Gemini got annoyed. Directly ordered Kreacher to consolidate the Black family assets for her. Also commanded Kreacher to hand over the locket her uncle traded his life for. Better deal with this thing early. Kreacher's neurosis in the future might not be unrelated to that locket's influence.
Kreacher wailed again. Successfully scared both brats into crying. Gemini irritably drove Kreacher out of Number 4, Privet Drive. Told him to complete the orders quickly.
Gemini helplessly picked up Harry. Together with Flicker, coaxed the children. Finally got these two troublemakers to sleep. Only then breathed a sigh of relief.
During this time, Kreacher was already waiting timidly at the door. He'd finally learned to stay quiet.
Taking the various documents Kreacher brought, Gemini flipped through them casually. Nearly choked herself. What happened to this family?! Assets shrunk to this degree? Forget raising those two gold-swallowing brats—even James's small vault for Harry was richer than the current Black family!
Gemini rubbed her temples. Immediately remembered her childhood life. Shows how much effort Harry and Draco spent reviving the Black family back then.
Tossed aside all those messy documents that were practically negative assets. Gemini leaned back in her chair. Looked like she'd have to return to her old profession.
Before that, Gemini had to build name recognition in British magical society. Right now, one clear path lay before Gemini—a golden invitation Kreacher brought.
Picked up the invitation Gemini knew well. Opened it. Sure enough, from the Malfoys. Invited the new Black family head to attend a Malfoy banquet in one week. Upcoming guests included almost all of magical society's upper class.
Gemini frowned slightly. Some things seemed different from what she knew. In the original history, the Malfoys at this time were desperately trying to avoid interrogation. Not throwing grand banquets like now. Looked like the Malfoys couldn't be avoided.
"Damn brat! Keeping Master from returning to the old house! Filthy Muggle brat! How dare he order around the noble Black family head!" Kreacher's eyes reddened. Glared at the children sunbathing at the parlor entrance. Muttered curses constantly.
Gemini's gaze sharpened. "Kreacher! I order you to give me the locket!"
Kreacher shuddered hard. Struggled to pull a silver chain from his neck. Used all his strength to remove the necklace.
The locket fell on the carpet. Glowed eerily. Kreacher collapsed weakly to the side, gasping. Looked at the locket in terror.
"Alright, Kreacher. Leave this to me. You've done very well. I think Uncle Regulus would praise you." Gemini stood before Kreacher, blocking his view. Said gently.
Kreacher stood up trembling. Looked at Gemini hopefully. "Master will destroy that locket, yes? Master will help Kreacher complete young master's orders, yes?"
Gemini crouched down. Looked at Kreacher seriously. "Of course. I'll destroy it. If there's a chance, I'll bring my uncle back. His resting place shouldn't be that dark, damp lake bottom. He should sleep peacefully in the Black family cemetery. Receive descendants' respect."
Kreacher's tears fell in large drops. But remembered last time he scared the two children. Covered his mouth tightly, made no sound.
Gemini raised her hand to pat Kreacher reassuringly. But seeing the dirt on Kreacher, immediately withdrew her hand. Stood up disdainfully. "Kreacher, go clean yourself up. Don't disgrace the Black family. Look what you've made of yourself! Also, end those money-losing businesses. Post rental notices on the Diagon Alley shops. Just keep shop number 92 for me. I have use for it. Oh, contact Madam Malkin's. I need a suitable dress for the Malfoy banquet."
Kreacher bowed deeply. "Yes, Master! Kreacher will complete Master's orders!"
Next moment, Kreacher disappeared with those documents. Gemini frowned at the locket on the carpet. Honestly, she didn't dare touch this thing either.
"Flicker!" Gemini called.
The elf immediately appeared before Gemini. "I'm here, Miss. What are your orders?"
"Find Dumbledore. I need him here immediately. This thing is very evil. Must be handled by him." Gemini said seriously. "I said immediately. Nothing is more important than this locket. Understand?"
Flicker nodded hard. "Yes, Miss! I understand!"
After Flicker disappeared, Gemini put the two children at the door in their cradle. Levitated them upstairs. Better stay away from that thing. She'd heard Ron say the locket could draw out a person's deepest evil thoughts. Constantly tempted those around to do evil.
Soon, Flicker returned. Gemini got confirmation—Dumbledore would arrive immediately. Only then relaxed, let Flicker continue watching the children. She went downstairs to greet him. Looked like Kreacher needed to be activated too. One elf really wasn't enough!
Read the Daily Prophet in the parlor for a while. Gemini became restless. Her mind kept producing thoughts that even scared herself.
Fortunately she cleared up quickly. Immediately broke out in cold sweat. A spell hit the locket on the floor. The carpet burned a large hole. The locket flew up. Landed right in an aged hand.
"Wow, quite a greeting gift. This thing's been around a while!" Dumbledore carefully examined the locket. Tried to open it several times. Couldn't.
"This is indeed a greeting gift. Slytherin's locket. It has another name. Want to know?" Gemini looked at Dumbledore wickedly.
Dumbledore placed the locket on the table. Tapped the table. Two glasses of golden bubbling mead appeared. "Care for one? I feel your condition isn't quite right."
Gemini took a deep breath. Used magic she'd rarely used—Occlumency. Only then cleared those negative thoughts.
Picked up one glass. Gemini took a small sip. "Madam Rosmerta's treasured mead. When I was in school, it had already become a secret reserve. Wouldn't be brought out easily."
Dumbledore also picked up his glass. "Really? Then I should drink more. Something with such fame in the future must be truly excellent. Madam Rosmerta only brewed this two years ago. Looks like she succeeded!"
"So, calling me over so urgently—is there a problem?" Dumbledore put down his glass.
Gemini gestured with her chin toward the locket. "I bypassed my father, became the Black family head. The Black family elf gave me this. It relates to my uncle. And this thing—if I say its name, you should know what it means."
Dumbledore looked sharply at the locket. Spoke simultaneously with Gemini: "Horcrux!"
Gemini was only surprised for a moment, then understood. "Looks like you know about this thing."
Dumbledore pulled out dragon-hide gloves from his pocket. Carefully examined the locket. "I've been thinking about what Tom said. Just suspicions before. No concrete evidence. Now I'm certain. He really did it."
"Do you know how to destroy it?" Gemini asked.
Dumbledore turned it over with his gloved hand. "Nothing more than powerful Dark Magic. Or weapons with great power. But the prerequisite should be opening this locket."
Gemini nodded admiringly. Worthy of being the greatest wizard in a century. Figured it out in such short time. "In our history, Ron Weasley shattered it with Gryffindor's sword."
Dumbledore's eyes flickered. "The Weasleys' youngest son? Same year as Harry?"
Gemini nodded. "Yes. He's truly a Gryffindor. Reckless, scatterbrained, self-righteous. But can't deny his integrity, bravery, and valuing friendship."
Dumbledore smiled, stroking his beard. "Looks like Gryffindor has successors. I'm gratified."
Gemini's mouth twitched. Suddenly disliked Dumbledore's appearance. "But your successor is a Slytherin. Called the bravest person by the world. As for you—in the first year after death, your dark history was exposed. Quite notorious."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Really? That's wonderful. Looks like my successor gained everyone's recognition. Very good. Proves my judgment was correct. As for posthumous reputation—I just learned a phrase that fits here: After I die, let the floods come."
Gemini showed a wicked smile. "Too bad your successor wasn't chosen by you. He chose him." She nodded toward the locket. Wanted to see Dumbledore's embarrassment.
"So the next Headmaster is Severus? That's actually a good idea!" Dumbledore was only surprised for a moment. Smiled again, raised his glass toward Gemini.
Gemini pouted in frustration. Talking with clever people was uncomfortable. One slip and words got extracted.
"Alright, so how should this box be opened?" Dumbledore smiled, comforting Gemini. "I think it should be an uncommon method."
Gemini sighed. What else could she do? Tell the truth. Otherwise getting guessed again would be too discouraging. "Parseltongue. Tell it to open in Parseltongue. Shatter the soul fragment inside. Then you can completely destroy this Horcrux."
The entire house suddenly shook. Gemini immediately stood up, drew her wand. Looked around warily. Flicker came downstairs panicked, holding both children. Looked at them worriedly.
Gemini quickly went outside. Everything peaceful. Surrounding neighbors quietly doing their own things. Seemed not to sense anything wrong.
"Gemini, come back!" Dumbledore called.
Gemini also reacted. Returned to the parlor. "I think I said too much. This is a small warning."
"Seems so. Must be more careful from now on. I won't ask too much about some things either. If it causes you or these two children harm, I won't forgive myself even in death." Dumbledore said seriously. "I'll take this locket. I assume you know where his other Horcruxes are? Can hint subtly. But don't say directly."
Gemini nodded. "Hogwarts has a place that can find everything—stores Ravenclaw's relic. The world's safest vault holds Hufflepuff's gift. His original place has items proving his identity. And one possesses his cleverness and small past."
Speaking, Gemini traced lines in the air with her wand. Simply drew a diadem, cup, ring, and diary.
Dumbledore quickly memorized Gemini's words. Carefully sensed the surroundings. No disturbance. Both breathed sighs of relief.
"Listen. If you're going to search, better have a helper. The person in that tower is a good helper. I'm not speaking for him. Just—the things he did, I think you need to know." Gemini looked at him seriously. Had to divert Dumbledore's attention. Stop him constantly watching Harry. Look at Harry's school years—was even one year peaceful?
Dumbledore looked awkward. "So you know him?"
Gemini nodded. "Of course. In my world, everyone knows your relationship. He guarded your tomb with his death."
For an instant, Gemini saw tears flash in Dumbledore's eyes. Disappeared in a moment. "I think I understand. I'll seriously consider your suggestion." Dumbledore blinked, smiled.
"I don't want Harry going to school to find a new Headmaster." Gemini hinted subtly. "By the way, what's the Malfoys' situation? They're different from my world. Did something happen I don't know about?"
Dumbledore smiled. "After I return, I'll pass the information to you. Then you'll know."
Gemini nodded. Saw Dumbledore off. Only then let frightened Flicker take the children back to their room. She started writing to magical architects. Hoped they could come make small modifications to this house. After all, she'd be staying here at least ten years. Couldn't make do!
As for the Black ancestral home—honestly not suitable for children growing up. Specifically, look at the Sirius and Regulus brothers. Plus Dudley was a Muggle. Even more impossible.
But speaking of the Black ancestral home, Gemini thought of her grandmother's portrait. By the way, when did Grandmother Walburga die? Thinking this, Gemini suddenly startled.
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