The Dark Lord checks on his horcruxes and makes a startling discovery!

The last several days had gone by quite peacefully for Hermione. She’d spent much of her free time in the main Malfoy library, reading up on all kinds of magic. She was quite envious that Draco had all of this knowledge at his disposal, and the git didn’t even appreciate it. He did however, spend a few hours each day with her in the library, or coaxing her out into the gardens for a leisurely stroll. He’d even planned a picnic one warm afternoon in the gazebo down by the lake. The sun glistened off the water, and after eating, the two had spent some time sitting on the end of the dock with their feet in the water, just talking.

Draco was good to his word and listened, as she shared with him about how she was feeling, having her father back in her life. He offered insight, based on things he’d overheard his parents discussing over the years. It was interesting to get another perspective, and Draco was thoughtful, intelligent and cunning in his own right.

She had to admit, it was never boring conversing with the blonde. He challenged her in ways, she was just starting to appreciate.

On the fourth day after her father had left, Hermione was sitting with Nagini in her room, reading a book on blood magic when there was a knock on her door. When she went to answer it, she was somewhat surprised to see her father standing there. He seemed irritated and anxious, if such a thing were possible. Inviting him in, she asked him if he would like her to call a house elf for some tea.

“Tea would be welcome, I suppose.” He replied shortly, so she called for Trixie, whom had taken on the responsibility of serving her while she was staying at the Manor, and the elf brought tea and biscuits before she popped out, leaving father and daughter alone.

“How do you take your tea?” Hermione gestured to the setting.

“Just a dollop of cream.” Replied her Father.

Once his tea was prepared, she handed it to him, and went about pouring her own. Her Father smirked, as he watched his daughter prepare and serve tea as well as any Pureblood, despite not being raised as such.

“You have impeccable manners, Hermione. Where did you learn to serve tea so properly?”

Hermione shyly bowed her head at the compliment. “My adoptive maternal grandmother was a stickler for social etiquette, although Mrs. White was very helpful in refining my technique and presentation.”

“It sounds as if she was an adequate tutor.”

“Yes, she’s been very kind in tutoring me and filling in the gaps of knowledge where certain Pureblood customs are concerned. I’m ever so grateful for her kindness.”

“Hmmm.” Was the only response she got to that before he ventured forward. “I suppose we should get down as to why I’m here at this time of evening. I did as you suggested, and checked to see if my horcruxes were still intact and accounted for. It was fortunate that I did.”

“And were they exactly where you left them, Father?” Hermione inquired curiously.

Voldemort gave his daughter a long look of consideration before he answered.

“No, it would seem as if one of my horcruxes was taken.”

He then reached into his robes and pulled out a locket, handing it to his daughter for inspection. The front of the locket had a serpentine S that was inlaid with green stones in the form of a snake. The locket itself was made of heavy goblin gold, and had a long chain attached to it. She looked over at her father, who then motioned for her to open it.

Inside the locket was a small piece of parchment with writing on it. Glancing up now in confusion, Voldemort waved his hand dismissively, “Read it out loud, Daughter.”

To the Dark Lord

I know I will be dead long before you read this but I want you to know that it was I who discovered your secret. I have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can. I face death in the hope that when you meet your match you will be mortal once more.

R.A.B.

Staring at the parchment and re-reading it silently to herself, Hermione was impressed that someone had figured out her father’s secret. That they’d managed to find one of his horcruxes and steal it was concerning, but the larger questions was ‘Where was it?’ Looking at the signature, the last letter stood out...B.

B for Black?

So had he given the locket to another follower?

Gesturing to the locket, Hermione asked, “Did you give this locket to a member of the Black family to keep for you?”

Voldemort smirked at his daughter’s deductive skills, “Not quite. I placed the locket in a heavily warded cave. I requested an elf from one of my most trusted followers to come with me to set the wards.” Frowning he continued, “I’m unsure how the locket was taken.”

“If the elf was bound to the House of Black, and his master bade him to return? The elf would’ve been able to do so. Obeying their master, is the highest law to an elf. It bypasses any charm, ward or other magic designed to keep a place safe. Elves can even bypass the Fidelius charm to protect his or her family. It’s possible that once the elf returned, he told his master what had happened. The elf could’ve taken his master back to the cave to obtain the locket.”

Voldemort steepled his fingers together, considering the information his daughter had shared. “I see? So if the elf was ordered to return to his master, he would’ve had no choice but to comply?”

“Yes. Do you remember the name of the elf you utilized from the Black family?” Her father shook his head in reply. Hermione thought about it for a moment. “Do you think Lady Malfoy would know? She was bound to the House of Black before her marriage, so I’m certain she would know which elf was bound to which family member.”

Voldemort stood and gestured for Hermione to follow him. The two went down through the Manor until they’d reached another set of large oak doors, which were open. Placing his hand up, gesturing for her to remain outside, her Father strode in and Hermione could hear him talking in low tones with Lord Malfoy.

Soon Lady Malfoy appeared at the end of the hall, walking in her direction.

“Good afternoon, Hermione.” Smiled Narcissa.

“Hello, Narcissa.” Replied Hermione. “I was told by Father to wait here for him. He’s inside, talking with Lord Malfoy.”

Narcissa nodded, and gestured for Hermione to follow her into the room. When Hermione entered the large room, she could instantly tell that this was Lord Malfoy’s personal study. There was a portrait of a woman in one corner, and another of a man who looked remarkably similar to Lucius, same grey eyes, same long blonde hair. There were dark leather couches, rich dark green tapestries and a beautiful hearth which faced a large picture window that overlooked spacious gardens.

Lucius stood when his wife and Hermione entered the room, and immediately came over to greet them both. When the introductions were made and the banal pleasantries disposed of, the Dark Lord took the opportunity to address Narcissa directly.

“Narcissa? It has come to my attention that something of mine, that was entrusted to a member of your family has gone missing. It was Hermione’s suggestion to ask for your help as she has educated me on the bond between a House Elf and it’s Master.”

“Of course, My Lord. I would be honored to help you, if I can.” Narcissa stated plainly, while Lucius was looking over at Hermione intently.

She just gave him a small, imperceptible nod.

The Dark Lord gestured towards his daughter, “Perhaps, Daughter, you might explain to Narcissa what we’ve discussed.” Hermione bowed her head and gave her attention to the regal blonde woman.

“Narcissa, are there any members of the Black family with the initials, R.A.B?”

Thinking for a moment, the older witch nodded slowly, “Yes, my cousin Regulus Black. His middle name was Arcturus, after our grandfather.”

“Did he have an elf that was bound to him, or to the House of Black?”

Making a moue of distaste, the Lady of the Manor sighed. “Yes, his name was Kreacher. He was bound to serve the Black family, and was particularly close with Regulus. He hated Sirius, and I suspect that the feeling was quite mutual.”

Gazing over at Hermione, who was now looking at the Dark Lord with a pleased expression, Narcissa was confused as to why this was so important.

The Dark Lord sighed, “If you were to call for the elf, Narcissa, do you think he’d come?”

“I don’t know, My Lord, I’m a member of the Black family, and although Sirius is out there alive somewhere, he was blasted off the family tree.”

Hermione’s head whipped back in surprise, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Sirius was blasted off the Black family tree?”

Narcissa nodded, “Yes, it was during his time in school, sixth year I believe? His parents wanted him to join the Dark Lord and he refused, so he was banished from the family.”

Hermione straightened up in excitement. “Father, I’ve read about Pureblood lineages and if I remember? Arcturus was the Head of House Black, correct?” Her Father nodded, not sure where his daughter was going with this. “Narcissa, do you know whom blasted Sirius off the family tree?”

Narcissa side-eyed her husband in confusion and Lucius, not sure what the witch was asking, queried imperiously, “Hermione, why would that detail be important?”

Hermione smiled and shook her head. “Honestly, doesn’t anyone read anymore?” She smirked at her Father, who was now watching her with amusement. “It matters because, only the Head of House can disinherit a rightful heir. If Orion was the official head of your house, Narcissa, only he would have the power to disinherit his son. If your grandfather were still alive, he would’ve had to do it. There is also a specific spell that severs the rightful heir from the family line, which banishes them not only from the tree, but all family properties where blood wards are erected. If Sirius wasn’t banished properly, he would still have all the rights allocated to the heir of a noble bloodline, and access to all vaults and properties.”

Lucius stared at Hermione with something akin to stunned disbelief. But before he could speak, the portrait behind him spoke.

“The young witch is correct, my Son, in what she is saying.”

Lucius turned around in shock. “Father, are you certain?”

The portrait nodded severely. “Please forgive my son and heir, young Miss. I’m Abraxas Malfoy. My Lord, it is good to see you again. I was not aware you had sired an heir.”

Voldemort bowed his head in greeting. “Nor was I, until she was already at Hogwarts. Nagini found her, recognized her magical signature and told me of her existence. Abraxas Malfoy, this is my daughter, Hermione.”

Abraxas smiled at the young girl. “She is quite pretty, and very intelligent it would seem. Tell me, young Hermione? How did you come across this knowledge. It is only known to male heirs of one’s house.”

Hermione smiled at the portrait. “I’m most honored to make your acquaintance, Lord Malfoy. During my time at school, I was able to come across some old diaries belonging to Salazar Slytherin. Most of his personal journals were written in Parselmouth, and as his direct descendent and my father’s daughter, I was able to access them. There was quite a bit of information on old blood magic as it relates to Pureblood traditions.”

“I see.” Gazing to his son, who now looked irritated at having such knowledge kept from him, Abraxas sighed. “Lucius, I’d thought you would’ve found my personal journals by now. I had no idea that the information contained within them had not been passed down. If you go to my old set of rooms, behind the portrait of your mother? You will find a magical safe. Your blood will open it.”

Lucius nodded, appearing relieved, “I had the rooms sealed off right after your death last year, Father.”

“I understand, my Son. But back to Hermione’s assertions. She is correct in her speculation that Sirius was never properly banned from his own house. Orion told me that Walburga, in a fit of rage blasted Sirius from the family tree at Grimmauld Place, which is unplottable. Arcturus was extremely vexed with her, as there was no way to undo what she had done. It wasn’t common knowledge that Sirius had never been properly disinherited, as it was assumed since the Black Family was involved heavily in blood magic, that all the proper spells and rituals had been adhered to. However, the house elf Kreacher is bound to the entire House of Black, and as such? Narcissa would be able to call him, and he would be bound to answer her summons.”

“That is good news, Father,” Lucius stated, looking over at his Lord, “Do you wish Cissy to call for the elf, my Lord?”

Hermione cleared her throat delicately, which caused all in the room to turn at her inquisitively. “Yes, Daughter? Do you have something more you wish to add?” The Dark Lord’s voice was indulgent and Lucius raised his eyebrows in amusement, as he’d never heard his Lord use that tone of voice with anyone before.

Yes, Sir,” she blushed prettily, “If Kreacher was loyal to Regulus above all else, then he’d most likely been despondent over his death. It also stands to reason that Kreacher still may have your property in his possession if he’s still tied to the House of Black—even if there hasn’t been anyone living at Grimmauld Place. Perhaps we might use this to our advantage?”

Voldemort thought for a moment about what his daughter was saying. “A trade, if you will?”

Smiling brightly that her Father was catching on to her line of thinking, Hermione nodded. “I think so. If he still has the item, and it’s still intact? He might be willing to part with it. If Kreacher were told by his master to get rid of it, or try to destroy it? He might be reluctant to part with it unless Narcissa were to assure him that she would.”

“You think Regulus gave him the item with instructions to destroy it?”

“I do.”

Voldemort thought on this for a few moments and stared at his daughter, who had her brow furrowed in a way that he was beginning to realize meant she was considering something important.

“What is on your mind, child?”

Sighing, Hermione bit her lip in consternation. She wasn’t sure she should voice exactly what she was thinking, but given the situation the opportunity was too good to let bypass.

“Well, if the elf was bade to destroy it, and if it would gain us his loyalty? Perhaps it might be to our benefit to allow him to do so.” At her father’s dark expression, she was quick to reassure him. “You have others, Father. We could utilize the same spell from before and return the missing piece back to you. I think that might be a better option. The Black property is most likely heavily warded, then Kreacher is our way in. Sirius Black is still on the run, he still has access to it, he’s Harry Potter’s godfather, he’s a former member of the Order of the Phoenix...”

Hermione let her thoughts trail off, knowing her father would understand the point she was trying to make.

“And no one would think to suspect an elf of being a loyal spy to the Dark Lord?”

“Or one of his loyal followers.” Hermione smiled. “Besides I don’t believe Dumbledore is that forward thinking when it comes to most magical creatures. He has possible access to a heavily warded place, and I think he’d use it to hold Order meetings, especially if he suspects you have returned. The man is pathetically predictable.”

Once it was decided that Narcissa would call Kreacher, arrangements were made to ensure that the ritual was prepared for Voldemort to have another piece of his soul returned. Interestingly, he required assurances from Lucius in private that the man still had possession of the Horcrux he’d entrusted to him years ago.

Lucius smiled inwardly at Hermione’s absolute brilliance and cunning.

It was almost as they were all pieces on a large chessboard, and the little witch was moving them about to her liking, sacrificing pieces along the way as she saw fit.

A Dark Queen plotting and positioning until...what?

Lucius for the life of him couldn’t fathom what her endgame was, but he was positive she had one. All he knew was she had saved him from an unpleasant and possibly fatal fate where his Lord was concerned. That alone gave him a great deal of pause. She obviously needed him for some reason as yet, undetermined.