, but it would require Lord Voldemort to willingly cast it and I cannot see a reason for him to do so."
"Yes, Lord Voldemort will never admit he may have been wrong in his use of the Dark Arts," agreed Jonathan. "And the current trend in our group is to consider using outside sacrifices as the ultimate mastery of the Dark Arts."
"Like my parents," said Regulus nodding vigorously. "They cannot fathom they might be wrong on this."
"What if we found a way to pay Magic for Lord Voldemort? We could create a spell to pay back all his sacrifices," suggested Jonathan; "I know it's not the way Dark Magic usually works but I'm not an expert."
Augustus shook his head.
"One of the only rules when using Dark Magic is that only the caster can pay his sacrifice. No matter the sacrifice, it includes giving a part of your own Magic to Magic in exchange for the greater power it granted you. As you know, the surest way to twist a core is to put someone else's Magic into it. I believe it would be the same if you attempted to pay for the sacrifices of someone else's."
"It confirms everything I read in my family's library," added Regulus. "Lord Voldemort has to be the one to pay for his sacrifices. I thought about creating a Dark spell which would require Lord Voldemort to pay back Magic for all unpaid sacrifices as a sacrifice. Of course, I have no idea how to create such a spell. And even if we managed to create such a spell, I don't believe Lord Voldemort would agree to cast this spell knowing what the required sacrifice is."
"We might be able to trick him into casting the spell without telling him what the sacrifice is if the spell is impressive enough," said Jonathan slowly though he looked doubtful. "But Magic is intent, I don't think his sacrifice would be truly paid in this case."
"I don't agree with the last part," intervened Severus. "Intent is very important to cast a spell and obtain the desired result. However, it's different for sacrifices. The intent can only determine if the sacrifice will be external or internal."
He paused, frowning to himself.
"Well, it can also allow you to defer the paying of the sacrifice until you are safely able to do so, but it does not allow you to change the nature of the sacrifice. Plus, you don't have to know the nature of the sacrifice to cast a Dark spell, we could lie to Lord Voldemort about the sacrifice and he would still have to pay it. The hardest part will be to convince him to pay the sacrifice himself. Creating a spell which intrigues Lord Voldemort enough that he agrees to cast it while paying the sacrifice himself instead of using an external one is a good idea."
"Just to be certain I followed your reasoning Severus," said Augustus frowning. "Once we have managed to reunite Lord Voldemort with his Horcruxes, you want us to convince him to cast a powerful Dark spell which will make him pay back all his debts to Magic."
Severus barely stifled a wince.
"It does seem a bit… complicated if we take into account that Lord Voldemort will surely distrust us after the reunification."
"Can't we have him cast the spell before the reunification?" asked Jonathan. "I agree he won't trust us after, but he would not have any reason to doubt us before."
Severus shook his head.
"His core is so badly damaged it's too dangerous. I have no idea what he owes Magic but I think he will need his core whole to be able to pay everything back without exhausting himself to the point of dying."
And without being tempted to draw Magic from his followers through the Mark. But the others did not seem to have thought of this possibility and he was reluctant to bring it up. They were already feeling discouraged. And they already knew they needed to find a way to block the Marks. He did not need to add to their burden just now.
"I'm feeling like we are on a fool's errand," sighed Jonathan dejectedly. "Our plan seems complicated and dangerous but doable except for this part. I don't understand how we can make Lord Voldemort willingly pay his debt to Magic. We all agree that even with all his Horcruxes reunited within himself, he won't be lucid enough to understand the necessity of it. He will never agree to cast a spell after we betrayed him, from his point of view. I do not see how we can do this."
Heavy silence followed his declaration, yet Severus did not know how to answer him to alleviate his fears when he himself felt inadequate. He looked toward his Grandfather, hoping the older man would offer comforting words and reassurances but the older man was looking far away with eyes slitted as if working out a complicated puzzle. Regulus and Jonathan had noticed too and looked at him expectantly. Severus shrugged. He did not know more than them.
They waited in silence for several minutes, each lost in thoughts before the older man deigned to come back to them and share with the class.
"I wonder if we are not a bit hasty in some of our conclusions about Lord Voldemort's state," stated Augustus. "We assumed his core is so badly twisted because of the combination of his numerous Horcruxes and of his intensive use of the Dark Arts while only making external sacrifices. However, I have troubles believing he would fall into such a trap."
He held his hand to prevent Regulus from speaking.
"I know several of us consider the use of external sacrifices the sign of Dark Arts true mastery but from several talks I once had with Lord Voldemort, I have the feeling we both had the same philosophy on Dark Arts. I believe he only uses outside sacrifices when he cannot safely pay the true sacrifice."
"What are you saying then?" asked Regulus perplexed.
"What if he's not able to pay Magic back because he does not have enough left to give? He made four Horcruxes. He is using the Marks to take Magic from you and replenish himself. And he is giving Magic back to those who are marked," said the older man, carefully stressing the last words.
Severus tilted his head, considering what his Grandfather was saying.
"You mean the feeling of wrongness comes from Magic not being paid at all?"
"Exactly."
"And the Magic he is giving away, completely unaware, is Magic trying to pay itself?"
"Yes."
"I don't understand how it changes anything one way or another," said Jonathan with a frown. "He still needs to pay Magic back."
"Yes, but if he never paid the sacrifice instead of paying false ones, it means that the moment he is able to, Magic will make him pay," explained Severus, feeling a glimmer of hope in his chest.
"It would be awfully convenient for us," remarked Regulus suspiciously. "No more need to trick him into paying back anything, Magic will make him as soon as he is reunited with his Horcruxes."
"True, yet he also has a greater chance to end up dead in that case," said Augustus gravely.
"Because Magic won't let him control what he gives back, he will have to give everything at once," said Jonathan slowly, processing this new possibility.
"Yes, but also because of the mental impact of making all the sacrifices at once," answered Augustus.
Severus nodded slowly.
"I see. Most sacrifices paid to Magic possess a pain component, with his body so weak, the strain of doing one sacrifice after another might be too much for Lord Voldemort to bear."
"So we need to find a way to slow the process," said Regulus, looking overwhelmed.
"Yes," agreed Severus.
Another important subject to research. Severus refrained from sighing. He could not imagine what making one sacrifice after another would feel like. Lord Voldemort had to have years of sacrifices to pay, the strain on his Magic… could very well make him draw on the Magic of the marked Death Eater unconsciously.
He could not alarm the others though. It was too soon. They already had so many worries.
He hesitated before speaking again.
"I'm afraid of how these circumstances will affect you and the other marked Death Eaters," said Severus, facing Jonathan and Regulus. "We know that you are influenced by his feelings, especially strong feelings. In this situation…"
"We could get really uncomfortable," finished Regulus wryly.
"Indeed," agreed Augustus after a long silence. "Blocking the connection between Lord Voldemort and the Marks must be our priority along with gathering the Horcruxes and finding a way for Lord Voldemort to make his sacrifices."
"About the whole paying Magic back thing, how do we know which scenario is right?" asked Regulus, clearly unconvinced but willing to give the second option the benefit of the doubt.
They all looked at Severus' Grandfather askance. The older man sighed.
"I don't know yet. But we will find a way."
Severus was unsure what to hope for. His only certainty was that in both cases, it would require magical skills and delicacy as well as a lot of research and creativity to succeed. That said, he was much more worried about finding a way to block the Marks without raising the suspicion of Lord Voldemort. While he had been reassured by his visit to the other man, he had no doubt that playing with the Marks would raise both his suspicion and his paranoia.
Sighing, Severus resigned himself to a lot more research through dusty books.