Chapter 78: A not so peaceful Summer

The Quidditch World Cup had been quite the disappointment for England. Rhianon and Eva had retired two years after Rick and ever since the National team never really recovered its splendor. It was still one of the best teams in the world but was outclassed by quite a few others. The fact that it didn’t go farther than the last sixteen had been proof of that. It was a bit of a humiliation when the cup was happening right in their country. At least Ireland was faring way better by reaching the finals.

“It really drives home we were the best, doesn’t it?”“Wow, how is your head, Eva?” Rick hadn’t been surprised by his former teammate’s comment. She always had been a bit arrogant regarding quidditch. Then again was it really arrogant of her if it was true?“Can you still go through doors?” commented Rhiannon.“Oh! Come on! Don’t tell me you’re not thinking the same thing! The moment the three of us retired, England fell from the top spot!”“... Maybe the other teams just got new, better players?”Eva gave her a blank look. “All of them, Rhia? Really?”“You do have a point. We were the best at our position.”“I never considered myself the best beater.”This time it was Rick who gave her a deadpan expression. “Rhia, you hit a bludger with another. No one else in history had ever done that. On purpose I mean.”

“Rick is right. Stop pretending.”“Yeah, trying to be humble like me doesn’t suit you.”

“Ugh! Fine! We were the bloody best and they all suck balls so hard they make me want to get out of retirement!”“I definitely would in a heartbeat if this idiot would pick up his broom again!”“Why would I? My seeker’s days are over and thank God for that.”“You just say that because you have more time to fuck Lily and Bellatrix!”“Well, yeah. Your point being?”“UGH!”

Eva knew she couldn’t win this argument so gave up. Rick felt touched that she quit playing quidditch for the National team because she was dissatisfied with Rhiannon’s and his replacements. It didn’t feel right for her to play without them. For a quidditch nutjob and competitive woman like Eva, that told a lot about how much playing with them was important.

“So… Going to watch the finals?”“With my niece. She’s been bugging me to take her for the last year.”“I’m not. Remus and I think so much noise wouldn’t be good for me or the baby.”“Fair enough.”

The moment Rhiannon put down her broom for good, she and Remus discussed having a child. They took a year to have everything in their lives in order before going for it. Now two months away from the birth, Rick agreed that it was a wise decision. He had no proof but he was sure Lea was born premature because of this.

“What about you?” inquired Eva. Rhiannon laughed at the absurdity of the question.“He has a whole quidditch team of children! What do you think?”“I’m pretty sure they would tie me up and sacrifice me to an evil god if I ever pronounce the first letter of ‘Not-bloody-likely’ and their cousin and grandmother would help.” They had a good laugh about the thought. “Now, sorry to bail out on you girls but I gotta go. I have an appointment with my cousin about some business deal and he would nag me to death if I’m late.”

Rick stood up from his side of the booth and kissed the cheek of each lady who told him goodbye. He gave a nod to Tom and took the floo of the Leaky Cauldron to visit Regulus. He had received a call from Bella on his four-way mirror a few hours ago and learned that Regulus wanted to meet him later in the day for something important.

“Kreacher!”“Lord Black called?”

With a faint popping noise a house elf appeared in front of Rick. Kreacher was one of the few house elves the Black owned and Regulus’ favorite as he was the one he grew up with. When Walburga died, her youngest son asked Rick if he could release the elf so he could bond himself with him. Rick had no objection to it.

“Yes, Regulus said he wanted to see me?”“Yes, Master Regulus is in his office with a guest.”“A guest?”

But before he could ask, the elf was already gone. Making his way to his cousin, he was surprised to see him sharing a cup of tea with Bill Weasley.

“Guys. Glad to see you.”“Right on time.” Regulus said while Bill greeted Rick back.“Regulus... You suddenly come back early from Egypt with Bill and you tell me that I’m right on time? That doesn’t sound ominous to me at all.” The sarcasm dripped from Rick’s voice as he took a seat.“We encountered one at the dig.” Regulus went straight to the point but Rick wondered why.“Not one of his I suppose.”“Obviously.”“And Bill is here because?”“Since he works for the goblins he’s privy to some… rituals that could help. The problem is he can’t really help us with it if he doesn’t know what we’re talking about.”

When Rick looked at Bill, the redhead shrugged his shoulders.

“I only know that something foul was in the tomb and no one but Regulus knew what it was. He refused to talk about it beyond saying it was really dangerous and no one should touch it.”“It’s not that I refused, it’s that I couldn’t.”“Bill, while Regulus and I are very interested in what you know about the goblins’ rituals, know that the information you’re curious about… Well… It’s really bad. You could stay on the side lines but the simple knowledge may be too much to bear. Are you sure you want to know?”“... Yes. That sounds like something really awful and I can’t in good conscience ignore it. Not when I could do something about it.”

Rick gave a glance to Regulus who already brought out the most detailed book on horcruxes and one of the black boxes which contained one.

“Alright. I’d like to say ‘don’t come complaining to us afterwards’ but you’re not the type.” Taking a deep breath, Rick said one word: “Horcrux.”

The only reaction the redhead had was blinking.

“Should I know what it is?”“Read this.”

Bill looked down at the open book Regulus had put forward and began to read. The more he did, the paler his face became. An expression of horror and disgust etched on his features.

“Who in their right mind would…”“Very dark and mad wizards or witches.” Regulus replied.“How come I’ve never heard of it before? It’s the kind of thing I would have been taught during my curse-breaking training.”“That’s because back in 83, I put the knowledge about Horcruxes under a Fidelius. And to be fair, it’s such an obscure thing, I doubt even without it it would be taught in curse breaking courses.”

Bill’s mouth opened in shock when he heard that. He was familiar with the charm but didn’t know it could be used on something other than a location.

“Yes. That’s about the reaction Regulus and Dumbledore had when I gave them the idea.” The playful tone in Rick’s voice did nothing to liven up the mood.“Why? Such things… It can take possession of people, bring back dark wizards or witches. Curse-breakers need to know about it.”“Yes. And I will undo the secret once our task is done but not before.”“What task?”“Kill Voldemort for good.”

That brought Bill out of a loop. Everyone knew that the worst Dark Lord in history was killed on Halloween 1980 by none other than Lily Potter. Rick’s very own wife.

“He made an Horcrux!” the realization finally hit the redhead.“Yes. There were rumors among his ranks that he had walked farther than anyone down the path of immortality. Dumbledore believed so but had no idea how. We got confirmation in 81 when Bella visited her personal vault at Gringotts. She had forgotten about it but he had given her one for safekeeping. Not telling her what it was of course.”“He’s dead then. You did destroy it, right? Or are about to.”“No and for two reasons.”The redhead scowled. “They better be good. We’re talking about letting Voldemort live.”“One: He made several.”“....” Bill froze for a moment and passed his hands on his face in a wiping motion. “As if splitting his soul once wasn’t enough. How many?”“We believed he intended for six plus himself as the seventh piece.” replied Regulus. “So far we found three.”“Which brought us to the second reason. The asshole used very important artifacts. Helga Hufflepuff‘s cup, Rowena Ravenclaw-”“He found the diadem?!”“Yes and Dumbledore, Lily and I found where he stashed it. The reason I put a Fidelius on the knowledge was to prevent him or anyone else for that matter to make more. Also he wouldn’t be able to find and move them. Difficult to do so when you can’t remember what you’re looking for.”“Making him impossible to kill if he had the knowledge.” Bill concluded. “Can’t say I don’t understand why you did it.”“We’re telling you because we’ve been searching for a way to destroy the soul pieces without destroying the objects. I found nothing about it with human magic so I expanded my horizons.” explained Regulus.“The goblins. Hm…I don’t know if there is a specific ritual to transfer a piece of soul from an object to another but I do know there are for transferring curses. I would need the authorization to learn about them.”“Soul magic is not the same but we may devise our own ritual. We may not have much time however.” Rick said.“Why?”“Voldemort made a reappearance in 91. He was possessing a teacher at Hogwarts. Dumbledore and Lily failed to capture him. He’s some kind of wraith but I don't believe for long with Pettigrew and Rookwood in the wind, the latter being a former unspeakable.”“If we have to destroy the founders’ heirlooms we will but it’s a last resort. We also need to find the rest. As we said, we’re almost certain he was thinking of making six, we know for sure he made four and we have three.” Regulus shared.“What’s the missing one?”“The locket. He made an Horcrux when he was sixteen. He used his diary for it and it’s in our possession along with the cup and the diadem. Dumbledore has a lead he’s going to explore but it will take time.”Regulus explained his intentions. “I was hoping that the Horcrux we found in Egypt could be used as a test later. With the diary we only had one try to get it right, now we have two.”“Alright. I’ll take a look at the rituals. Do know that I’m under many oaths and can’t share the knowledge with you. I can only point you in some directions.”“It’s more than enough, Bill. Thank you. And of course…”“Not telling anyone about Voldemort being alive. Not like anyone would believe me anyway. One thing bothers me though. How could you hide knowledge like this? Isn’t the fidelius charm the ultimate cheat? You could hide… everything. From the number 2 to the existence of magic. That death even exists.”“Oh, no. That’s not how the Fidelius charm works.” Regulus chuckled in amusement.Rick didn’t and instead explained the limit of the spell to his former student. “The more known something is, the harder it is to make it a secret. You couldn’t hide magic because too many people know about it. Same for Death or any other concept or philosophy. For one: the magic for it would be tremendous, far more than any witch or wizard can have. For two: even if somehow you have enough magic, people will notice discrepancies as the object under the charm is just hidden, not suddenly out of existence. In the end the charm will simply break by itself.”Bill thought about it a bit more. “But in that case… couldn’t you hide a person? Someone unknown from… the masses.”“In theory? Yes. But that’s not so simple.”Regulus picked up the duty of explaining this time. “The fidelius requires three things. One: a target to hide, two: someone to cast the spell on someone else, three: the someone else to make a secret keeper off. Let’s say I make Rick the secret keeper of my own existence. I wouldn’t know I exist as a result. My mind would break on the spot and there would be no fixing it even if Rick whispers the secret in my ear, because my mind would be already gone and wouldn’t even hear his words. Although that’s not taking into account that the spell doesn’t work on a living organism to begin with.”“Ah, so no putting You-know-Who under a Fidelius then?” Bill sounded a bit disappointed.This time Rick was the one to laugh. “Very Slytherin of you, Bill. But no, it wouldn’t work. The reports of such tries are sparse but well documented. Living organisms are simply not affected by the charm. Also everything that makes up our world and universe. Let’s say… Gravity is only known by a handful, like a few centuries ago. No one would be able to put a fidelius on it. It’s too anchored into the fabric of reality for it to work. Why? Nobody has ever found out and honestly nobody should ever attempt to find out.”“Well… That’s not as much of a cheat as I thought it was but… why isn’t that charm…” Bill stopped his sentence realizing something. “Someone put a fidelius on the fidelius, that’s why it isn’t well known.”“That’s the common agreement, yes.” Regulus nodded.Bill continued his line of thought. “A secret keeper must have told a bunch of people then died and they all became a secret keeper. At least one of them must have written about it for other people to read and know the secret. The knowledge just… propagated on its own.”“That’s about it.”

The conversation dying down, Rick took his leave, Bill wanting to study the horcruxes Regulus was safekeeping.

Two days later he went with his family to the Quidditch finals. Ireland against Bulgaria. If he had to be honest, the game was quite dull and boring. Nothing much happened in his opinion. The only surprising thing was that Bulgaria caught the snitch but Ireland won by points. The Bulgarian seeker caught Rick’s attention for his skills. Viktor Krum was a natural on a broom and it showed. He lacked a tactical mindset however. Had Rick’s team been losing in points, he would have done anything to obstruct the other seeker instead of catching the snitch. There was always the possibility of your team making a comeback. Then again Bulgaria was losing 170 to 10. It was possible Krum caught the snitch to preserve his country’s dignity. A loss but a loss with only ten points of difference was better than a loss with a huge gap. Transylvania had completely humiliated England 390 - 30 and the Daily Prophet was still writing scathing articles about it (one of them begged for his, Eva’s and Rhiannon’s return) two weeks later.

The second Half of the month of August saw many guests at Lions’ Pride. On one part because there were a few birthdays to celebrate, on another because Hogsmeade was a ten minutes walk away and it was a good place for the children to hang around. Rose had asked her parents and Bella for permission to invite the Weasleys still going to school, meaning the twins, Ronald and their little sister Ginny but also Hermione (who after a week in the manor in early July had gone to France with her parents).

Molly had hesitated but Lily reminded her she could have two weeks for just herself and Arthur at home. Needless to say, the Weasley matriarch quickly agreed. The children were either playing quidditch in the huge backyard or visited Hogsmeade. Of course Bella didn’t care one bit and still went topless to the pool. Contrary to the beginning of Summer it was done on purpose to tease the boys. She knew they would rub more than one while thinking of her. What was the purpose? To be punished by either Lily, Rick or both.

It wasn't all fun and games. Rick and Lily made sure that all children were done with any summer homework they got and ready for the new year. That implied working on spells and duelling. When Rick shared with everyone that he would be the DADA teacher this year and not just a substitute, the children almost threw a party.

Minvera had sent him an owl regarding quidditch at school. She had convinced Dumbledore to have quidditch games involving not just Hogwarts students but also from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, the two other schools participating in the triwizard tournament. There was no age, no house or school restrictions and no prize either. It was a small tournament for fun and nothing else.

A week from the start of the school year, Rick got an urgent floo call from Dumbledore, asking to come to his office with Bellatrix. “I swear I didn’t do anything!” She defended herself on the spot.“... I never thought you did. I was wondering why he would want to see you, that’s all.” He narrowed his eyes thinking she actually did something from her quick reaction. “The speed at which you replied however is making me doubt. So when we get back, you better fess up.”

Bella winced but nodded. Joining him in the fireplace; they used the floo to get into Dumbledore’s office. To their surprise Albus wasn’t the only one present; Minerva was there too and wasn’t happy at all if the stern frown on her face was any indication. A total contrast of Albus who was a bit sheepish.

“Someone stole Minerva’s snitches?” Rick joked to smooth the atmosphere a bit.“I wish.”“ALBUS!” The Deputy Headmistress was on the verge of pulling her wand and cursing her superior.Everyone took a seat with the exception of Minerva who remained standing.

“As you know Durmstrang and Beauxbatons are coming at the end of October with all their sixth and seventh years so they could attempt to participate in the Triwizard Tournament. They will join our own students in class of course but-.”“Albus forgot to hire teachers for classes that we do not provide on a normal basis. Namely Alchemy and Dark Arts.” The emphasis held so much contempt that Rick was astonished she didn’t spat on the ground.“... You want Bella to teach the Dark Arts?” Rick's eyes were as wide as can be.Albus shook his head. “No. I’d rather that the Dark Arts would not be taught at all. However the pact between the three schools is clear. The hosting school must provide every class the other schools teach their students. Durmstrang teaching the Dark Arts…”Bella finished his sentence. “Hogwarts ought to teach the Dark Arts and you thought of me.”“Hm. Yes.”“You were the last choice on his list, Lady Black.”“Now, Minerva, there is no need to-”“Enough Albus. You screwed up, take the embarrassment like a man.”Dumbledore deflated and Bella smirked although she was a bit peeved that she wasn’t the first choice.

“I bet Fudge didn’t think about that when he brought back the tournament. That is a scandal waiting to be printed by the Prophet.” Rick mused aloud.“Unfortunately.”“Why ask me to teach alchemy and not Lily? I have more classes than she does.”

“Because he didn’t think of it!” shouted Minerva.Albus huffed and turned to his former apprentice. “Neither did you.”“I wasn’t the one who taught them the subject for two years, Albus!”“To my defense, I know Lily hasn’t practiced alchemy much over the years, unlike you.” The headmaster looked at Rick.“... You’re lucky I have a month to get to know where Beauxbatons is on Alchemy. And I’m getting paid for the job.”“That… may be a bit of a problem. The board of Governors has already set the budget for the year and…”“I want access to the books you removed from the Library. For Regulus.” Rick changed what he wanted.“... Oh! I can certainly do that.” It was a very good deal for Dumbledore. After years of meetings and talking with Regulus, he was well aware that the young man was creating a repository or archives of sorts for Black Magic to be better equipped to fight it. Just in case. Possibly adding more knowledge to the already extensive Black library wouldn’t hurt anyone.“But that’s for me. Bella?”“I’m definitely doing this. I’ll need Drumstrang’s course about the class. As for payment… Hm…” She tapped her lips with her index finger, deep in thought. After a minute, she grinned like a loony and everyone in the room dreaded what she would ask. “My own sleeping quarters.”

Minerva and Dumbledore all sighed in relief when they heard her.

“That’s an easy thing to do. May I ask why? Lions’ Pride is only a few minutes away.”“Just in case I feel horny between classes. I’m not going to drag my husband home to have sex then return to the castle.”

The bluntness of her statement made Rick facepalm. He loved his wife, he really did, but sometimes, like right now, he wished he could just strangle her with his bare hands. Before anyone could recover, he dragged her to the floo, telling Albus to send him the courses. He had a punishment to administer and he was sure Bella had asked for it subtly.