A Summoner in the Wizarding World

Chapter 41: A Night to Remember

There lived a man-child in a worn-down mansion. The original inhabitants of this mansion were not able to protest this intrusion, for most of them have been long gone. The man-child had much more pressing issues than protesting residents, however, chief of which lay with the news he just received.

"Wormtail.", the man-child commanded. "What was the headline again?"

The other rat-like creature shivered. He felt the foul mood of his lord, but knew ignoring his order would result in more.

"...A...Albus Dumbledore, reported missing, sir..."

A lengthy silence engulfed the space, only punctured by the crackling fireplace.

"Is that so... and you haven't done anything that might warrant this, hmm...?"

For a moment, the man named Wormtail was seized by an impulse and forced to look into those dark red eyes.

Wormtail sighed in relief. It seemed that the Dark Lord's ire was not aimed at him today. A certain Barty Crouch would not be so lucky, however, for he had failed to keep Lord Voldemort informed of the happenings at Hogwarts.

***

Yule has arrived, to the amusement of many and the relief of others. One Headmaster of Hogwarts, for one, was seen twinkling jovially at a perplexed student body only a few days before the holiday. Fawkes was perched on the armrest, looking about as innocent as one might consider phoenixes to be.

On a brighter note, Lucius Malfoy was blackmailed of a large slush fund courtesy of yours truly. His replica Draco was also less peppy and haughty, to the delight of many. Nonetheless, the funds would only ever be used in the other world, as Harry actually inherited a considerable sum here.

This did mean that I only had half a year's time left, however. Since there were only a handful of tasks left before the hopefully final confrontation with Voldy, I had some tidying up to do. In my mind space, a lone piece of paper scribbled with various items came to view. It listed the Horcruxes and Hallows to dispose of.

"Finished:

Elder Wand

Diadem Horcrux

Scar Horcrux

Diary Horcrux

To Finish:

Resurrection Stone

Ring Horcrux

Snake Horcrux

Locket Horcrux

Cup Horcrux (need a plan)"

At this point, when the original Harry returned, his job would be rather easy. The snake would be dealt with at the end of the year, the ring and locket would be dangerous but manageable if Kreacher can be trusted. Breaking into Gringotts would be difficult, though.

"Harry, you aren't thinking of something dangerous, right? You got that look again..."

"Oh, of course not Hermione. Just, you know, breaking into a gablin bank is all."

She did not seem to notice it, for a moment.

"Yeah, just don't do anything reckless... Say that again?"

"Gringotts."

"...Of course it is. Harry, I can't tell if you're joking or not."

I gave her as cheeky a smile as I could.

"Well, who knows..."

***

Sirius Black was snuggling back to the small cave with the hippogriff when the familiar snowy owl dropped a hefty package on his head. He turned back to his human form and, still rubbing his aching head, opened the parcel. Harry had apparently prepared large chunks of ham, cheese and grainy bread along with two Butterbeers, much to his great delight.

The dark-haired man's smile dampened a little at the thought. Here he was, being taken care of by his teenage godson, and of no help at all to the boy. Sirius had thought a lot about returning to the Black home, what with all the Dark Artifacts that might help Harry, or just to not worry about being arrested by Aurors, but decided against it.

Sirius reassured himself that it was because the house was most likely contaminated with pests, and his long-dead family being vengeful enough of him to lay even deadlier booby traps should he ever stain their steps. After the dragon, though, he felt increasingly selfish twiddling his thumbs (paws, if you will) while Harry was in danger.

Looking over his godson's letter, he noticed Harry asking for a rumored "Black heirloom" that only the family elf knew of. There was also mention of Lucius Malfoy attempting to get his hands on this treasure, which completely settled it for Sirius. Even if he had to face those traps, he sure as hell will not let the snobby Malfoy get his hands on the heirloom.

A few days later, and a much more weary, though relieved, Sirius had found the golden locket in possession of Kreacher, which he promptly sent to Harry. Fortunately or unfortunately, he was not in contact with it long enough to feel the effects, and was content sending Harry the first gift that he'd asked for.

***

The man in the worn-down mansion felt an odd sense of loss that very evening, which left as early as it began. The rat-like servant suffered from several Crucios before bewilderedly and smartly promising to not serve that porridge again.

Who knew the Dark Lord had allergies? Wormtail certainly didn't. He wasn't about to get killed over voicing this, though.