CHAPTER 32: THE SILVER REVELATION
Harry flipped through the pages of the ancient tome, his brow furrowed in concentration. The sight of a fully transformed werewolf was a daunting challenge, one he had never encountered before. As he delved deeper into the arcane knowledge, he pondered the most effective strategy to confront the lupine menace.
Contrary to the myths perpetuated by the muggle world, Harry knew that silver held no special power over werewolves. In fact, it was merely another metal, devoid of any inherent toxicity to these cursed creatures. His research revealed that silver, when combined with dittany, possessed healing properties and was used to treat werewolf bites. The notion of silver bullets seemed almost futile in the face of this revelation.
With a thoughtful frown, Harry weighed his options. The idea of using a conventional firearm intrigued him. He understood the precision of a well-aimed shot and the efficacy of a full metal jacket (FMJ) round. Unlike silver, FMJ rounds offered superior accuracy, their softer composition ensuring proper rotation within the barrel's rifling.
However, dispatching Greyback with a firearm posed its own challenges. Harry knew he couldn't risk damaging the werewolf's head, as it needed to remain intact for the cryptic message Cassiopeia had entrusted him to deliver. A shot to the heart seemed the most viable solution, but his trusty Glock seventeen lacked the firepower to penetrate a werewolf's thick hide.
Rifles offered greater penetrating power, but acquiring one presented its own set of hurdles. Harry sighed, realizing he might need to devise an alternative plan to confront the werewolf lurking in the shadows. Perhaps magic held the key to overcoming this formidable foe.
"Whatcha pondering over there?" Bellatrix's voice sliced through Harry's contemplation like a knife through butter.
Harry closed the ancient tome with a sigh, turning his attention to the dark-haired witch standing before him. "Just considering how to deal with a fully transformed werewolf," he admitted.
Bellatrix arched a perfectly manicured eyebrow. "Simple. Decapitation."
Harry chuckled dryly. "If only it were that easy. Werewolves have resistant hides; a decapitation curse wouldn't do the trick."
"Ah, but what about a good old-fashioned sword?" Bellatrix suggested, a glint of excitement in her eyes.
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "It's certainly an option, but getting close enough to wield a sword against a werewolf is no small feat."
"Traps," Bellatrix proposed, her mind already racing with possibilities.
"Indeed," Harry agreed, impressed by her quick thinking. "Traps might just do the trick."
Their conversation was interrupted by a shift in topic as Bellatrix shared news of her upcoming appointment at St. Mungo's.
"That's good news," Harry remarked, rising from his seat.
Bellatrix's smile wavered slightly. "Yes, well, Cissa insists it's time for my first check-up. I must admit, I'm feeling rather nervous about it."
Harry placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll be there with you every step of the way."
Bellatrix's expression softened, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Harry. Your support means the world to me."
Bellatrix's smirk widened at Harry's offer of support. "Good, odds are my brother-in-law will be there, and I might be tempted to prune the family tree if you aren't there to calm me," she quipped, her tone laced with mischief.
Harry chuckled, recognizing the gravity of her jest. "Well, we can't have that," he replied, slipping into his role as her steadfast ally.
"Are you hungry?" Harry inquired, diverting the conversation to a lighter topic.
"Starving," Bellatrix responded eagerly, her stomach audibly growling in agreement.
"Then let's head to the alley and grab some dinner," Harry suggested, leading the way out of the sitting room and into the dimly lit corridor beyond.
"Okay, I want Italian," Bellatrix declared with excitement, her eyes gleaming at the thought of savory pasta dishes and fragrant sauces.
Harry raised an eyebrow, noting her recent penchant for Italian cuisine. "You've been craving that a lot lately," he observed thoughtfully.
"I know, we can go somewhere else if you want," Bellatrix offered, ever considerate of his preferences.
"No, Italian sounds perfect. I think I'll order the stromboli this time," Harry decided, matching her enthusiasm as they stepped out of the front door and into the bustling wizarding alley, where the promise of a delicious meal awaited them.
"I want more Alfredo," Bellatrix exclaimed excitedly, her grip tightening on Harry's arm as they walked.
Suddenly, Harry twisted on the spot, Apparating them both to their destination with practiced ease.
With a soft 'pop', they materialized at the apparition point and swiftly navigated through the bustling alley. Harry welcomed the diversion, his mind consumed with thoughts of the werewolf conundrum. Traps seemed to be the most prudent approach, offering a measure of safety from the looming threat of lycanthropy.
As they strolled, Harry noted the alley appeared less crowded than usual, likely due to Hogwarts being back in session. The subdued atmosphere provided a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle.
"Harry, Bellatrix, what a pleasant surprise," Andromeda's voice chimed from across the alley, drawing their attention.
Turning towards the sound, Harry spotted Andromeda leading a pouting Tonks out of Flourish and Blotts, the pair heading straight toward them.
"Andi and the little brat who wrecked my bedroom," Bellatrix greeted with a smirk, her tone teasing yet affectionate.
"It's good to see you two out and about. Where are you off to?" Andromeda inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Harry's taking me to get Italian food," Bellatrix replied gleefully, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
"You two are welcome to join us," Harry offered, though he could sense Bellatrix's disapproval behind him.
"Oh, that would be lovely," Andromeda accepted with a smirk aimed at her sister.
"Can I have dessert?" Tonks piped up hopefully.
"Absolutely not, you're still grounded," Andromeda replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
"What did you do this time?" Harry inquired, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I punched Tommy Milkinson in the nose for making fun of my hair," Tonks confessed with a mischievous grin.
"And got herself sent home from school for fighting," Andromeda added, her tone a blend of exasperation and fondness.
"You should be ashamed of yourself, fighting like a Muggle," Bellatrix interjected, her disdain evident.
"I was in a Muggle school," Tonks defended hotly.
"That's no excuse," Bellatrix retorted dismissively, her disapproval unwavering.
"We're here," Harry interjected smoothly, sensing the tension rising. He ushered them into the restaurant before Tonks could retaliate.
"You shouldn't argue with your aunt," Andromeda chastised gently, guiding Tonks with a hand on her shoulder.
Once they were seated at a cozy table, Harry waited courteously for the ladies to settle before taking his own seat.
After the waitress had taken their orders, Andromeda broached a different topic. "So, Harry, have you thought any more about Aunt Cassie's request?"
"Yeah, I'm just trying to figure out the logistics," Harry replied, taking a sip of water to buy himself a moment of contemplation.
"What about a rune trap?" Andromeda suggested, her eyes bright with anticipation of a solution.
"Hmm, that could be possible. I'll have to scout the area I'm traveling to see if there's enough room," Harry mused after some consideration.
Rune traps, he recalled, were intricate formations of magical symbols etched into the ground, activated by specific triggers. They proved invaluable for ensnaring larger, more dangerous magical creatures. If the terrain allowed it, a rune trap might just offer the solution he sought.
As their conversation shifted, Andromeda inquired about the progress of wedding plans.
"They're a nightmare. Cissa's turning into a monster with all these details," Bellatrix exclaimed as their food arrived, her frustration palpable.
"I'm sure she'll ease up soon. You know how Cissa gets," Andromeda reassured before indulging in a bite of her manicotti.
"I had no idea there was so much that went into planning," Harry admitted with a shake of his head.
"Me and Ted had it easy. We had his mother plan everything, but it wasn't nearly as high profile as your wedding will be," Andromeda explained.
"High profile?" Harry's alarm was evident.
"A daughter of the House of Black marrying into a long-thought-extinct pureblood house. It's a high-profile wedding, so expect a large turnout, especially since Cissa is the one planning it," Andromeda informed them with a knowing smirk.
"So, we'll make the paper?" Bellatrix asked, her interest piqued.
"Yes, if I know Cissa, she has invited every prominent pureblood family in Britain," Andromeda confirmed.
"Great, I knew we should have eloped," Harry groaned, eliciting giggles from Tonks.
"Quiet, Nymphadora, eat your spaghetti," Andromeda chided absentmindedly.
"Oh, I almost forgot, Sirius has entered into negotiations with Lord Bones," Andromeda announced excitedly after a few moments of silence.
"That was quick," Harry remarked before taking a bite of his stromboli.
"You and Bellatrix set the bar, and Uncle Arcturus is putting pressure on him to sire an heir," Andromeda explained.
"Poor Bones, she could do much better," Bellatrix opined with a shake of her head.
"I'm never getting married," Tonks declared.
"With your manners, I don't think you'll have to worry about suitors," Bellatrix teased with a smirk.
"Be nice, Bella," Harry interjected with a sigh.
"I am being nice," Bellatrix argued, her tone unrepentant.
"What are suitors?" Tonks asked curiously.
"Men seeking your hand in marriage," Andromeda clarified.
"Ew, I don't want suitors," Tonks protested.
"You will," Andromeda assured her.
The rest of dinner passed smoothly, and Harry settled the bill before leading them back out into the alley, the night air filled with the sounds of their laughter and chatter.
"Thanks for dinner, Harry. I should be seeing you both within the next week," Andromeda said before leading Tonks towards the Leaky Cauldron.
"I hope our daughter isn't as big a brat as Andi's," Bellatrix remarked as she guided Harry towards the ice cream shop.
"Or son," Harry added with a chuckle.
"We're having a daughter," Bellatrix stated matter-of-factly.
"How can you be sure?" Harry asked, genuinely curious.
"Bella just knows," Bellatrix replied confidently as they stepped into Florean's.
"If she's anything like you, I'm going to have my hands full," Harry joked, though a hint of concern lingered in his tone.
"I was a perfect angel as a child," Bellatrix argued, her tone teasing.
"Right, what kind of ice cream do you want?" Harry asked, not entirely convinced.
"A strawberry peanut butter cone," Bellatrix answered before heading over to secure them a table.
As Harry contemplated the prospect of raising a daughter, thoughts of the Weasley twins and their mischievous antics danced in his mind. The idea of twins suddenly filled him with apprehension.
Bringing their ice cream to the table, Harry took a seat beside Bellatrix. "You look worried," she observed between licks of her cone.
"You don't think we're having twins, do you?" Harry asked, his tone serious.
"How should I know? I've never been pregnant before," Bellatrix pointed out logically.
"Right, let's worry about that later on. I think Andromeda might have solved my problem about catching Greyback," Harry said, eager to change the subject.
"You think the rune trap idea will work?" Bellatrix inquired curiously.
"Yeah, I just have to find a way to lure him into it," Harry replied thoughtfully.
"He attacks kids, doesn't he?" Bellatrix asked, her expression darkening.
"Yeah, he believes if he bites them young, he can train them to hate normal wizards," Harry explained with a grimace.
"So just use a Muggle child as bait, or better yet, use Andi's brat," Bellatrix suggested with relish.
"I am not using children as bait, but maybe there's another way," Harry said, his mind already churning with possibilities.
Harry finally settled on his course of action for dealing with the werewolf pack, though he couldn't shake off a lingering sense of apprehension. As he scribbled notes on a piece of parchment, the plan for the rune trap began to take shape in his mind. It seemed like the most viable option, and if executed correctly, it could potentially eliminate Greyback's pack altogether.
Fighting werewolves always carried grave risks; their speed and agility made them formidable adversaries. Harry knew that one wrong move could result in a fatal bite, leaving him at a severe disadvantage. However, he also knew of one spell that could guarantee success if he managed to hit the werewolf with it. The challenge lay in actually landing the curse, as werewolves could easily evade spells with their swift movements.
With his plan in mind, Harry realized he needed to gather materials for the rune trap. A trip to the specialty store was in order to procure the necessary stones for carving the intricate symbols.
But before he could delve further into his preparations, thoughts of the upcoming invitation to Malfoy Manor invaded his mind. Cassiopeia's presence there likely meant he'd be expected to confirm his acceptance of the job she had offered him. Despite his decision, the prospect of facing the formidable elder Black woman always left him feeling uneasy.
And then there were the wedding plans, a constant source of stress. Dealing with Narcissa's meticulous arrangements was becoming increasingly tiresome, and the thought of more discussions about bridesmaid dresses and flower girls only added to Harry's frustration.
"Ah, I see you're pondering our appointment at Cissa's," Bellatrix remarked with a smile as she gracefully took a seat on the arm of his chair.
"Yeah, those robes look very nice on you, by the way," Harry complimented, admiring the Roman-style dark green toga she wore.
"Thank you," Bellatrix replied happily.
"What's left to plan anyway?" Harry inquired curiously.
"Bridesmaid dresses, finding you a best man, and training Andi's spawn to be a flower girl," Bellatrix listed off the remaining tasks.
"Tonks as a flower girl? She'll hate that," Harry remarked with a grin.
"I hope so, she spilled all of my Morgana number nine," Bellatrix said with a scowl.
"I ordered you some more," Harry reassured her.
"You did?" Bellatrix asked in surprise.
"I like how you smell when you wear it," Harry admitted with a shrug.
"We have an hour before dinner," Bellatrix purred, subtly pressing her leg against his.
"Yeah, we best make the most of it," Harry agreed, pulling her into his lap and capturing her lips with his own, momentarily forgetting about the looming challenges ahead as they lost themselves in each other's embrace.
Harry stepped out of the fireplace, waiting patiently until Bellatrix followed suit. With a practiced hand, he brushed the lingering ash from their attire, ensuring they appeared presentable before Dobby's watchful eye. It didn't take long for the devoted house-elf to materialize, bowing respectfully before leading them into the formal dining room.
Cassiopeia sat regally at the head of the table, her demeanor composed as she awaited their arrival. Tonight, she was adorned in elegant Black robes, a striking contrast to the blood-red liquid she leisurely sipped from her glass.
Narcissa, seated beside her sister, wore robes of light blue acromantula silk, her attention divided between her sister and the young Draco, who occupied a highchair nearby.
"Good evening, ladies. Hello, Draco," Harry greeted warmly as he gallantly pulled out a chair for Bellatrix.
"Harry, you seem to be in a good mood. Does my sister have anything to do with that?" Narcissa inquired shrewdly, her gaze lingering on Bellatrix.
"A lady never asks, and a gentleman never tells, Cissa," Harry replied with a knowing smile as he settled into his own seat.
"Quite right. Now, Harry, have you thought about my request?" Cassiopeia interjected, her tone prim yet tinged with impatience.
"Yes, I will take the job," Harry confirmed, the decision made as bowls of soup materialized before them, signaling the beginning of their meal and the start of new alliances.
"Excellent, I have already arranged a portkey to the area two days before the full moon. You will have lodgings to stay in while you prepare, and I will give you a return portkey as well," Cassiopeia replied, her satisfaction evident in her tone.
"That will work out well. The method I'm using will take time to set up," Harry acknowledged before taking a sip of his soup.
"So, Harry, have you decided on a best man?" Narcissa inquired, dabbing at Draco's chin to rid him of soup remnants.
"I suppose I will ask Sirius," Harry replied after a moment's contemplation.
"Damn, I should have guessed you would ask him," Bellatrix muttered under her breath.
"I will make sure he behaves at the ceremony," Harry promised, ignoring Bellatrix's comment.
"Good luck," Narcissa said with a smirk, clearly amused by the prospect.
"Well, if he is the best man, the speech should be interesting," Harry remarked, his lips twitching with amusement.
"If he embarrasses me, I will castrate him," Bellatrix threatened with a scowl.
"Very well, let's put a pin in that. Do you have any objections about Nymphadora as the flower girl?" Narcissa smoothly transitioned to the next item on her agenda.
"No, but I have a feeling she will," Harry chuckled.
"All the more reason to make her do it," Bellatrix added with a mischievous grin.
"I've only met the girl a few times, but from what I can tell, she is a klutz," Cassiopeia opined, her tone reflecting a hint of skepticism.
"Yes, ma'am, she could trip on her own shadow," Harry chuckled, agreeing with Cassiopeia's assessment.
"I told you, Harry, it's just Cassie. There's no reason to make an old lady feel older," Cassiopeia chided gently.
"You certainly don't look like an old lady," Harry countered charmingly, though a blush tinted his cheeks at Cassiopeia's flirtatious remark.
"Careful, Harry, don't tease me. If I were twenty years younger, I'd be all over you," Cassiopeia teased with a smirk, reveling in the momentary discomfort she caused.
"R-right, you have my apologies, Cassie," Harry stammered, slightly flustered by the unexpected exchange.
"Aunt Cassie, I don't share my toys," Bellatrix interjected, her annoyance palpable.
"Calm yourself, dear. I am too old for such strenuous activity," Cassiopeia retorted, dismissing Bellatrix's protest with a wave of her hand before taking a sip of her wine.
"I'm not," Narcissa muttered under her breath, a playful glint in her eyes.
"Alright, back to the wedding. I will ask Sirius tomorrow," Harry declared, steering the conversation back on track.
"I have already spoken with Andi, and she has no problem with Nymphadora performing as the flower girl," Narcissa added, providing a reassuring update.
"What about the food for the ceremony?" Bellatrix inquired, shifting the focus to another crucial aspect of the event.
"Light finger foods. We won't be serving dinner at the reception," Narcissa explained, clarifying the culinary arrangements for the occasion.
"Good, that way the guests will get the subtle hint and leave after the wedding," Harry remarked, earning a nod of agreement from Bellatrix.
"I also took the liberty of getting you two a house-elf," Narcissa announced, her tone conveying a sense of generosity.
"Really?" Harry exclaimed, pleasantly surprised by the unexpected gesture.
"Yes, Roxanne's elves had an elfling last summer, and there's not enough work at the manor for another elf," Narcissa explained.
"That's wonderful," Bellatrix exclaimed, her expression lighting up with delight.
"Jangles," Narcissa called out, and with a tiny 'pop', a small male house-elf appeared, clad in a light green tea towel fashioned like a toga.
"Harry, Bellatrix, meet Jangles," Narcissa introduced proudly, her satisfaction evident.
"Hello, Jangles," Harry greeted politely, extending a hand in greeting.
"Hello, Master Harry," Jangles chirped excitedly, scurrying over to Harry and placing his tiny hand on Harry's forearm with enthusiasm.
Harry felt a sensation akin to an electric shock surge through him as the bond with Jangles was established, a feeling of connection and responsibility settling within him. The elf then turned to Bellatrix, repeating the process and forging a bond with her as well.
"Please, go to our home and get yourself settled in. Do you know where it is?" Harry asked kindly, mindful of the elf's well-being.
"Yes, master, Jangles knows," the little elf exclaimed before vanishing with a cheerful 'pop'.
"You'll have to bear with him at first; they're always hyper when they're young," Narcissa explained with a smile, her maternal instincts evident.
"Thank you, Cissa. I'm sure he will fit in just fine," Harry expressed his gratitude.
"He certainly will be a great help when the baby comes," Bellatrix remarked happily, a hint of excitement in her voice.
"Yes, can you imagine having to change those nappies yourself?" Narcissa added with a shudder, drawing a collective chuckle from the table.
The remainder of dinner passed smoothly, with Harry allowing the women to engage in conversation while he savored a delicious meal courtesy of Dobby, grateful for the peaceful moments amidst the chaos of their impending plans.
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