Knight of Pentacles, Queen of Wands

Ch 16: The Tower

"What is that, Lucius?" Regulus asked while raising an eyebrow in the blond wizard's direction.

"If you must know it is a gift from Narcissa."

Lucius sniffed condescendingly and fingered the handle of his new snakehead cane. Regulus snorted in amusement.

"Say no more. Let's get on with it, shall we?"

They all met at the gates of Hogwarts and Severus was under the invisibility cloak. With Black's loose lips they were all taking a risk by even showing up. Lucius and Regulus were risking Azkaban by even being here, but knowing Lucius he already had a defense at the ready should it come to that. It spoke volumes about how all three of them took the threat of Voldemort much more seriously than they originally had when they joined the Death Eaters.

"Leave the Horcrux to me," Lucius said quietly. "I found a spell or two in the library at home that might be useful. If it is indeed at Hogwarts I should be able to retrieve it."

"Well, that's a relief as I know of no such spell and neither does Severus."

Lucius cut Regulus off in an irritated tone.

"I expected as much. It will cost me quite a bit to use such a dark spell and if I'm caught, then I fully intend to call in the debt you both owe me."

Lucius pasted his most posh and disdainful expression on his face when Hagrid came to the gates to let them in.

"Dumbledore asked me ter let yer in," the half-giant said jovially.

Lucius chose to say nothing and Regulus smirked. This caused Hagrid to change his tune and eye them both distrustfully.

"Thank you Hagrid, I'll take them from here."

Severus would know that voice anywhere and his heart began to race. Dumbledore had come to meet them and he only hoped that the old wizard couldn't see through invisibility cloaks.

"Ah, Mr. Black and Mr. Malfoy. Welcome to Hogwarts. The Governors are waiting on you in the Great Hall, Mr. Malfoy. I trust you remember the way?"

"Headmaster."

Lucius inclined his head briefly before stalking off toward the castle.

"Mr. Black, would you mind if I call you Regulus?"

"Not at all, Headmaster."

Regulus turned one of his most charming smiles toward the famous older wizard and Dumbledore smiled back.

"Very good. If you'd follow me to my office then we can get started."

It wasn't long at all before Severus found himself attempting to navigate his way to Dumbledore's office without revealing his presence. He willed himself to not worry about anything other than his goal of retrieving Gryffindor's Sword, though he didn't have much hope of success in that endeavor.

"Sherbet Lemon?"

"No, thank you."

"I must admit, Regulus, that I was a bit surprised to hear from you regarding the open teaching position. May I ask what motivated your decision to want an interview?"

"Well, this may sound a bit ridiculous, but I rather like the idea of teaching. Mother complained, of course. She thinks it beneath me..."

"Ah, and how is Walburga Black these days?"

"Quite the same as ever, Headmaster. I can't say the same for Father, however. He's in hospital. He has a heart condition."

"Indeed. I am quite sorry to hear it. Please give them both my regards."

"Of course."

"I've heard some interesting reports regarding you lately."

Severus was immediately on alert, and he quickly rounded the Headmaster's desk where he recalled the sword would likely be. Regulus maintained a look of polite interest on his face, but Severus knew the wizard was likely practically panicking by that point.

"Oh? Do tell."

"I saw your brother Sirius just yesterday."

Dumbledore was dragging things out and playing with him, Severus knew.

"Really. I trust he is well?"

Severus winced as soon as the words left Regulus' mouth. He said it in just the right way to cause Dumbledore to think he didn't care at all, and that he knew his brother hadn't been well. It was definitely the wrong thing to say. Dumbledore's eyes hardened.

"Quite. No thanks to your Dark Lord, however."

"My Dark Lord?"

Severus could only hope that Regulus chose not to go for his wand. The wizard remarkably maintained his calm demeanor. Severus didn't think he could have done the same in his position.

"From what your brother told me, you are a willing follower of Lord Voldemort, Regulus," the Headmaster said sadly.

Regulus snorted.

"Sirius and I haven't got along in years. I wouldn't take to heart anything he said, Headmaster. Mother disowned him for his antics."

Severus began attempting to silently disable the wards where the sword was kept.

"He showed me his recently acquired Dark Mark."

"Truly? So, technically one could say that he was Sirius' Dark Lord, if anyone's."

Severus had to give Regulus his due. The younger wizard was certainly giving Dumbledore a crash course in Slytherin evasion. Not that Dumbledore wasn't already familiar with such tactics, having used them often himself.

"These are dark times, my boy. If you could prove to me that you weren't a Death Eater, I would be much more at ease with welcoming you to my staff. If you're free of the Dark Mark, the position is yours."

Severus finally got the desk drawer open. The tension was so thick in the room that you could cut it with a knife. Dumbledore's attention was completely focused on Regulus. Severus eased the drawer open and saw the sword.

Regulus laughed. It had a bitter ring to it.

"While your concern is understandable, Headmaster, I must say that I'm a bit offended at your assumption. The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black is a well-respected family in Wizarding society. The very idea you suggest is crass."

Severus had the sword in hand now and Dumbledore hadn't noticed yet. Hopefully, he wouldn't notice at all. Thankfully, it was well concealed under his cloak. Now, all he had to do was close the drawer and reset the wards so the Headmaster would be none the wiser.

"Perhaps. I would hope you could forgive an old man whose only concern is for the safety of the students of this venerable institution. I intend no slight to your family name. However, I must insist."

Dumbledore's voice had taken on a steely edge, and Severus hoped Regulus knew what he was about.

"Now see here, Albus! My great-grandson is under no obligation to show you anything. The very idea that you accuse him of such a thing is an offense to my sensibilities. A Black would never harm students, no matter their political inclinations. He's well within his right to challenge you to a duel. Why, back in my day..."

"But it isn't your day any longer, Phineas. My first duty is always to the school."

Severus thanked his lucky stars for nosy portraits. He had successfully replaced the wards and Phineas Nigellus Black was an excellent extra distraction. Any delays would only work in their favor. Severus had already taken a position next to the door. Now, if only Lucius was able to follow through on his end.

There was a knock on the door. With a flick of his wand Dumbledore had opened it to reveal Lucius Malfoy. Think of the devil and he appears, Severus thought wryly.

"I do hope you forgive the intrusion, Headmaster. However, I must speak with Regulus. You see I just received an owl from Narcissa regarding a family matter."

Regulus looked simultaneously relieved and worried at the same time.

"Mr. Malfoy, we are quite busy. Can't this wait?"

Dumbledore's tone indicated that he wasn't happy at possibly losing the advantage.

"I'm afraid not."

Regulus had already stood and Severus wasted no time in slipping through the door.

"Is it Father?"

Lucius was obviously not pleased at having to air any sort of family business in front of the Headmaster, but he nodded tersely with a clenched jaw.

"Your mother requests your presence at home immediately."

"We will continue this discussion at another time, Regulus. My condolences."

Regulus looked rather devastated.

"Please, do excuse me."

Lucius merely sniffed at Dumbledore.

"I must also cut short my visit, Headmaster. My wife was rather fond of her uncle."

"Of course, Mr. Malfoy. Good day."

When they made it past the gates, Lucius further elaborated on the situation and had a brief look of genuine emotion cross his face when he did so.

"Your father, Regulus. The Healers aren't able to do anything. He's at home now and he hasn't passed yet. It's only a matter of time though."

Regulus closed his eyes wearily and nodded.

He then asked the still invisible Severus, "Did you get the sword?"

"Yes."

"Good. Lucius, did you?"

"Yes. Ravenclaw's Diadem, if you were wondering. I had to Obliviate another Governor who had followed me into the Come and Go Room. This is not the place for discussion though. We're needed back at Grimmauld Place."

None of them were able to Apparate, however, as they suddenly found themselves at the mercy of a group of Aurors who were employing an Anti-Disapparition Jinx. One Auror, in particular, worried Severus. He would know Mad-Eye Moody anywhere.

"Department of Magical Law Enforcement! Put your wands down and place your hands on your heads!"

Severus had his wand in his hand and he knew that Mad-Eye could see him.

"Careful lads, there's one under an invisibility cloak of some sort. I almost didn't spot him."

Severus was as ready for another fight as he'd ever be. It had always been an inevitable occurrence. Rather Moody than the Dark Lord.