Chapter 57 – Hufflepuff's Cup

As Christmas settled over the Davis household, the atmosphere was notably different from the usual exuberance at Black Castle. Tracey's parents, in stark contrast to Sirius, clung tightly to propriety. Harry and Tracey, thus restricted, were not permitted to share a room. Frequently, her parents would pop in with timely knocks at the door, each visit thinly veiled as a casual check-in.

Despite the restrictive atmosphere, the couple found solace in their shared commitment to refine their combat skills, a suggestion Rigel had made before their visit. The Davis Estate did not have a training room, so the drawing room, with its high ceilings and ornate decor, served as their makeshift training ground. Here, under the watchful eyes of old family portraits, Tracey scrutinised Harry's duelling style. They moved carefully, mindful not to damage the delicate furnishings and intricate tapestries that adorned the room. Each spell was cast with precision, their wands dancing through the air, ensuring the magical energy remained controlled and focused.

"You're way too predictable, Harry," Tracey remarked one afternoon as she easily deflected a straightforward spell. Her tone was friendly but direct. "Rigel's spot on about this. We've gotta shake things up a bit."

Harry, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, nodded in agreement. He respected Tracey's insights, always eager to improve. "So, what do you reckon we should try first?"

Tracey stopped pacing and turned to him with an excited gleam in her eye. "You know, I've got a bunch of ideas for tweaking the usual spells, make them a bit more snazzy. But let's park that for now and focus on your fire affinity. It's your strong suit, and it could really freak out your opponents."

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she walked back towards Harry, her hands animatedly gesturing as she spoke. "Right, first things first, let's work on a fire blast. Imagine if you could really catch someone off guard with a burst of flame! They'd panic, and you'd have the upper hand just like that."

Harry, his imagination ignited by Tracey's vibrant energy, felt a surge of excitement. "Brilliant idea, Tracey. Let's start with that fire blast then."

Harry and Tracey set about crafting the fire blast spell with enthusiastic determination. Harry stood before a straw training dummy, his wand outstretched, eyes narrowed in concentration. With a sharp flick and a forceful shout, a burst of flame erupted from his wand tip, streaking towards the dummy. The flame enveloped the dummy in a bright, fiery glow, yet it failed to ignite the straw. The fire sizzled around it, creating more smoke than actual fire before fizzling out.

Tracey, who had been observing closely, clapped her hands lightly. "Not bad for a start, Harry! It's got the scare factor with all that smoke, but it's not quite there with the ignite. Maybe when we're back at the castle, you can fine-tune it with Daphne. She's a genius with spell structures. For now, let's shelve perfecting this and brainstorm some other potential spells, yeah?"

Harry nodded, brushing a soot fleck off his robe. "Sounds good. Got any more creative ideas up your sleeve?"

Tracey paused, tapping a finger against her lips thoughtfully. "Well, you've been doing very well in Transfiguration this year, right? What about using that? You could conjure fire into specific shapes—like animated weapons or little golems, and then use your fire affinity to control them. Imagine having your own army of flame minions in a duel!"

Harry's face lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds incredible. If I'm outnumbered, they could really help even the odds."

Pleased with his excitement, Tracey suggested, "Start small, build it up. Maybe try conjuring a small golem first? Get the hang of directing it around."

Taking her advice, Harry concentrated, envisioning a small, humanoid form made of flames. He moved his wand in a complex series of gestures, murmuring the incantation Tracey suggested. Moments later, a small, flickering figure, no taller than a quill, appeared on the floor. It was a simple form, barely detailed, but distinctly golem-like.

"Go left," Harry commanded softly, and the flame golem shuffled left across the wooden floorboards. "Now, circle around." The golem obeyed, making a neat loop before returning to its original spot.

Tracey watched with a proud grin. "Look at him go! You're a natural, Harry."

Harry took a deep breath and began to enlarge the flame golem. With each increase in size, the golem's movements became less precise, and Harry felt the strain of maintaining control. By the time the golem reached the size of a small cat, it was evident that it took significantly more effort to direct its actions.

"Blimey, this is tough," Harry muttered, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

Tracey, observing his struggle, nodded thoughtfully. "It's like anything else, Harry. The more you practice, the easier it'll get. You'll build up your magical stamina and control over time. Just keep at it."

Harry nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'll definitely add this to my training regimen."

Tracey's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, remember that time you used your fire affinity to burn through one of Rigel's spells in a duel? You should totally come up with a defensive spell that uses that. Like a flame-enhanced Protego! It could burn away weaker spells and weaken stronger ones before they hit your shield."

Harry's face lit up with the idea. "That's brilliant, Tracey! I love it, but I've no idea how to start with something like that."

Tracey grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. "We'll figure it out. Every spell starts with an idea, right? This is no different."

Harry smiled warmly at her, thinking how fortunate he was to have her by his side. Rigel was right; Tracey was incredibly creative, much more than he was.

"How about we take a break before diving into more creative spell work?" Harry suggested, feeling the need to rest his magical reserves.

"Not so fast," Tracey teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "First, you should exercise your wandless magic. You don't want to disappoint Rigel by not being able to summon your wand, do you?" She swiftly grabbed Harry's wand and held it behind her back, challenging him with a playful grin.

Harry focused, summoning his magic. After a tense moment, his wand flew from Tracey's hand and landed firmly in his grip.

Tracey rewarded him with a quick kiss. "You did well, Harry, but it took way too long. You need to be able to summon your wand in a fraction of a second, not multiple seconds like now."

Harry playfully retorted, "Like all things, this needs training," echoing Tracey's earlier advice.

Tracey laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Absolutely right."

They continued with multiple rounds of wandless summoning, Tracey hiding the wand in increasingly difficult spots. Each successful summon brought them closer, both in skill and spirit, until they finally decided to take a well-deserved break.

The days flew by in a blur of training and bonding for Harry and Tracey. Their routines became a comfortable rhythm, each day blending into the next with a mix of magical practice and shared moments of laughter. Tracey, ever the enthusiastic coach, oversaw Harry's training with a keen eye. She also tried her hand at wandless magic, occasionally managing to summon objects with a delighted squeal when successful. Together, they refined their ideas for Harry's fire affinity, pushing the boundaries of their creativity.

"Try combining Expelliarmus with a burst of flame," Tracey suggested one morning. "It could disarm and distract your opponent at the same time."

Harry tried it, and though the result was a bit chaotic, it showed promise. Another time, Tracey proposed modifying the Stupefy spell to send out a ring of fire upon impact, potentially stunning multiple opponents. They also worked on an enhanced version of the Shield Charm, incorporating a swirling barrier of flames that could absorb and weaken incoming spells.

As New Year's Eve approached, it marked not only the end of the year but also the conclusion of their stay at the Davis home. On New Year's Day, they would return to Black Castle, where Harry was eager to showcase his progress to Rigel and collaborate with Daphne to further refine the spells they had developed together.

New Year's Eve itself was a special, romantic affair for Harry and Tracey. They found a perfect spot with a clear view of the Muggle fireworks, which lit up the night sky in a dazzling display of colours. They sat close together, the cold winter air making their breaths visible as they snuggled under a shared blanket.

"This is beautiful," Harry said, his eyes reflecting the fireworks' vibrant colours.

"It really is," Tracey agreed, her head resting on his shoulder. "I love how Muggles celebrate with such grandeur. Sometimes, it feels like magic."

Harry smiled, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with his fire affinity. "I can't wait to get back to Black Castle and show Rigel what we've worked on. And with Daphne's help, we'll really be able to fine-tune these spells."

Tracey nodded, her excitement palpable. "You've made so much progress, Harry. Rigel and Daphne are going to be impressed."

The fireworks continued, each explosion a burst of light and sound that seemed to mirror their own feelings of anticipation and hope for the future. As the grand finale lit up the sky with a cascade of shimmering lights, Harry turned to Tracey.

"Thank you for everything, Tracey. I couldn't have asked for a better partner."

Tracey's eyes sparkled brighter than the fireworks. "And I couldn't have asked for a better partner either, Harry. Here's to a new year, and all the adventures it will bring."

They shared a tender kiss, sealing their promise to face whatever came their way together. As the last of the fireworks faded into the night, they held each other close, ready to embrace the new year and all its possibilities.

~~~o~~~

It was breakfast time at Black Castle on New Year's Day, and the atmosphere was decidedly subdued. The festivities from the previous night had left everyone exhausted. The long dining table was sparsely populated, with only Rigel, Daphne, and Walburga present. Remus was still out with Tonks, and it was unclear when he would return. Sirius, unsurprisingly, was still asleep, and Harry had mentioned that he and Tracey would join them for lunch.

As they quietly ate, the only sound was the clinking of silverware against china. Walburga, ever the regal matriarch, finally broke the silence. "Rigel, I must say, I've been rather disappointed as of late."

Rigel, taken aback, set down his fork and looked at his grandmother with genuine curiosity. "Disappointed? Why, Grandmother?"

Walburga's sharp gaze fixed on him. "The elections for the new Minister of Magic were held recently, and you didn't even enter as a candidate. Instead, you remain an assistant professor at Hogwarts, a position truly not befitting the Lord of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black."

Rigel raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at his lips. "Did you want me to be Minister, Grandmother?"

"Of course," Walburga replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "To rule is in our blood. You could have easily won the election."

Rigel chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Being Minister would be too bothersome. Too much paperwork, and given my age, some wouldn't respect me."

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Rigel added, "Besides, I am ruling over wizarding Britain, just not directly. Madam Bones is firmly under my thumb. I wouldn't have pushed someone into the position of Minister whom I couldn't control." He paused, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips, before continuing, "And as for the Wizengamot, I will always have a majority as long as I have Harry on my side. His influence on the light side houses, combined with my influence on the dark and grey houses, as well as some strategic bribes, ensures that our policies pass without a hitch." Rigel's eyes sparkled with the thrill of his power play, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "It's quite the game of chess, really. Every move meticulously planned, every piece perfectly positioned."

Walburga scoffed, her expression a mix of admiration and scepticism. "I know the Bones family well. Sooner or later, Amelia will fight back. She doesn't like being pushed around."

"I know," Rigel conceded, his smirk widening. "But for now, she can't afford to resist. The country is under threat from a Dark Lord, after all."

"And once he is dealt with?" Walburga challenged.

"She will push back," Rigel acknowledged. "But by that time, I will already have someone else lined up to take over the position of Minister. Someone I can control even more easily."

He leaned back in his chair, his confidence palpable. "Rest assured, Grandmother, I have every intention of ruling both wizarding Britain and the wizarding world. Just not directly. For now, ruling from the shadows is much more convenient."

A slow smile spread across Walburga's face as she saw the ambition burning in Rigel's eyes. In that moment, she realised her grandson would not disappoint her. He was every bit the leader she had hoped he would become. "Very well, Rigel," she said, her voice softening with approval. "I see you have a plan, and I trust you will see it through."

Rigel nodded, a determined glint in his eye. "You have my word."

The room fell into a comfortable silence as they returned to their breakfast, each lost in their thoughts. Suddenly, Walburga began to cough, a harsh, rattling sound that cut through the quiet. Rigel looked up, concern etched on his face. "Grandmother, are you alright?"

Walburga waved him off dismissively, her eyes watering slightly from the effort. "It's just a cold, Rigel. Nothing to worry about."

Kreacher appeared instantly, his large ears twitching with worry. "Mistress, your favourite tea," he said, holding a delicate porcelain cup filled with steaming liquid.

Walburga accepted the tea with a grateful nod, taking a slow sip. The warmth seemed to soothe her, and she settled back into her chair. "Thank you, Kreacher."

Rigel's concern didn't fully abate, but he nodded, trusting his grandmother's judgement. He glanced at Daphne, who had also looked up, sharing his worry. The moment passed, and they resumed their meal, the earlier silence returning.

Despite the comforting routine of breakfast, Rigel's mind remained alert. He made a mental note to keep a closer eye on Walburga's health.

After a short while, Daphne broke the silence, her voice tentative yet curious. "Walburga, have you made any plans for the venue for our wedding?"

Walburga looked up, her expression momentarily softening. "I planned to host the wedding here, at Black Castle. It is customary for the Blacks to show off, to remind the wizarding world why we have been one of the major players in it for centuries."

Daphne nodded thoughtfully, but her brow furrowed slightly. "I can see your reasons, but isn't that incredibly dangerous, given the situation with Voldemort and the Death Eaters? They might use the wedding as an opportunity to plan an attack."

Walburga scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "The Blacks have never been afraid, Daphne. If times are dangerous, we will simply need more security. But given Rigel's closeness with dear Minister Bones, it should be no problem to get additional Auror guards for the event."

Rigel nodded in agreement. "And don't forget about my cousin, Tonks. She's also an Auror."

Walburga scoffed again, her tone dripping with disdain. "I still can't see why you allowed rabble like her to rejoin the family."

Rigel's expression hardened slightly. "I won't go over this again. You can have your views about blood purity, but I do not share them. What I like most about Tonks is that she is dependable and loyal."

Walburga's eyes narrowed as she leaned forward slightly. "So, she is merely a pawn in your eyes, Rigel?"

Rigel smiled, about to respond when the door opened, and a very sleepy-looking Sirius entered the room. The conversation was immediately dropped, and all eyes turned to him.

"Good morning," Sirius greeted, his voice groggy as he rubbed his eyes.

Rigel responded with a cheery, "Good morning, Dad," while Daphne simply said, "Good morning." Walburga merely nodded at Sirius.

Too tired to notice the tension that had hung in the air moments before, Sirius sat down heavily and began to eat from the breakfast Kreacher had served. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the room, blending with the clinking of cutlery and the soft murmurs of conversation, creating a cosy, if slightly strained, atmosphere.

~~~o~~~

Around lunchtime, Harry and Tracey finished packing their things, ready to Floo over to Black Castle. The air was filled with excitement as they stepped into the fireplace, clutching their bags tightly. With a handful of Floo powder and a clear voice, Harry announced their destination: "Black Castle!" The familiar whoosh of the green flames engulfed them, and moments later, they stepped out into the grandeur of the Black family home.

The rich, savoury aroma of food greeted them immediately, wafting from the dining room. "Perfect timing," Tracey remarked with a grin. "Lunch must have just been served." They left their bags in the sitting room, knowing that Kreacher would soon find them and bring them to their room.

Entering the dining room, they found Sirius, Walburga, Daphne, and Rigel already seated and eating. "Happy New Year!" Harry called out as they walked in. The others looked up, smiling and returning the greeting. Harry and Tracey took their places at the table, eagerly filling their plates with the delicious spread Kreacher had prepared.

Daphne, sitting opposite Tracey, leaned forward with a curious expression. "How was your Christmas, Tracey?"

Tracey laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "It was great, though my parents were fairly annoying, constantly interrupting us." She rolled her eyes theatrically. "We should definitely catch up later, just the two of us."

"That's a lovely idea," Daphne agreed, smirking. "I want all the juicy details. However, Rigel and I have to run an errand after lunch. It might take a few hours."

Harry noticed both Daphne and Rigel were dressed more formally than usual—Daphne in an elegant dress and Rigel in his best dress robes. His curiosity piqued, he asked, "What's the occasion? You both look really dressed up."

Rigel gave a dismissive wave. "It's nothing major, just some boring political stuff." But as he said this, he made eye contact with Harry and gave a subtle nod. Harry understood that Rigel would explain later and that he didn't want to discuss it in front of his father and grandmother. Harry nodded back, making a light-hearted joke. "Well, I certainly don't envy you. Political stuff sounds dreadful."

The group chuckled, and with that, they all turned their attention back to the meal, enjoying the delightful array of dishes that had been prepared for them.

Rigel's expression turned serious as he leaned forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Tonks was successful in her mission. While she didn't find out the total number of Horcruxes, she did locate one of them—the Cup. It's in Bellatrix's vault."

Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's amazing!" He paused, thinking for a moment. "Wait, is your errand today about the Cup then?"

Rigel nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Exactly. We're going to do something unprecedented—we're going to dissolve Bellatrix's vault."

Tracey gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "What?! How do you plan to do that? The Goblins have always kept our vaults safe. There's no way they'll just let you dissolve it."

Rigel explained patiently, "Bellatrix was born into this family, which means, technically, I'm her Lord. Given her status as a fugitive, I'm confident that if I can get a written order from the Minister of Magic to dissolve her vault, along with making a generous offer to the Goblins, they won't be able to refuse."

Tracey still looked stunned, but Harry just nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds ambitious, but that's usually what your plans are. Good luck. I hope there aren't many more Horcruxes left after this one."

Rigel stood up, offering his hand to Daphne, who took it gracefully. "Our first stop will be Madam Bones' office. After that, we'll visit Gringotts to talk with the Goblins."

As they prepared to leave, Harry called after them. "Once you're back, can we train? I'm eager to see if I've improved."

Rigel turned back with a smile. "Of course. We'll hopefully be back within a few hours, if everything goes smoothly."

With that, Rigel and Daphne left the room, their footsteps echoing down the corridor as they headed towards the Floo network. Harry watched them go, his mind buzzing with the potential of their success and what it could mean for their fight against Voldemort.

~~~o~~~

Daphne and Rigel stepped out of the Floo into the grand Atrium of the Ministry of Magic. The vast, cavernous space was eerily quiet, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle. Immediately, an Auror, tall and stern-looking, approached them with a suspicious frown.

"The Ministry is closed today," the Auror announced, his voice echoing slightly in the empty hall.

Rigel, undeterred, squared his shoulders and replied confidently, "Minister Bones is expecting us."

The Auror scoffed, crossing his arms. "If that were true, I would have been informed. Now, I suggest you leave."

Just as the Auror began to dismiss them, a clear, authoritative voice rang out from the other side of the fountain. "Stop right there, Dawlish." Madam Bones, her presence commanding, approached them with purposeful strides. "There was a mix-up. You should have been informed. I am indeed expecting them."

Dawlish, looking somewhat chastened, straightened up and nodded. "Apologies, Madam Bones." He then turned to Rigel and Daphne. "Apologies to you both as well. Please, go ahead."

Daphne and Rigel exchanged a brief glance before following Madam Bones through the silent corridors of the Ministry to her office. Once inside, Madam Bones closed the door and turned to face them, her expression one of curiosity and mild irritation.

"Now, what is so important that it couldn't wait until tomorrow? You had to come here on New Year's Day?" she asked, her voice tinged with impatience.

Rigel held up his hands in a calming gesture. "Please, Amelia, calm down. Firstly, happy New Year."

Madam Bones softened slightly, her stern expression giving way to a small smile. "Happy New Year to you too, Rigel. Now, tell me, what brings you here on a day like this?"

Rigel took a deep breath and began to explain. "It's about Bellatrix Lestrange and her vault at Gringotts. We have information that one of Voldemort's Horcruxes is stored there—the Cup of Hufflepuff."

Madam Bones' eyes widened, and she leaned back in her chair, absorbing the gravity of Rigel's words. "A Horcrux in Bellatrix's vault? That's... significant."

"Indeed," Rigel continued. "We need your help to dissolve her vault. With Bellatrix being a fugitive and me being the head of her family, I believe I can get the necessary approval, but I need a written order from you to make this official. Plus, we'll make a generous offer to the Goblins to ensure their cooperation."

Madam Bones considered this for a moment, her fingers drumming lightly on her desk. "This is highly unusual and will require a lot of paperwork. But if what you're saying is true, it could be a significant blow to Voldemort's power."

"It will be," Rigel affirmed. "Every Horcrux destroyed brings us one step closer to ending his reign of terror."

Madam Bones nodded slowly. "Very well. I'll draft the necessary documents. Give me a moment."

As she began to work, Daphne and Rigel exchanged a look of determination. After a few minutes, Madam Bones handed Rigel the signed documents.

"Here you go. This should give you the authority you need. And Rigel, Daphne," she added, her tone serious, "be careful. If things go wrong at Gringotts, it could get very dangerous very quickly."

"Thank you, Madam Bones," Rigel said, taking the documents. "We'll be cautious. And thank you for doing this on such short notice."

Rigel's expression grew thoughtful. "Madam Bones, could you get Tonks to accompany us? An official Auror carrying signed documents from the Minister herself would give us even more credibility."

Amelia sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Tonks is off duty today. I can ask Dawlish or Shacklebolt to accompany you."

Rigel shook his head firmly. "I would prefer Tonks. Not that I distrust the Auror Department, but..."

Amelia's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of anger in her voice. "But what, Rigel?"

Rigel took a deep breath. "The Ministry has allowed Voldemort to infiltrate it before. Yes, I know that was under Fudge's time, but it still happened. I have a hard time building up trust, and Tonks is family. Please, send her a message and ask if she would like to join us. I have a feeling she would be very eager to help."

Amelia sighed again, annoyance clear on her face, but she relented. "Fine, I'll send Tonks an instant memo. But if she demands holiday pay, I'll forward the invoice to you."

Rigel chuckled, nodding. "Very well. Thank you, Madam Bones."

With a flick of her wand, Madam Bones sent a memo zooming off to Tonks. Surprisingly quickly, the Floo in her office sprang to life, and a very dishevelled Tonks stumbled out, her hair a wild array of colours.

Rigel chuckled, stepping forward. "Tonks! Good to see you. Happy New Year!"

Daphne echoed the greeting, a playful smile on her lips. "It looks like you had a very... pleasant New Year's celebration."

Tonks laughed, hugging them both tightly. "Happy New Year to you too! And yes, it was quite the celebration. Are we really going to do it? Get the Cup?"

Rigel nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, we are. And we need your help to do it."

Tonks' eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm in. Just let me know what you need me to do."

Amelia Bones cleared her throat, drawing their attention back to her. "If you're ready, I'll let you get on with it. And Tonks, thank you for stepping in on such short notice."

Tonks gave her a cheeky grin. "No problem, Madam Bones."

Rigel handed Tonks the documents. "Next stop is Gringotts. With these papers and your official presence, we should be able to get the Goblins to cooperate."

Madam Bones nodded, her stern demeanour softening slightly. "Be careful, all of you. And keep me informed." She then gestured to the fireplace Tonks just came out of. "You may use my Floo."

The trio thanked Madam Bones once more before turning to the fireplace. The thrill of their mission buzzed in the air, a palpable energy that propelled them forward. As they stepped into the green flames, Rigel couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. This could be the turning point they needed in their fight against Voldemort.

~~~o~~~

The trio arrived at Gringotts, the imposing white marble building looming over Diagon Alley. The grand entrance hall, with its high ceilings and ornate carvings, was bustling with activity. Goblins moved efficiently, attending to wizards and witches who had come to conduct their financial affairs. Rigel, Daphne, and Tonks strode confidently toward the Head Goblin's desk.

Rigel stepped forward and addressed the Head Goblin, "I'd like an audience with my family's account manager, Gornak."

The Head Goblin, recognising Rigel, bowed slightly. "Of course, Lord Black. Please, follow me." He led them through a series of corridors to Gornak's office.

Gornak greeted them with a broad smile, his sharp teeth glinting in the light. "Lord Black! A pleasure to see you. Let's get straight to business. The latest investments have performed remarkably well. The Manticore Mining venture is up 24%, and the Dragonhide Export business has increased by 18%. Our diversified portfolio is yielding impressive returns."

Rigel raised a hand, cutting him off. "I know you're doing an excellent job managing and growing the Black family finances, Gornak, but that isn't why we're here today."

Gornak's eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. "What is the reason for your visit, then?" He gestured for them to sit and summoned another Goblin to bring tea.

Rigel took a seat, the others following suit. "We're here on very official business," he said, nodding toward Tonks.

Tonks quickly showed her Auror badge, holding it up for Gornak to see. Gornak's expression remained impassive. "We don't fall under the jurisdiction of the Auror Office," he said flatly.

Rigel nodded. "I know. This isn't about jurisdiction. We require some assistance from the Goblins."

Gornak's interest piqued. "How can we be of service?"

Rigel nodded to Tonks, who handed Gornak the documents from Madam Bones. Gornak examined the Minister's seal carefully before beginning to read. As he scanned the documents, his eyes widened in disbelief.

"The Ministry wants to allow you to dissolve a vault from one of your family members because they have become a fugitive?" Gornak's voice rose in incredulity. "This is madness! It would compromise the sovereignty of Gringotts."

Rigel leaned forward, his expression calm but determined. "I understand your concerns, Gornak. But I am willing to make it worth your while. I'm only interested in the artefacts within Bellatrix's vault. The Goblins can keep all the Galleons for themselves."

Gornak's eyes narrowed, still outraged but now slightly intrigued. He took a deep breath and said, "That is a decision I cannot make alone. Please, wait here."

Gornak left the office, the door clicking shut behind him. A few minutes later, he returned with another Goblin, who exuded authority.

The new Goblin introduced himself. "I am Bralguk, leader of the Goblins here at Gringotts."

Bralguk and Gornak sat down on one side of the table. Bralguk began, his voice deep and resonant. "Gornak has informed me of the situation and the offer you have made, Lord Black. Let me make one thing clear: the Aurors have never held any power here, nor has the Ministry. Gringotts has always operated independently, serving all customers equally, regardless of their status in wizarding society."

Rigel furrowed his brow. "What is your price, then? Everything has a price in this world."

Bralguk smiled and leaned forward. "Indeed, everything has a price, Lord Black. However, not everything can be paid in Galleons. We are aware of where some of the Black family's money is going. The Goblins aren't oblivious to what is happening outside the walls of Gringotts. We know you are a major player in the current political landscape."

Rigel raised an eyebrow. "While I appreciate being known by the leader of the Goblins, I kindly ask you to get to the point."

Bralguk's smile widened. "We may consider your request if we can count on your support in the future. We know about the power you have amassed, and it is clear that you intend to use that power to change the wizarding world. We want more equality for Goblins in this new world. We do not want to be treated as scum anymore."

Rigel nodded thoughtfully. "You are surprisingly knowledgeable. However, more equality would also mean giving up some of the aforementioned sovereignty of Gringotts. There is a deep mistrust between some wizards and Goblins, and standing above Ministry jurisdiction, for example, does not help that situation. My vision is to create a world where anyone can be someone based on their merit, with no prejudices because of one's birth. While my focus has been on closing the rift between Muggleborns, Halfbloods, and Purebloods, intelligent species such as Goblins should have their place as well."

Bralguk nodded, his expression serious. "We realise that sacrifices will have to be made. The specific details will have to be worked out."

Rigel extended his hand. "I give you my word to support Goblins once I begin to change the wizarding world. However, before I can start this change, I need to stop Voldemort. If the country is not at peace, change will be impossible. For that, I need to get my hands on the artefacts within Bellatrix's vault."

Bralguk looked thoughtful for a moment, then smiled. "I will place my trust in you, Lord Black, to keep your word." He turned to Gornak. "You are authorised to dissolve the personal vault of Bellatrix Lestrange. All monetary assets are to be transferred to Gringotts itself, while Lord Black and his companions get to keep the artefacts and do with them as they please."

Rigel inclined his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Bralguk. One more thing: could we borrow some curse-proof equipment? I am certain some artefacts may be cursed."

Bralguk's smile grew wider. "Usually, there would be a fee for that, but for you, Lord Black, I will happily waive it."

Bralguk then stood, offering his hand. "Good luck, Lord Black. May your endeavours succeed."

Rigel shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, Bralguk."

As Bralguk left the room, Gornak turned to them. "Please wait here. I will get the paperwork ready, but it might take a while."

As soon as Gornak left the room, Tonks turned to Rigel with a cheeky grin. "So, Rigel, you're the one to stop Voldemort now, huh?"

Rigel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's a team effort, Tonks. We're all paving the way. It's not just on me."

Tonks raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Do you really believe that prophecy about Harry being 'the Chosen One'?" She exaggerated the last part, her tone dripping with dramatic flair.

Rigel nodded, his expression serious. "I do believe it. Harry has gotten insanely strong."

Tonks leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "That might be true, but Harry still can't beat you in a duel."

Rigel shook his head. "Beating me in a duel won't be necessary. Besides, it's only a matter of time before he does. While I've made great strides myself, ever since I fully became accustomed to my body, my growth has slowed a lot."

Daphne reached out, placing a comforting hand on Rigel's. She squeezed it gently. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Rigel. You're still an exceptional wizard, one many can only dream of rivalling."

Rigel smiled warmly at her, his eyes softening. "Thanks, Daphne."

Just then, the door opened, and Gornak returned, carrying a set of curse-proof gloves and cloaks. "Here you go," he said, handing the equipment to them. "Please follow me."

The trio donned the protective gear and followed Gornak through the labyrinthine corridors of Gringotts.

They made their way to the carts, which were parked on the rails that snaked through the underground tunnels of Gringotts. The goblin-operated carts were fast, zipping through the labyrinthine passages at a dizzying speed, the wind whipping their faces as they hurtled towards Bellatrix's vault. Gornak expertly handled the controls, steering them through sharp turns and steep drops.

Eventually, the cart screeched to a halt in front of the massive, heavily guarded vault door. Rigel, Daphne, and Tonks stepped out, following Gornak toward the entrance. To their surprise, they found the vault already open, with goblins busily removing every last Knut from within.

A goblin approached Gornak, giving a brief report. "Bellatrix had put a duplication charm on most of the artefacts to protect them, but we've removed those. Usually, there would be a fee attached to such a service, but Bralguk said to just pay it with the money from Bellatrix's vault."

Gornak nodded. "Continue your work." He then turned to Rigel, Daphne, and Tonks, motioning for them to step inside. "You may take any artefacts you wish. Since there will be too many to carry, I suggest you transfer those you don't need immediately to one of the numerous Black family vaults."

Rigel smirked at Gornak. "Is there a fee attached to this transfer?"

Gornak chuckled. "Of course there is."

Rigel nodded. "We'll inspect the artefacts. Any we leave in the vault should be transferred to vault 37b."

Gornak nodded in agreement. "Very well. Good luck. I will be in my office should you need further assistance."

As Gornak left, the trio turned their attention to the vault's contents. Tonks immediately pointed excitedly at the cup. "There it is!"

Without hesitation, Tonks reached out and grabbed the cup. Almost instantly, she clutched her head in pain, dropping to her knees.

"Tonks!" Rigel quickly cast a wandless banishing charm, causing the cup to fall to the ground with a loud clink. He rushed to her side, concerned. "Are you okay?"

Tonks panted, slowly nodding. "I... I could hear his voice. Trying to influence—to control me. I had no idea the Horcruxes were this dangerous."

Rigel snapped his fingers, and the cup floated up. He took off his curse-resistant cloak and wrapped it around the cup. Even through the cloak, he could feel the Dark Lord's influence, but he was strong enough to resist it. "I would have thought that curse-resistant gear would provide more protection against a Horcrux," he muttered. "We need to go home quickly. We still have some basilisk venom left to destroy this thing."

Daphne and Tonks nodded, and the three made their way back to the cart, the cursed cup now in their possession. The ride back to the surface was tense but filled with a sense of grim determination.

~~~o~~~

Harry and Tracey lay on his bed, lost in each other's embrace, their lips locked in a passionate kiss. The room was quiet and filled with the warmth of their shared affection. Suddenly, the door burst open, and in came Tonks, Daphne, and Rigel.

Rigel was holding something wrapped in a cloak, his face visibly strained. Harry and Tracey quickly disentangled from each other, sitting up in surprise.

Tracey, slightly breathless, asked, "What's going on? What's Rigel got in the cloak?"

Harry, however, felt it—a familiar, dark energy emanating from the cloak. Despite no longer being a Horcrux, the dark magic was unmistakable. "It's the cup," he said, his voice low. "And it's a Horcrux. No wonder Rigel looks so strained. Touching it must be incredibly taxing."

Rigel nodded, confirming Harry's suspicion. He unveiled the cup and, using wandless magic, let it float in mid-air. As soon as he released it, the strain on his face softened and quickly disappeared.

"We were successful in retrieving the cup," Rigel announced. He then called for Kreacher, the old house elf appearing with a pop. "Kreacher, bring me the jar made of Aetherium glass filled with Basilisk Venom."

Kreacher bowed and disappeared, returning moments later with a large jar full of Basilisk venom. Rigel took the jar, opened it, placed it below the floating cup and said, "We're one step closer to defeating Voldemort." With a snap of his fingers, the cup dropped into the venom, screeching loudly as it began to disintegrate. Rigel quickly sealed the jar, ensuring that nothing spilled while the horcrux was destroyed, watching intently as the cup dissolved into nothingness.

Daphne turned to Harry and Tracey, her expression apologetic. "We thought you'd want to be here when we destroyed the Horcrux. We didn't mean to interrupt anything."

Tracey smiled, and Harry chuckled. "Yeah, I prefer to see them destroyed with my own eyes. There can't be that many left—soon we'll get rid of Voldemort."

The room filled with a palpable sense of cheer and excitement. The dark energy that had once been so oppressive now felt manageable, like a storm breaking into a sunny day. The destruction of the Horcrux was a significant victory, and the sense of hope among them was tangible.

Tonks smiled, looking at the disintegrating Horcrux with a mix of satisfaction and relief. "That was fun. Thanks for letting me be a part of this. It means a lot to me. But I must go now; I promised my parents I'd return today. I was away from home over the holidays due to my mission, and they think I was working instead."

Rigel nodded, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, Tonks. Without your help, we couldn't have done it."

The group exchanged goodbyes, and Tonks left, giving them a final wave before disappearing through the door.

Rigel then turned to Harry, a curious look in his eyes. "So, Harry, how's your wandless magic? Have you mastered summoning your wand?"

Harry nodded confidently. Rigel immediately summoned Harry's wand from his grasp, holding it up with a challenging smile. "Prove it."

Without hesitation, Harry effortlessly summoned his wand back into his hand. Rigel's smile broadened. "Very good. That might save your life one day."

Harry beamed at the compliment. He then turned to Daphne. "Daphne, Tracey and I came up with a bunch of spell ideas, but we didn't get very far in actually getting them to work. If you have some time, I'd love to go over them before we return to Hogwarts."

Daphne nodded, smiling warmly. "Of course, Harry. I'd be happy to help. But let's wait until after dinner. Today was stressful enough."

With that, Daphne and Rigel left the room, promising to return after dinner to continue Harry's training. As they exited, Rigel turned back with a smirk. "In the meantime, Harry and Tracey, have a lot of fun."

Daphne giggled, adding with a playful wink, "See you both later."

Harry and Tracey exchanged amused glances, their earlier mood lightening with the promise of support and camaraderie from their friends. The room felt warmer, not just from the physical presence of their friends but from the shared sense of purpose and the victories they had achieved together.

~~~o~~~

After a relaxing afternoon and a satisfying dinner, Harry, Tracey, Daphne, and Rigel gathered once more in Harry's room. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Harry and Tracey eagerly shared their spell designs based on Harry's fire affinity.

Harry laid out various diagrams and notes on the bed, explaining each idea with Tracey chiming in enthusiastically. Daphne listened attentively but soon found herself overwhelmed by the multitude of concepts.

"Hold on a moment," Daphne said, raising a hand. "These ideas are brilliant, but let's focus on one for now. Which one have you put the most work into?"

Harry exchanged a glance with Tracey before responding. "We've spent the most time on the Fire Blast and Flame Conjurations ideas. Those would be a good start."

Daphne nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, let's start with the Fire Blast. Show me your progress."

Harry called for Kreacher. "Kreacher, could you bring us a training dummy?"

Kreacher appeared with a pop, holding a worn but sturdy training dummy. "Here you go, Master Harry," he said, setting it up in the middle of the room.

Harry took a deep breath, focused, and released a fire blast at the dummy. Flames shot forward, hitting the dummy squarely. Daphne observed every detail intently, noting the scorch mark left behind.

"The impact looks good," Daphne remarked, examining the burn mark. "But it lacks the necessary power to set the target ablaze. The spell needs more flammability."

Harry nodded, eager to improve. "How can I achieve that?"

Daphne explained, "You're too focused on the spell itself. You need to breathe more and not condense the fire as much as you currently do. This will lessen the impact of the blast but should increase its ability to ignite the target."

Harry absorbed her advice and tried again, this time focusing on his breathing and letting the fire flow more freely. He released another blast, and this time, the flames slightly kindled the dummy.

"Good progress," Daphne said encouragingly. "Keep practising on the dummy until you get the hang of it. Meanwhile, I'll write down formulas for your other spell ideas, especially the Conjuration one, and go over them."

As Harry continued practising, Daphne settled at the desk with Rigel and Tracey, poring over the various notes and formulas. The room buzzed with the sound of focused effort and the occasional burst of flames. It was a scene of dedication and camaraderie, each person contributing their skills and knowledge towards a common goal.

After a while of practising the Fire Blast spell, Harry managed to set the dummy ablaze. He tried several times, each attempt showing varying degrees of success. At first, his blasts were too weak, only charring the surface. With Daphne's guidance, he adjusted his focus, breathing more freely, and letting the fire flow naturally. Gradually, his efforts paid off, and the dummy finally caught fire, flames licking up its sides.

Daphne and Tracey both clapped, their faces glowing with pride. "You did a very good job, Harry," Daphne praised.

Tracey nodded enthusiastically. "That was brilliant!"

Rigel nodded approvingly. "Well done, Harry."

Harry grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "I'm getting the hang of it. Soon, I'll be able to cast this on demand." He then turned to Daphne. "What about the Flame Conjurations?"

Daphne looked thoughtful. "Flame Conjurations will take a bit more time, especially if you want to keep the spell open and conjure a diverse array of objects. It requires precise control and a deep understanding of fire magic."

Harry nodded, understanding the challenge. "I'll keep practising. Rigel, can I ask you something about your Animagus transformation?"

Rigel smiled cheekily. "Of course, Harry. What's on your mind?"

"How can you do it so fast?" Harry asked, genuinely curious. "My transformation takes like 30 seconds to turn into a hawk, but you can go from human to cat in the blink of an eye, like McGonagall."

Rigel's smile widened. "There's no secret to it, Harry. Just use your Animagus form more often, and you'll automatically learn how to transform faster. It's all about practise and familiarity with your form."

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "I'll add it to my training regimen. I don't plan to fight in my Animagus form like you do, but it can be useful for avoiding spells, repositioning, or if I get pushed off a cliff or something, transforming mid-fall and flying away could save my life."

Rigel agreed, clapping Harry on the shoulder. "That's a good idea. Soon, you'll be an unbeatable duellist," he said with a chuckle.

Harry laughed. "I still have a long way to go for that."

With that, everyone got back to their tasks. Harry continued practising his fire magic, his confidence growing with each successful attempt. Daphne and Tracey worked on refining the spell formulas, their heads bent over the parchment as they discussed ideas in hushed tones. Rigel occasionally glanced up from his notes, offering guidance and encouragement.

The room was filled with a sense of purpose and camaraderie, each member of the group driven by their shared goal. As the evening wore on, the sounds of laughter and determination blended together, creating an atmosphere of hope and resilience.

~~~o~~~

The days quickly passed, and winter break was coming to an end. The morning they would return to Hogwarts had finally arrived. The excitement of reuniting with their friends filled the air. Harry, Tracey, Astoria, Daphne, and Rigel had their things packed and, after a flurry of last-minute preparations, found themselves at Platform 9 3/4 in the blink of an eye.

The platform was bustling with activity, students and their families saying their goodbyes amidst the steam billowing from the Hogwarts Express. The group boarded the train, exchanging farewells with Remus and Sirius before making their way through the crowded corridors to find the rest of their friends.

On their way, they ran into Draco Malfoy and his usual entourage of Crabbe and Goyle. They braced themselves for the usual banter, threats, or nonsense spilling from Malfoy. However, something was different. Malfoy looked pale, anxious, and stressed out. His normally haughty demeanour was absent, and he barely paid them any heed, not even bothering to greet them.

As they passed Malfoy and his goons, Harry couldn't help but ask aloud, "What's wrong with him?"

Rigel glanced back at the retreating figures of Malfoy and his cronies. "Whatever it is, it probably isn't good for us either."

Deep in his thoughts, Rigel knew he had to act. He had to move forward with the plan he had made with Daphne to force the information out of Draco about his visits to the Room of Requirement. Malfoy's unusual behaviour only added urgency to their task.

They continued down the corridor, the sense of unease lingering in the air. Harry and Tracey exchanged worried glances, but Rigel's face remained resolute. He was already formulating the next steps in his mind, determined to uncover whatever dark secret Malfoy was hiding.

Finding an empty compartment, they settled in, the familiar surroundings of the Hogwarts Express providing a momentary comfort. Slowly, the rest of their friends joined them one by one. They talked about their plans, their hopes for the coming term, and the looming challenges ahead. Despite the cheerful conversation, a shadow of concern lingered, as each of them silently contemplated the mystery surrounding Malfoy and the potential danger it posed.

As the train chugged along, carrying them back to Hogwarts, Rigel's resolve only strengthened. He knew the time to act was now.