Chapter 9: The Term Ends

One day after the students were done with their end-of-year exams (or O.W.L.s for fifth years and N.E.W.T.s for seventh years), Charlus Junior and Harry Potter were called to the Headmaster's office. To their surprise, Junior's mother Dorea Potter nee Black was there. "What's wrong, mother?" Junior asked out of concern.

"There's no easy way to say this, Junior, your Aunt Cassiopeia passed away." Dorea sadly explained. "Junior, Harry, I'm pulling you from Hogwarts to attend her funeral."

"It's within your rights as Junior's mother and Harry's guardian, Dorea." Headmaster Dumbledore solemnly said. "I'll explain your absence to the other students." It went unsaid that Junior's little sister is Cassiopeia's goddaughter.

Like it happened back when Arcturus Black died, Minister Fudge tried to curry favor with the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black since he saw them as a way to reach the Boy-Who-Lived. "Sirius Black, I would like to offer you my condolences over the passing of your Grandaunt Cassiopeia."

"Thank you, Minister." Sirius said with fake politeness. That was the worst part of being a pureblood from one of the oldest families in Wizarding Britain as far as he was concerned.

Per insistence of Charlus and Dorea Potter, the funeral was guarded by goblins who were instructed to check everyone in attendance for the Imperius Curse. Narcissa Malfoy nee Black was so attached to her recently deceased Grandaunt she goaded Lucius into accepting this. If not for the fact it was a funeral, he'd laugh at Lucius over that.

After the funeral, Cassiopeia's friends and relatives went to Minister Fudge's office for the reading of her will.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF CASSIOPEIA BLACK

I, Cassiopeia Black, in sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament in detriment of any and all previous wills I made.

To my grandniece Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, I bequeath the silver necklace my parents gave me when I became sixteen years old.

To my sister Dorea Potter nee Black, I bequeath 25 thousand Galleons.

To my goddaughter Cassiopeia Potter, I bequeath the remainder of my estate.

If Narcissa and/or her husband Lucius Malfoy challenge this will, her benefit shall be forfeited in favor of my sister Dorea.

Signed

Cassiopeia Black.

Witnesses

Lester Gamp

Elizabeth Bullstrode

Lucius Malfoy would rather challenge the will in order of getting more of Cassiopeia's estate but Narcissa wouldn't allow him to jeopardize her chances of having the necklace. Especially after the spectacle from back when Lucius tried to challenge Arcturus Black's will. Most people there assumed the necklace was just a way to discourage the Malfoys from issuing such a challenge.

After that, Harry and Junior returned to Hogwarts, where they resumed his student duties for the rest of the term.

With Harry Potter back in the castle, his Head of House was required to present himself at Headmaster Dumbledore's office to report on the boy's behavior. "Anything I should be concerned about Harry, Severus?" Headmaster Dumbledore asked.

"The brat is reacting as expected from someone who had just lost family on a peaceful way." Professor Snape neutrally said.

"Thank you, Severus." Dumbledore replied. "Now, for some good news: remember when we were discussing ways to get the Diary Horcrux Voldemort entrusted to Lucius Malfoy?"

"Will we finally ask Lucius to hand it over?" Snape asked in reply. His face betrayed no emotions but he's secretly hoping that's the case.

"Not exactly." Dumbledore answered with a malicious smile.

At Malfoy Manor, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were genuinely sad. Narcissa because of her Grandaunt Cassiopeia's death and Lucius because they didn't get anything but a measly necklace. Their mourning was interrupted by the unexpected visit from Arthur Weasley and several Aurors with Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody. "What do we owe this visit, Weasley?" Lucius asked with a sneer.

"This is a raid." Weasley explained. "We have reason to believe you have a magical object with the darkest kind of magic that exists."

Lucius Malfoy scoffed at the idea. He was versed enough on the Dark Arts to know Arthur Weasley meant a Horcrux. The idea that he'd have one was ridiculous unless… at this point he grew worried… the diary the Dark Lord entrusted him with was one. Malfoy quickly dismissed the idea, however. While he wouldn't put it past Voldemort to make a Horcrux, he was certain that, if any Death Eater would be trusted with such an object, it'd be Bellatrix Lestrange.

Thanks to Moody's Mad Eye, T. M. Riddle's diary was soon found along with other stuff Lucius regretted not having a better place to hide them. "Mr. Malfoy, you're under arrest." Weasley declared and then talked to Narcissa. "Mrs. Malfoy, don't leave the country until investigations are over."

Back at Hogwarts, Severus Snape was appalled at what he heard. "Headmaster, I don't think it's a good idea to do it right after Narcissa Malfoy lost family."

"I acknowledge it's a bad timing but plans were already made before Cassiopeia's passing." Dumbledore sadly explained. Their conversation was then interrupted by Moody's corporeal Patronus. "The diary is with the Unspeakables and Malfoy is inside a Ministry cell."

"Severus, how's your Dark Mark?" Dumbledore asked.

"It's faint but still there showing that the Dark Lord still lives, Headmaster." Snape neutrally explained.

"Come with me, Severus." Dumbledore asked. "I want your arm where I can see it when I destroy that Horcrux."

As the time passed, Lucius Malfoy was wondering when Minister Fudge would order his release until he felt his arm burning. He then uncovered his arm to find… absolutely nothing. His Dark Mark was completely gone this time. He, like most who only obeyed Voldemort out of fear, was glad to know the Dark Lord was dead for real. 'Good riddance' he thought.

As Malfoy expected, Cornelius Oswald Fudge was trying to order Dumbledore to release him. Even the Horcrux tale wasn't enough to dissuade the corrupt Minister. "Perhaps he didn't know what the diary was. For all he knew, it was a gift from Riddle to Abraxas Malfoy."

In fact, that excuse was what allowed Malfoy to escape punishment other than paying a small fine for keeping dark objects.

During the end-of-term feast, Headmaster Dumbledore made a surprising announcement. "Attention, students. Believing he's better at making potions than teaching others how to do it, Professor Snape decided to quit his job at Hogwarts and open a potions shop at Diagon Alley." Most students cheered at the fact, even Slytherins. "Look at how happy they are for you, Severus." Dumbledore said like he believed it.

"No point training Death Eaters to be without Voldemort to command them, Snivellus?" Sirius mocked Snape.

Dumbledore decided to ignore Sirius. "With Professor Snape's resignation, Professor Vector will take over as Head of Slytherin." The students gave some polite applause. "Hopefully, we'll have a new Potions Master by the time the next term begins.

THE END

Author's Note: Lester and Elizabeth aren't any specific characters I know to be in canon. I just needed first names for the witnesses to Cassiopeia's will.