34-36

Chapter 34

Meetings Interrupted

"And where exactly is that?" asked Dumbledore, finding it very difficult to keep the consternation and sarcasm from his voice. Just what was Lucius Malfoy up to? What could he possibly get by opening up an orphanage? Could this really be all about getting his hands on Harry for the Master he probably hopes would be brought back to him? It seemed such an elaborate set up, even for him, with just a small possibility for success. The thought of Lucius feeling guilty and repenting for his crimes being the reason behind his sudden desire to build an orphanage was extremely hilarious. It almost had him laughing out loud in the middle of a serious Wizengamot meeting, something that would see him carted away to St. Mungo's.

"The area I have suggested is on the last page, a map to be exact, it is a quite a big dense area just outside Little Hangleton. A few charms and the Muggles are none the wiser, and it's a safe place for children to grow up with abundance of space in which to play." said Lucius smoothly. The look on Dumbledore's face was absolutely hilarious; he had paled so much he looked seconds from being sick.

"Where is this other place?" enquired Cornelius, noticing two circled areas, he did not have his glasses, which was too bad. He was genuinely curious about this new venture of Lucius' and even more curious to know what had gotten into the wizard and why he wanted to do this. It wasn't completely out of character for Lucius to suggest things, but an orphanage? It was definitely a new one.

"Hogsmeade, I thought perhaps we could tear down the so called Shrieking shack, which is just an eyesore, and have a property built there for a children's home. They would be able to visit Hogsmeade it would prevent them being bored, they will be near Hogwarts as well an added bonus. This area would ensure their complete safety, but the area in Little Hangleton is more expansive." replied Lucius. Dumbledore was still staring dumbly, unable to believe his eyes or ears.

"It would certainly bolster the place up a bit, Hogsmeade I mean," said one the Wizengamot members, reading slowly through the paperwork Lucius had brought before them.

"It would," agreed Lucius, "I will draw up all the plans myself, I would rather know if it has a chance to be approved before I put one hundred percent into the planning."

"This place in Little Hangleton is it not already spoken for? Most areas of land belong to someone." said Dumbledore, trying to regain his composure. What he hell? Why would Lucius plan to put an orphanage where the Gaunt Shack resided? It made no logical sense at all.

"It used to belong to the Gaunt family, but the family line has died, like many of us because we are too proud. I procured the land from Gringotts, they had been trying to sell it for a few years I believe." said Lucius, suppressing the smirk at Dumbledore's current wide eyed fear. He had bought the land from Gringotts, Tom Marvolo Riddle; the last descendant of the Gaunt line was dead.

"B-b-but the shack," murmured Albus, agog, unable to believe this was happening; Lucius Malfoy was messing with his carefully laid plans without realizing it. Unless…he knew, had he removed the ring? Fear drowsed him in perspiration; it didn't help the robes he wore were thick and bulky, hiding his skinny frame from view. If Lucius knew about the Horcruxes then he was a danger, one that had just proved to be too much trouble. He would need to see about getting one of his connections to find someone desperate enough for money to kill Lucius Malfoy in an open and shut case.

"Shack?" questioned Lucius, a confused look appearing on his face, "The land is empty of any huts or such, perfect prime condition to begin building before the weather gets too cold." said Lucius brushing off in a manner someone would of something completely inconsequential.

"Albus are you alright?" called Amelia, feeling and seeing the shudders going through the elder wizard.

"I'll be fine, Amelia, just a little nip in the air," said Albus, smiling at her in thanks, none of the strain showing, he had been leading these people for years, pulling strings from he shadows - he knew how to play the game. Nothing would make his masks crack; he had perfected them before he was even at Hogwarts.

Amelia nodded in understanding, she herself found the room to be rather warm, thanks to the charms the others had cast. It was usually cold, hence the big cloaks they usually wore during court hours. If it was warm it gave the prisoners the wrong impression, so it was always cold and critical. She knew it wasn't just a nip in the air, she wasn't stupid, but she couldn't act out, not before it happened.

"I think we can all agree that Lucius' proposal so far would be doable," said Cornelius, nodding firmly. "What say you all?"

"Agreed," murmured the majority of the Wizards and Witches, having absolutely no reason not to agree.

"Then I will have a more laid out plan for your inspection next meeting." said Lucius firmly, meeting Albus' eyes before he allowed himself a small smirk. Oh the old fool had no idea, that after all these years; he'd finally got enough to arrest him. Nobody hurt his godson and got away with it, he might not be his godfather from birth, but he would be damned if that mattered. He honestly couldn't wait until this weekend; he desperately wanted to see how Draco would take to Harry, and how Harry would take to Draco. Both were unknown factors, although Draco slightly more predicable than Harry was. They weren't sure how Harry would react to having someone his own age in the manor. Thankfully Draco understood that Harry might not play with him the first time he visited, or the second, they would need to wait and see how he was.

The silence stretched uncomfortably, all of them giving Albus a sidelong glance.

"Albus?" said Cornelius; he was the one that concluded the meeting after all.

"Any other motions?" Albus said professionally, sighing in relief when it remained quiet he had enough to process without adding more useless patter. He had to go to Little Hangleton; he had to find out if Lucius was winding him up, or if something had gone painfully wrong with his best laid plans.

"Then I call this meeting to be adjourned!" said Dumbledore, without giving his customary tinkle of the little firework he liked to let out after each meeting. Something that the others inwardly rolled their eyes at; on the outside they indulged the eccentric old wizard. He had done a lot for the magical world, and he was powerful - they'd hate to be on the wrong side of him. What they never counted on, or ever thought about was him being on the wrong side of the law of all things.

"That it is," said Head-Auror Scrimgeour, entering the room, his customary limp less prominent as he walked slowly. He hand his wand out, gazing at Dumbledore in distaste. He hadn't been able to believe the results that had been handed in to him, when Lucius Malfoy's lawyer had placed the mountain of undeniable paperwork in front of him. He had double checked everything, interviewed every witness, suspect to find it was truthful, every single bit of it. The only things he couldn't deny were the pensive testimonies/memories and the scans and letters from Gringotts. You couldn't fake Gringotts signature, it was literally impossible, no means on the earth could do it. Gringotts had ensured that nothing could be faked, certainly not willing to risk their clients. He'd had to swallow the bitter pill that a wizard who he admired, was one of the worst criminals he'd ever heard of other than the Dark Wizard Voldemort. Then proceeded to turn to the only other person he felt he could trust it was a good thing he did, since he would have had to form her. She was the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and he needed her aid when it came to this.

The fact she'd successfully sat next to Dumbledore for the past few hours at a meeting, without letting on that something was up, or that she was disgusted by his mere presence. He had to hand it to her for a job well done, he didn't know in all honesty, if he could have done the same thing without strangling the old man.

"Rufus," said Albus, standing up, taking charge as he always did, "What is going on?" had Lucius Malfoy finally done something wrong and been seen doing it? No, Lucius was too smart for that, but Rufus did look as though he was there on official business. Everyone else had stood up too, tense, waiting, anticipating, salivating over a good show. Oh they would get one alright, one they had never dreamt about in their wildest imagination. Well those that actually liked Dumbledore, the ones drawn to the Dark Arts that Dumbledore so reviled would find the entire thing amusing.

"Albus Dumbledore, you are under arrest. You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in eyes of the Wizengamot. Anything you do say will be giving as evidence, do you understand?" said Scrimgeour, aware of Amelia moving towards him, then standing at his side. He ignored the gasps of dismay and the whispering that spread around like angry bees.

"Me?" cried Albus in surprise, Scrimgeour wasn't even half way though his speech, and he merely continued ignoring him as if he hadn't spoken.

"Do you want someone to represent you?" asked Scrimgeour, such things as Lawyers and having someone in with you when you face the Wizengamot was a new thing. Some of the older generation of Pureblood's didn't like it, why should they be allowed representation when friends and family before them had to face it alone? It kept up in that manner, continuously, getting them nowhere. Now it was an option they were offered, the likes of Lucius Malfoy had a full time lawyer to represent him. Not just on legal matters but ensured the expansion of the Malfoy fortune (and incidentally their own).

"What are the charges?" demanded Albus, hyperly aware of each and every eye trained directly on him; it made his skin prickle irritatingly. He paid no attention to the hushed whispering; they had nothing on him so this was all speculation.

"Arrest him," snapped Scrimgeour not allowing Albus to waste time and try to wiggle his way out. It was why he'd waited until this meeting to draw the wizard out. He had less chance of escaping custody if he was already in the Ministry of magic.

"Expelliarmus," Lucius said smoothly, disarming the wizard and taking his wand, inhaling sharply as the wand accepted him, spitting out sparks as one normally did upon accepting a wizard. "Here." he said to Scrimgeour.

"The wand has accepted you, we cannot take it," said Madam Bones, "By rights of conquest." It would no longer work for Albus Dumbledore, its allegiance had changed.

"NO! ITS MINE, I WON IT, I BET HIM FOR IT." struggled Albus Dumbledore through the magical bindings, which Scrimgeour had placed on him before the third word was out of his mouth, trying desperately to reach for his wand. For all the good that it did him, all that happened was the bindings tightened against his chest painfully. "MINE!" growled Dumbledore, before it cut off abruptly as he was stunned.

"What just happened?" murmured Doge, stunned. "You can't do this, what evidence do you have?"

"You know the rules of the law as well as we do, be assured we wouldn't have arrested him if we didn't have plenty of proof." said Madam Bones, her tone professional and cold. Doge had always had his head stuck up Dumbledore's backside, agreeing with every single little thing that came out of his mouth. No, they had all the proof they needed to send him straight to Azkaban but by law he was entitled to representation and a fair hearing. Something she would never deny anyone, innocent or guilty, she was fair and always would be.

Scrimgeour looked at Dumbledore's unconscious form, wanting nothing more than to kill the old fool for his actions. Unfortunately society dictated that they treat criminals better than they treated their victims, not to stoop to their level, for once in his life he wished he wasn't 'civilised' so he could just wash the magical world's hands of Dumbledore and his actions. Which would sour the mouths of every single man, woman and child. When this got out, the world would rage for Dumbledore's blood, he had harmed not only a child, a wizard, one of their own…but their hero, Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived. A child who had suffered loss so young, but had a mother whose willingness to die for him had brought the most evil Dark Lord they'd ever known down, brought them all peace. It had sickened him to the core the night and morning after it happened, the celebrations turned his stomach, fifteen people dead, twelve Muggles three magical people, and they were out partying.

"I will be Albus' representation," Doge told them, determined to help his old friend, who he was sure was being set up. Albus only wanted what was best for the wizarding world. He had faced Voldemort multiple times trying to make the world safe, setting up an organization to aid with it - no he was sure whatever it was it would blow over and they would see.

"Very well," said Scrimgeour, barely concealing his disgust.

Amelia flicked her wand and conjured a stretcher; placing Dumbledore's stunned form onto it and with that, the Head-Auror and the other Aurors who had come with him disappeared along with Amelia leaving behind a shocked courtroom.

"What do you think he did?" was whispered by many voices, before they shook their heads at a loss.

"It's going to be an interesting trial…"

"True."

Lucius stared down at the wand, it was an odd one, you didn't find many wands like this, but there was something wrong with the wand. It acted as though it had accepted him, but he didn't feel the pull from his magical core. What was it trying to tell him? He wondered as he absently left the courtroom, what he did know was this wand wasn't meant for him. It didn't feel special, he hadn't felt the same pull he had when he chose his wand at Ollivander's when he was eleven years old. Slipping it into his cloak pocket, perhaps Severus would know more than him. If that failed he could have a talk with Ollivander, if anyone knew, it had to be him after all he was the wand-crafter.

News of Dumbledore's arrest was already spreading like wild fire around the Ministry, he realized as people were gossiping about it as he left. Which he did as soon as he hit the atrium and left using the Floo System, Minerva would be disappointed that she hadn't got to see Dumbledore's arrest after going to Hogwarts last night.

Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, Transfiguration office, Hogwarts.

"Ah, Nick can you ask the Grey Lady to meet me in my office immediately?" asked Minerva, as she stalked through the halls of Hogwarts, heading straight for her office.

"I'll see what I can do," said Nearly Headless Nick, dipping his head before he flew through the ceiling, looking for the Grey Lady.

Entering her office, Minerva prayed that the ghost wouldn't be stubborn. As a student the Grey Lady had seemed very timid to her, and never spoke to any of them. She only realized early in her career that she spoke to Filius and the Ravenclaw students, she didn't care for the rest of the school. Rubbing her tired eyes, she refrained from Floo calling Severus and asking how Harry was, both of them were probably still asleep, it was very early. So early she'd had to go to the kitchens for a cup of coffee and some nibbles to eat. A House-Elf had kindly offered to bring it up for her, and it was here, sitting in the middle of her desk.

"You asked to see me?" asked Helena, watching Minerva jump and the cup to clatter loudly in her hand, as she'd just picked the cup and saucer up to take a drink.

"Yes, yes I do." said Minerva, staring at the ghost curiously. Wondering if she should have a more…Severus/Slytherin approach to this, maybe mixed with some Gryffindor sensibility mixed in. "You care about the school don't you? And the students with her? EVERY student isn't that so?"

"Of course I do," she protested at the thought. She had been one of the first students to ever grace her halls! The only place she'd ever lived longer than a few months after she'd ran away from these halls with her mother's diadem. It was the reason she had come back, the unfinished business she had…holding her here, preventing her from seeing her mother and apologising for her…despicable actions. This was her penance for what she'd done.

"You would do anything for them?" enquired Minerva.

"Yes," she said, gazing at Minerva suspiciously.

"This is a picture of my godson, he's five years old, he lost his parents during the war, and with it their death brought peace to the magical world…there is something that threatens that peace. Harry was abused by his previous caretakers…he nearly died, and would have if it wasn't for a professor at this school intervening. I will do anything, and I mean anything to prevent Harry's safety from being endangered again." said Minerva, showing a picture of Harry sleeping comfortably on the couch, in Prince Manor, looking very peaceful. "Voldemort is not dead; he created Horcruxes to prevent himself dying. I know you know something and if you think that just because you are dead I cannot make your afterlife a living hell…you would be wrong. There is nowhere you can go that I will not find you, tell me what it is that you know." she didn't like being this way with the Grey Lady, but she was being honest, she would do anything for Harry after failing him so badly before.

"I don't know anything," shouted Helena angrily, she always got angry when she thought about how her mother's precious diadem was ruined.

"Very well, I hope you remember this conversation when Hogwarts lies in ruins, and Voldemort is taking over. If you think for a second I will allow Harry to remain in this country while he lives, you have another thing coming. Here's a piece of information that isn't widely known, Harry was prophesied to be the only one that can defeat him. If we do not get rid of the Horcruxes before he is brought back, Harry leaves, lives his life in comfort and we forget about the magical world here. I doubt Voldemort will much care for the school, or its inhabitants. Remember that you and you alone are responsible for everything that happens from here on in." snapped Minerva, infuriated that the ghost wasn't just telling her what she needed to know. She wouldn't have gotten so defensive and angry when she was questioning her the first time around if she didn't know anything.

"How dare you?!" hissed Helena, her face scrunched up in a mask of disgust and anger.

"Where is the Diadem?" demanded Minerva, giving up all pretences.

"You aren't the first one to covet the diadem. Generations of students have badgered me about it!" said Helena, her tone bitter. It was why she didn't speak to anyone other than Ravenclaws and if they asked…she simply stopped speaking to them too.

"I am not interested in the legend about untold power, I want to defeat Voldemort - aren't you the slightest bit interested in that?" stated Minerva grimly.

"Of course - how dare you…" started Helena.

"Then help me, tell me where it is." Minerva said before she could finish, really not wanting to hear anymore protests.

"I stole the Diadem from my mother," snapped Helena.

Minerva blinked in surprise, but refrained from commenting, just wishing for the ghost to continue while she was feeling…talkative.

"I stole it in an attempt to make myself cleverer, more important than my mother. I ran away with it, my mother they say, never admitted that the diadem was gone, but pretended she still had it. She concealed her loss, my dreadful betrayal, even from the other founders of Hogwarts. Then my mother fell ill, gravely ill, in spite of my perfidy, she was desperate to see me one last time. She sent a man, who had always loved me, though I always turned down his advances, she wanted him to find me, knowing he would never relent until he did. He found me, but I would not return to Hogwarts, I hid the Diadem in the forest of Albania, where I was killed for spurning his advances for the last time." Helena said her tone no longer angry but filled with sadness and desperation. As if she wanted someone to understand her plight and take pity on her.

"You told Tom Riddle about this, didn't you?" enquired Minerva.

"I had no idea…he was very charming, persuasive and he seemed to understand…" Helena said remorsefully, as she continued to float in midair.

"Yes, I can understand that, he could be very charming when he wanted to be," agreed Minerva, wholeheartedly. She had gone to school with Tom Riddle, smart, charming, devious, the epitome of a perfect Slytherin, but it wasn't enough for him. He wanted absolute power, nothing less was enough.

"Will it need destroyed?" asked Helena, she didn't want to see it destroyed but if it was the only way to get rid of the defilement of Dark Magic.

"There is no other way, it isn't just the Diadem either…but Helga's cup, Salazar's locket…heirlooms that should have been with the families or in Hogwarts itself, such a horrific waste." murmured Minerva, truly devastated by the fact priceless items had been destroyed because of one mans greed. Although they hadn't located Slytherin Locket yet but that time would come, they had no choice, they could not have Voldemort coming back from the dead and hurting Harry.

The horrified look on the Ravenclaw (in more ways than one) said she too was shocked to the core by the loss as well. She had grown up surrounded by Godric, Salazar and Helga, as well as her mother; she'd seen how proud they were of their heirlooms. Items they wanted to be handed down by the family so they remembered their birthright even if the name changed. Thank Merlin they weren't around to see this, for they would have been inconsolable with loss. All these years they'd survived only to be destroyed because of one mans quest for immortality.

"Where is it?" asked Minerva, drinking down her nearly cold cup of coffee, thankfully it wasn't completely cold or she wouldn't have been able to drink it. "In Albania still?"

"He brought it back here, when he tried to take up the position as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, when he was told no, he cursed the position." revealed Helena, surprising the Gryffindor Head of House, if the look of astonishment was anything to go by.

"Back here? So it is in Hogwarts!" said Minerva, "Do you have any idea of its exact location?"

"It's in the come and go room, lost items." said Helena, before she floated through the floor and away from Minerva, wishing for seclusion.

Minerva wasted no time in getting up from her seat, before hastily heading to the door and out into the corridor. In mid step she leapt into her Animagus form, since she would be much quicker and find it a lot easier to make her way up six flights of stairs. None of the staircases changed on her, for that she was eternally grateful. Turning left, she stopped in front of a tapestry and transformed back, adjusting her glasses as she grew accustomed to standing on two feet again.

'I need to get into the room of lost items,' she thought over and over again, as she, feeling slightly stupid, stalked up and down until a door appeared out of nowhere. Minerva stared at it, taking a deep breath, her hand hovering over the door handle. What if she couldn't get into it? What if it was stuck in a room that nobody could get into? It would mean Voldemort would continue to come back over and over again. Summoning her Gryffindor courage, that had been developed over the years; she had been meant for Ravenclaw after all. Turning the door, holding her breath as she prayed she would find what she needed behind that door.

Pushing it open, she gazed around in awe, there was absolutely everything in that room, lost items indeed! There was Witch Weekly magazines stacked up in a pile, the dates made her realize they were older than her. Make up, unmatched shoes, clothes, the odd uniform, even an old fashioned cloak from Albus' time. Diaries, newspapers, bedding, posters, money, chairs upon stacks of chairs, presumably for when they used them and tables in the Great Hall instead of benches. Her awe turned to disgruntlement, just how was she supposed to get the Diadem if she had to hunt her way through everything in this room?

The House-Elves, they would be able to help if she needed it…could she possibly summon it? In the school, watched by Dumbledore surely Tom wouldn't have lingered? The time constraints would have been pressing, preventing him from putting as much security around it as he should. Knowing how arrogant the wizard also was and had been even then, she wouldn't be surprised if Tom thought he had been the only one to know of its existence. Was it a chance she could take? She didn't need to touch it though, just let it fall it wasn't as if she could save the item.

"Accio Tom Marvolo Riddle's Horcrux!" chanted Minerva, warily looking around the room, feeling extremely cautious, added by the fact she could feel her hair prickling at the nape of her neck. For one moment in time she felt disheartened, nothing was moving, so either it was protected greater than she thought…or it had been moved. She almost wanted it to be hidden in here, somewhere, just charmed so nobody could summon it. Even if it took her all day to look for it, since if it had been moved…they were truly out of options. Just as she thought this, a blue velvet box spun at her, she moved out of the way in the nick of time to stop it hitting her directly on the forehead. It clattered against the Hufflepuff chairs, and to the floor with a plop.

Slightly stunned, had it truly been that easy? She hadn't really expected it to work; she'd just been desperate not to have to search through this gigantic room. Pointing her wand at it, kneeling down she began to chant under her breath, using every single detection spell she knew, for both light and dark magic. There was only one spell on it, very dark and dangerous, and she knew it to be the Horcrux itself - there were no other protections on it. This must have been one of his first; at least she was assuming so. Opening the box, she gasped at the beauty of the diadem. Such a beautiful item he had chosen to defile, it was horrific to think about destroying it, yet she had no choice. Flipping the lid back down, she placed it in her cloak pocket and left the room, having no need to be there anymore.

Her pace was slow as she leisurely made her way back to her office, silently thanking the Ravenclaw ghost for her help. She had no idea if the House-Elves even knew about the room, and she wouldn't have thought to look there. She'd been in the room twice during her entire life at this castle. One time it was a library for her to study in during her seventh year, the second time oddly enough it was a place with a single bed with noises emitting now and again, running water, birds chirping, she had been stressed. It had been on her mind or Hogwarts herself had decided what she needed.

Pausing in mid-step on the ground floor, just making her way back to her office, when she felt the wards shifting subtly, it wasn't Dumbledore or any of the teachers; she only ever got that feeling if it was guests entering the school - people who had no right being there. Sighing softly, she turned away from the corridor leading to her office and to the main entrance hall which wasn't far from where she was.

"Auror Scrimgeour, how are you?" said Minerva, as she made her way down the remaining steps to get to the groups side.

"I'm here to search Albus Dumbledore's office, we have a warrant to search it." said Scrimgeour, not up for pleasantries. He showed her the piece of paper with the permission from Cornelius Fudge and of course Amelia Bones who was with them today.

"I assume you know the way? I'm afraid I cannot escort you all, I am needed elsewhere at the moment." asked and explained Minerva.

"No problem, Minerva, do you have the password?" asked Amelia, her lips quirking in a small smile, as if to reassure Minerva.

"There is never a password during the summer, once you get close enough the gargoyle will move allowing you all entrance." explained Minerva.

"Then do not let us keep you," said Amelia, quickly gesturing for everyone to follow her, Scrimgeour stayed at her side, not saying a word or thanks or goodbye. Amelia was hoping to find traces of the potion Dumbledore had given the Dursleys' to aid them in keeping social services at bay. Traces or actual vials of the potion, letters, and whatever else they could use against him. They weren't leaving until they'd scoured every inch of his office and quarters, it would be a long and gruelling process but that was her job and she would oversee it.

Unlike the rest of the magical world, Minerva had, had a large amount of time to get used to his betrayal. It still made her head spin though, and she would like answers, even though she knew she wouldn't like what she would hear. How could he honestly explain himself and everything he had done? There was simply no conceiving a likely scenario that involved everyone understanding why he'd done such despicable acts.

Prince Manor

Minerva stepped through at Prince Manor to find Lucius Malfoy just flicking his wand and removing the soot from his clothes. He had obviously just gotten there seconds before her. He looked extremely smug, she had no doubt that he had been there to see Dumbledore arrested, and damn she had wanted to see it.

"He went nuts, Severus, I mean really lost his cool, I've never seen anything like it before." said Lucius, finishing his explanation. He removed the wand, wincing at how hot it suddenly became, it dropped from his hand as he pulled back.

"Minnie!" shrieked Harry, smiling sweetly at her as he barrelled up to her, but he didn't hug her.

"Hello, Harry, I see you are feeling better today." she said, smiling down at the child, he became more and more carefree the longer he was there.

"Daddy made me all better," whispered Harry, "I was never allowed medicine before…it never got wasted on a freak like me."

"You aren't a freak," said Minerva firmly, her eyes flashing possessively. "They are, for hurting you, and everyone knows it too."

Harry just smiled even more sweetly before he moved off back to his seat, the book Minerva got him in his lap. The magical voice stating the colours and numbers started up again as Harry parroted them back. He really liked learning, his daddy was always curious to know what he learned and he said he was proud of him for it! He got a sweet for working hard! He loved it, and so he always made sure to learn as hard as he could.

The wand was still shaking violently, before it suddenly flew at Harry, who stared at it curiously, almost enthralled.

"Harry NO!" they said worriedly, but they were too late, Harry had already picked it up, magic poured out of both of them for two intense seconds before it settled.

"Is it too hot?" asked Severus, kneeling beside Harry, observing his son cautiously, the urge to take the wand from him was strong.

"No," said Harry, shaking his head smiling serenely at his daddy.

"They said I had got it by rights of conquest, but I knew it didn't feel right, despite the fact it sort of flashed for me. I was going to ask you about it, but if that didn't pan out I had planned on speaking to Ollivander…why would Dumbledore's wand change its allegiance to Harry? Could it have something to do with what his actions?" Lucius asked curiously.

Severus shook his head in bafflement, "No but it might explain how Harry survived." said Severus.

"What do you mean?" asked Minerva sitting down, observing Severus curiously, his ideas usually was correct.

Severus stood up and sat down himself, flicking his wand around the three of them so Harry couldn't hear. Harry wasn't interested anyway, the wand was between his legs and he was once again immersed in the book. "His injuries, they were extremely bad, on more than one occasion he should have died. The amount of magic he had couldn't have saved his life; I think magic poured out the binding to help him when he really needed it, when he was at his most desperate. Harry told me he popped from his cousin when he was chasing him one time, last year when he was really sick. He would never have been able to Apparate on that little amount of magic that was free. This wand was meant to be Harry's before that Halloween night…it is the only explanation for why the binding wasn't as strong as it should have been, and why he was able to leach more magic from the binding. If Dumbledore knew, he might have been intimidated that a toddler had more magic than him that the wand sensed that power and changed its allegiance? I really don't know, but this is my guess."

"They will find out," said Minerva, "Amelia and Rufus are searching Albus' office and quarters as we speak. It won't matter whether they find anything or not, they have enough evidence to secure a conviction."

"Here's hoping his chicken doesn't help him," said Severus, curling his lip, he'd seen how often the old fool used that Phoenix to get him from place to place. He had great respect for phoenix's but not Fawkes, he allowed himself to be used as a messenger by Dumbledore. Phoenix's were proud creatures, but he didn't see anything proud in Fawkes, and if Dumbledore had done all he had…why had he stayed?

"I also succeeded in getting through to the Grey Lady," said Minerva, removing the blue velvet box from her cloak and passing it over. "It's safe there is nothing on it."

Severus opened it and both Lucius and he gaped in awe breathing out the words, "Ravenclaw's Lost Diadem."

Chapter 35

Destroying The Diadem

Sirius scrambled to his feet when Severus and Lucius walked outside, through the back door - where he was sitting just thinking. Harry was still terrified of him, nothing he did helped any, and it wasn't something he was used to. Harry had loved him as a child, but that couldn't be said anymore. With the problem gone, he knew he wouldn't be welcome in Prince Manor anymore. Snape hated his guts, and Harry couldn't care less, he felt as though his heart was breaking, and nothing could possibility put it together again. He had lost nearly everyone he cared about, only Remus was left, he so wished he knew what to do when it came to Harry.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, staring at them, his blue eyes dull and lifeless.

"Back up," said Lucius, as always not one for small talk, as he placed the Diadem on the grass, which had barely recovered from the last doubt of fire blazing that had burnt it - he Hufflepuff chalice. He didn't remove it from the velvet box it was in just in case it was cursed. Swirling his wand in the correct directions he spat out "Fiendfyre!" at the offending object watching as it fled his wand, but Lucius cut it off quickly, watching as the small snake-like flame consume the Diadem, causing it to scream out in agony before it became a mangled mess of silver.

Both Severus and Lucius hissed in pain in unison, only Lucius grasped his arm in agony, Severus was more composed or perhaps more used to pain than Lucius was.

"Was that…" questioned Sirius, wide eyed.

"It was." stated Severus sharply.

"Oh," squeaked Sirius surprised. "Aguamenti!" the sizzling sound of the flames dying out met their ears.

"It looks like we are getting close to having found them all," said Severus grimly. Staring at Lucius' arm as he rolled up his clothes to view the Dark Mark. It wasn't gone completely, but it was faded greater than ever, never before had destroying a Horcrux caused them pain. Was it a backlash or had all the Death Eaters felt it? Were they twitching in anticipation thinking the Dark Lord was close to coming back? Or were they terrified since they hadn't done a single thing to help? It brought them feral satisfaction at the thought of them all scared out of their wits.

"I wonder if he felt it," said Lucius, hoping that he had, he hoped the Dark Lord was feeling everything and knowing his end was close at hand.

"He will have," replied Severus surely.

"If only we knew how many others we have to find," muttered Lucius as he turned around and walked back into the manor. It was rather chilly outside; he didn't want Harry catching a cold. If they had to cancel this weekend, Draco would be inconsolable - he was so looking forward to meeting Harry even knowing that Harry might be a little timid to begin with or the entire time, they just didn't know. He couldn't blame Harry for any reaction he did have, the poor child had been beaten on by the children his own age. Hopefully with Draco being so thin like Harry would help and he wouldn't see his son as a threat. "If we can find any, I mean this was our last suggestion…there's nothing else."

"We still have Slytherins Locket to find," Severus pointed out mildly, but he understood Lucius' concern, since he was drawing blank himself at possible locations now.

"Yes but it could be anywhere in the UK, Sev." said Lucius desperately. "If he knows someone is destroying them he might come back here desperate to come back and some fool might be stupid enough to find an answer."

"True," mused Severus, he hadn't thought of that possibility.

"I had one, Bellatrix had one…and we both received special training…" mused Lucius as he entered the living room.

"As did I," Severus pointed out, not really paying much attention to his rambling.

"The only other was Regulus Black…" said Lucius, giving Black a glance as if suspecting the wizard would start shouting and yelling but he didn't. In fact Black didn't react at all; it may as well have been as if he hadn't spoken at all.

"Severus is it even safe if Harry keeps this wand? Shouldn't we put it away until he's older and understands the consequences of using magic?" asked Minerva.

"I know not to use magic without daddy," pouted Harry, "I'm a big boy!"

"That you are, but magic is very dangerous sometimes," explained Minerva, "Even for adults."

Harry looked at the stick, no wand; they were calling it a wand. It felt light and funny in his hands, but it made his tummy feel happy. He could turn into a kitten without it, so scrambling to his feet, he handed the wand trustingly over to his daddy still smiling. "You keep it, daddy, I'll be fine." he said solemnly.

"Draco could learn a lot from you little one," said Lucius crouching down in front of him, a very small smile on his face. Draco wanted a wand; in fact he had demanded one for the last year or so. He constantly tried to take his or Narcissa's but their wands was too important to leave lying around so it wasn't something his son found easy to take. "I am very proud of you. I am sure your father is as well."

Sirius watched on his face contorted in agony just watching it. Harry even let Lucius Malfoy near him, he hated it, and his heart felt as though it was being ground up by a pestle in a mortar till it was naught but dust. He knew they weren't doing it on purpose, even if a small childish part of him wished they were. Sirius made a feeble attempt at putting up a mask on his face as Minerva stared at him with an odd look in her eye.

Harry leaned in and gave Lucius (his new godfather) a quick hug before scampering off to the sofa again. Lucius stayed were he was stunned, before he stood back up. Harry didn't like people touching him, and he certainly didn't get very…hands on with people. With the obvious exception being Severus, he was clingy with him and obviously let Severus touch him. Even Minerva hadn't received even a hug from Harry yet, and Lucius couldn't help but feel inordinately pleased and smug neither of which played across his face. He was definitely getting better; he had a good feeling about the play date between Harry and his son now.

"I think it's time to do some learning, don't you Harry?" asked Minerva, making it sound like a suggestion.

Harry looked at his dad who gave him a nod, only then did he eagerly nod his own head, as he jumped from the couch leaving behind his favourite book. He was already in the office where they usually did 'learning time' as Harry liked to think of it.

"Shall I bring Remus in with me?" in her own way asking Severus for a decision on whether or not Remus should or could teach Harry. The child would need to get used to him, and of course Remus would need to know how she chose to interact with him so not to confuse him when he took over. She could try and teach him while at Hogwarts, since she was assumed she would be headmistress, it would leave her with a lot of free time.

"Very well," conceded Severus grudgingly. There weren't very many alternatives right now, with everything going on and he certainly didn't trust a stranger in his home let alone with Harry. They were getting closer to putting an end to Voldemort before it got worse. In case Lucius' thoughts were right, they had to be on the look out for any others that came their way.

"If Regulus was getting private training from HIM why would he get cold feet?" asked Sirius, restarting the earlier conversation he had not been part off.

"Where did you hear that?" asked Lucius, giving Black a strange look.

Sirius blinked, "It's just my own thoughts, I think he got in too far, didn't realize what the hell he was getting into. You should see my brother's room, he has collages of newspaper clippings what Voldemort and the Death Eaters were doing, even after he joined he put stuff up…then all of a sudden it stopped and it was months upon months before he went missing. I know you might think he was all bad…but my brother did have morals you know…"

Severus and Lucius both gave him pointed looks, basically telling him to remember who he was speaking to. They had both been Death Eaters, both had regretted their decision. Unlike Regulus though, Lucius hadn't done anything about it, just continued on hoping for the best. Severus however, had quickly put himself at the mercy of Dumbledore. A wrong decision, he should have gone straight to Lily…made her see, maybe then Pettigrew might not have been chosen - perhaps then they would have used him. Unfortunately there was nothing he could do about it now; he would just have to do his best by Harry for both their sakes.

"Did Regulus have any real friends?" enquired Lucius speculatively.

"Other than Death Eaters, no, and his cousins." replied Sirius, surprised that his question was being thought about seriously.

"You don't think…?" started Lucius.

"I honestly don't know…there could be other explanations." said Severus knowing what the wizard was thinking.

"He went missing in…"

"Yes, around that time." stated Severus.

Sirius stared between them feeling as though he was intruding, they knew each other well enough to know the others thoughts. Even he and James or he and Remus had never had that, and he wasn't sure how he felt about it.

"The prophecy, do you remember the reaction everyone had…" added Lucius.

"I can't remember Black particularly at the meeting…"

"Oh, he was there, I remember it, Severus can I use your Pensive?" asked Lucius.

"Good idea, follow me," said Severus standing up, "You too, Black."

Sirius scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding, he wasn't sure if he wanted to see his brother at one of those meetings. Knowing and seeing were two different things altogether, he had accepted or maybe just imagined that his brother was good in the end - he didn't want this memory conflicting with the image he'd built up. He followed them to his office where Remus and he had both viewed the memories of Harry, which were no longer in the pensive he observed as it was brought out.

Lucius closed his eyes and thought very determinedly on the memory, it wasn't a good one - he could remember his own terror. His wife had been pregnant at the time, also with a boy. He couldn't have been more relieved when Narcissa went into labour on June fifth. Once he had the memory on the end of his wand, he placed it in the pensive, clearing his throat giving a small nod.

Severus, Lucius and Sirius placed their wands above the shimmering memory and were pulled into it. They were able to see it as though it was a 3D projection, and didn't have to stay focused on one person they could freely move around. Sirius quickly found his brother, not even paying Voldemort the slightest bit of attention. Staring at him sadly, with tortured eyes.

"He looks…" began Sirius, not able to put it into words.

"Well?" barked Severus irate.

"Defeated," whispered Sirius.

"So he was wavering by this?" stated Lucius.

"I…I think so," said Sirius, not one hundred percent sure.

"Such a fool," said Severus bitterly, staring at his younger self, who was unaware of his presence or what the future held in this memory. If only he could go back and do things differently, but life didn't give second chances like that, no his redemption came in the hands of a child called Harry, his son.

Suddenly when Voldemort made his proclamation about going after a prophecy child, the reaction was immediate. Sirius finally understood their earlier words, he could see the shock, distaste and horror in most peoples faces. There was one person…no four, that didn't seem unduly upset about it either - he knew them all and wasn't surprised. The three Lestrange's and of course Crouch - non more vocal than Bellatrix. She wished to do it for him, and that truly made Sirius sick. She was twenty years old, and she was willing to end the life of a baby, oh she was a wretched woman.

"He's wavering but I can't spot any sign of him making a decision to leave," said Sirius, who was once again staring into his brother's eyes. Thankfully they remained still during Death Eater meetings; otherwise he would have found the entire experience dizzying.

"So it wasn't this one," said Lucius thoughtfully, "I wonder if anyone else received something…perhaps I should pay a visit to the Carrows." he mused.

"The Carrows?" cried Sirius, there had never been any suspicion on them - despite the fact they'd been Slytherins which was surprising.

"We may as well leave," said Severus wryly, they weren't going to get anything out of his memory.

They were just about to do that when Severus stopped suddenly, as Voldemort spoke once more.

"Regulus stay behind." hissed Voldemort.

"Quiet," said Severus immediately, trying to pick up any sound that Lucius may not have consciously picked up as he left the meeting. He was just about to give up when he heard a few words before they were ejected.

"Did either of you hear anything after the Dark Lord demanded he stay behind?" questioned Severus immediately.

"Yes," replied Sirius at the same time Lucius said "No."

"In Azkaban you need to be able to listen for anything…feet thumping on the floor, things like that…since I spent so much of my time as Padfoot. He spoke about needing to borrow something…" explained and said Sirius.

"A House-Elf." finished Severus, curtly.

"Kreacher?" said Sirius, confused. "He wouldn't have let that happen, he loved that damn thing, he wouldn't even let our parents shout at it."

"You don't say no to the Dark Lord." Lucius told him sharply.

"Kreacher's insane, I doubt he remembers anything about back then." said Sirius, dismissing the idea of even calling Kreacher.

"How so?" enquired Lucius frowning, it wasn't like House-Elves to go insane, they pined, yes, defied orders sometimes, yes, but insanity? No, at least not unless they were seriously tortured he couldn't see it.

"A letter from my father before he died…while I was in Azkaban." explained Sirius grimly; he didn't like talking about his damn parents.

"Call him," demanded Severus.

"I just told…" argued Sirius.

"Now." barked Severus, "If there is a possibility of him knowing something we must use it. Obviously Regulus liked the little thing, perhaps he told him things he didn't tell any other living soul. We may get the name of someone who has a Horcrux do you understand?" his patience totally worn.

"Alright," said Sirius reluctantly, "But don't say I didn't warn you, he's a vulgar little bugger and extremely prejudice."

"Just like you then?" sneered Severus rolling his eyes.

Sirius swallowed thickly, well that statement was a little accurate, and he had been prejudice. Not anymore, he couldn't be if he wanted to be in Harry's life. Sighing softly, "I know I was a dick, and I am sorry about how I was…if I could change it I would." he confessed.

"Seven years of putting up with you, I hardly think a simple sorry is going to cut it." snapped Lucius, defending Severus.

"No, no I guess not," said Sirius wearily.

"Forget about it, just call the House-Elf." added Severus, closing the door to his office and putting up a silencing spell so whatever came their way - Harry wouldn't hear it. Without the silencing spell there was a chance he actually might since he was only a few doors down the hall.

"Kreacher!" demanded Sirius, grimacing in distaste, he didn't think he'd ever have to deal with the diminutive creature again but here he was.

Chapter 36

Lucius pursed his lips as the House-Elf made an appearance, not only was it filthy it had a mouth to match. He was calling Sirius Black all the names under the sun in a wheezing voice, that thing was useless, and it should have been put down a long time ago. It looked as though Black hadn't exactly been exaggerating when it came to the disgusting creature even one iota. Turning to face Severus, he noticed the stoic wizard was actually enjoying this. Of course he was Black was getting his ass handed to him by a House-Elf of all things.

"…disgusting blood traitor to the house of Black, broke his mothers heart he did," wheezed Kreacher.

"Enough," snapped Lucius, glaring at the House-Elf his back straight staring down at the elf with his mercury eyes swirling in disgust. "Such a display would have seen you de-headed and banished from my sight - such a filthy creature! You shame the house of Black with your words and ways." it was an hour to be placed on spikes with the other House-Elves who had served honourably. He personally didn't, in fact his wife had removed them all and made sure they at least received a burial of some kind by the House-Elves, she didn't want Draco seeing such sights and he understood that. They had scared the hell out of him when he was a child, not that he'd been able to confess that. Merlin what his father would have done…he dreaded to think in all honesty.

Kreacher stopped in mid diatribe, staring at Lucius Malfoy in shock, before shame began to creep up on the little creature. He hunched further upon himself, finally keeping quiet. Wringing his fingers together, evidently at a loss of what to do or say.

Sirius gaped at the sight, not sure what to make of Lucius Malfoy actually helping him.

"We do not have time to listen to his racket!" Lucius stated smoothly, still glaring at the creature.

Of course, when would Lucius Malfoy do anything for him? Why had he thought as such! He wanted to slap the back of his own head for his thoughts.

"Indeed, ask then," Severus demanded snidely to Black, his arms crossed as he looked broodingly over at Black.

"Answer any question asked truthfully, Kreacher," demanded Sirius, as Master he knew the House-Elf would have to do as he'd asked. He then waved his hand at them, letting them do the talking; he honestly didn't know what on earth to ask. They were nuts if they thought Kreacher knew or remembered anything. He was insane, and Regulus wouldn't have told him anything important…there was just too much risk that their parents would have asked for answers. Kreacher adored his mother, so it was definite.

Severus rolled his eyes, Black was utterly useless, this just proved it - how hard could it be to ask one little question?

"Did Regulus Black ever receive an item from the Dark Lord?" enquired Lucius seriously.

Severus narrowed his eyes further when he saw the House-Elf stiffen at the question; he gave Lucius a look but the wizard already realized as well by the satisfied look on his face.

"Answer him," snapped Sirius, he didn't like waiting.

"I is just a House-Elf, Master Regulus wouldn't have told me," replied Kreacher wringing his hands again.

"You were asked to help the Dark-Lord, what did you do?" demanded Severus, watching the creature's eyes widen in disbelief, he evidently hadn't expected them to know that piece of information.

"The truth this time," warned Sirius.

"Prove your worth, elf, and I will see you serving the House of Malfoy." Lucius told him, Black obviously didn't want the damn thing anyway.

"What?" hissed Sirius, irritated, it wasn't his decision.

"Like you actually care?" questioned Lucius bluntly.

"That's hardly the point," ground out Sirius, he just didn't want decisions made as if he wasn't in the bloody room or being asked.

"Do you want your godson to have a carefree life? Or would you prefer to be the annoying selfish idiot we all know you are instead?" hissed Severus, back eyes flashing furiously. He couldn't believe Black was being so selfish; he didn't want the damn Elf so why was he arguing and fighting over it?

"Fine, tell them the truth Kreacher, and you can go to the Malfoy's." Sirius immediately said, feeling like a total jerk, he's somehow forgotten the real reason they were here right now - his godson - sort of.

"Master Regulus asked Kreacher to go with the Dark Lord, he demanded that Kreacher come back, so Kreacher did." said the House-Elf, the thought of having a Master to serve…to not be alone in a big house well he would like that even if he would miss his Mistress.

"Why did he want you? What did he do?" enquired Lucius, well he was responding to them, slowly but surely that had to count for something. Even if it turned out to be a waste of time, they had at least tried.

"He fed Kreacher a potion, from a bowl in a cave then put his locket inside," explained Kreacher, "He left Kreacher to die, but Master Regulus had demanded I return so I went back."

"Locket? Slytherin's locket? Could it be?" wondered Lucius they had been lucky, too lucky in his opinion when it came to finding them.

"Only one way to find out," said Severus, and he prayed it was the final one. Unfortunately he suspected they would never know the Dark Lord's main spirit was still somewhere out there. As much as they wanted to avoid his return, they knew it was inevitable. At least when he returned he would be human…or as human as they could ever consider him…no perhaps mortal would be the best word to describe it. He would be killed and with a little luck they could ensure that Harry never had to face him.

"Do you remember the cave?" asked Lucius, "You will need to find out what Potion it is, neither of us is touching it until you do." he didn't want to die thank you very much.

"At least we have a location," replied Severus, "I will have no problem identifying the potion." he added flippantly, he wasn't a potions master for nothing.

"I remember the cave, but it's not there," said Kreacher, where they looking for the locket? He couldn't lie to them, his Master (as reluctant as he was to admit him as such) had demanded he tell the truth and so he had no choice when asked a direct question. Yet he found himself explaining further than he needed to, Master Regulus had died, he didn't want anyone else to die…not even Sirius Black.

"Why not?" cried Sirius.

"Regulus made you take him there didn't he?" asked Severus, shrewdly.

"Yes, Sir, he forced Kreacher to feed him the potion and leave him there to die, to destroy the locket but Kreacher failed Master Regulus." said the House-Elf genuine sadness emanating from the creature. You could also tell that they were the first people he had told, he looked as if a weight was being lifted off him every word he spoke.

"He died to stop Him?" croaked Sirius, his stomach felt queasy; he didn't even want to think about what 'the potion' had done to him. His brother had completely turned from the dark…why hadn't he come to him? Closing his eyes, he knew why, he hadn't exactly been close to him for years even more it happened.

"You have the locket?" enquired Lucius, yes, too easy by far but he couldn't complain.

"Yes, Sir." agreed Kreacher, "Master Regulus wanted Kreacher to destroy it, but I failed him." he said yet again.

"Bring it to me," demanded Severus.

"You have not let Regulus down, you shall see it destroyed." stated Lucius, making sure the House-Elf would come back by enticing him with the fact he would be fulfilling Regulus Black's last wishes.

Without another word the House-Elf disappeared.

"Is it just me or is this…to easy?" enquired Lucius, his tone cautious.

"Not really, we wouldn't have known about it if your healer hadn't noticed it or if I hadn't taken Harry to Gringotts. If the Goblins hadn't known what they were…then we would still be in the dark. All of this is a culmination of all information we've gathered. If we hadn't been Death Eaters I doubt we would have gotten this far…I would summarize perhaps one or two would have been destroyed but that would have been all. The inside information has helped us greatly." Severus replied.

"Too bad it doesn't help deduce whether we've gotten them all," Lucius admitted bitterly.

"Considering that the last one caused us pain…I think we're getting there." Severus mused thoughtfully.

"But we will never know, Severus, not until its far too late…if he makes his way back and we kill him and it just makes him a spirit again we could start this loop all over again - it will be a nightmare." Lucius cried out exasperated.

"Well is there anyone Voldemort was close to?" asked Sirius.

"He's a Dark Lord, he isn't close to anyone," said Severus bluntly.

"He wasn't always the Dark Lord…I mean he was young at one point…any teachers?" asked Sirius.

Kreacher popped into the room, displaying the locket to them, the darkness was there they immediately felt it.

"Thank you Kreacher," said Severus snatching the piece of jewellery from the House-Elf.

"Outside?" suggested Lucius once again.

"Of course," replied Severus, he wasn't damaging Prince Hall for the sake of even a Horcrux. Fiendfyre was extremely unstable even with the most experienced of wizards, so it truly was better safe than sorry - playing with fire inside was just asking for trouble. He would never risk Harry's life by doing something so utterly stupid. With that he left the office, leaving the wards on knowing they'd probably discuss it while they could seen as Harry was busy at his lessons.

"Follow," Lucius ordered Kreacher, as he quickly caught up with Severus as they entered the living room and continued on past the kitchen and out the backdoor. The black patch that had been there when they destroyed the cup was gone, the House-Elves must have repaired it, and it was a good job, since Harry liked playing outside in the tree house - only if Severus was outside of course. The second Severus went inside Harry would follow, he didn't like being alone that much he'd summarised.

"You should add a few paddocks," suggested Lucius, running a critical eye around the area.

"What? And add peacocks?" Severus snorted in amusement.

"They are pure bred Congo peacocks and extremely rare," argued Lucius. They had come all the way from the African rainforest, or rather their ancestors had seen as this generation of Peafowl were roughly the five hundredth generation of Congo Peacock to breed on the Malfoy Estate.

"So I've been told," Severus told him smirking in amusement. "I can't stand the damn things,"

"Well get something that can be used as a potion ingredient?" suggested Lucius.

"No, when Harry finally spreads his wings I'd rather know he's safe thank you," he admitted dryly.

"I doubt that will happen any time soon," said Sirius, sounding slightly bitter. He hated how Harry clung to Snape, but he had so many emotions associated with it. He was glad Harry was getting better after seeing what he'd lived through, he so wished Harry wanted him enough to come closer than ten feet…hated that Snape was the one he wanted…and was just glad Harry knew the feeling of having a family. Lily would be happy for him; her and James had loved Harry more than their own lives.

"He has come a long way," Severus pointed out, having no sympathy for Black. Yes he'd been in Azkaban, but he was out now and that was the main thing. If it weren't for him finding Harry then Black would still be rotting away in Azkaban, he wondered if the idiot ever realized that. He would have loved to point it out but he had far more pressing things to do - especially since Harry would soon finish his lessons for the day.

Dropping the locket on the grass he stepped back, idly noticing that Lucius had followed suit. Flicking his wand he took a deep breath, centred his emotions and magic before he muttered "Fiendfyre!" a blast of fire left his wand, and Severus struggled to maintain it as the Horcrux began to scream shrilly only once the mangled mess was melted did he stop the spell.

"Nothing," mused Lucius, rolling up his sleeve to see the mark - there was no change.

"It was definitely a Horcrux that cannot be refuted." stated Severus, staring at it thoughtfully, before banishing the mess.

"No, it cannot." said Lucius, "Right, it's time to go and get Draco, his tutor will have wrapped up his lessons by now." he hoped Harry got along with his son. He would keep a good eye on them the first few times just to make sure his son didn't do anything…silly like demand things from Harry.

"Perhaps we should have lunch out here?" suggested Severus, "It's a beautiful day and Harry hasn't been outside in the past few days."

"Is Narcissa coming?" asked Sirius, at least with her there he would have someone he could talk to…well a little bit at least.

"Why not?" agreed Lucius, "If she doesn't have anything to do."

"Good," said Sirius, slightly relieved.

"I shall let the House-Elves know," said Severus, "While you deal with this." he reminded both men of the promise they had made to the House-Elf, making it clear that they should live up to their word.