The Last Horcrux/Bedroom/Summon Servus

“Servus,” you say loudly, drawing the memory of your House-elf from the girl’s memory.

There is a loud crack and the house-elf appears.

“Mistress,” the creature acknowledges you, bowing.

You look at the house-elf. It appears to be in late middle age, whatever that means for these beings, and is wearing some rough and dirty apparel that it has made for itself from dirty rags, carefully stitched together. You notice that Emily’s memories range from tormenting the creature when she was a young child, to treating it with respect as she became older. The house-elf simply looks at you, waiting for your command.

“Servus,” you begin, realising its name means Slave in Latin, “are there any magical enchantments on this house that I am unaware of? In particular, would the Ministry of Magic be aware if I cast any spells in here?”

There is the faintest hint of suspicion in the house-elf’s eyes. Just a flicker, and then it is gone, but it was definitely there.

“Of course Mistress. As Mistress knows, the House is shielded from scrying, clairaudience, clairvoyance, apparition, will warn of any intruders and will repel muggles. Muggles won’t even see it. If there are any other enchantments woven into the Mythal, then Servus does not know of them. But Mistress also knows that she is too young to practice magic, according to Wizard law. Servus can also see that Mistress has her mother’s wand. Is Mistress wanting to practice magic?”

“I have no need to practice magic as you put it,” you snap back, briefly pointing your mother’s wand at the house-elf. It was intended as a gesture rather than a threat, but you see it’s eyes widen in surprise as you do it, “I am quite capable of doing any magic I choose to. I simply want to know if the Ministry will know about it is all.”

Servus looks thoughtful for a moment, “Most ordinary scrying is prevented by the enchantments on the house, but the Ministry is powerful, and their laws on underage magic by wizards and witches are…”

“Irrelevant to me,” you interrupt.

“…very strict,” Servus continues, “in just two weeks, Mistress will be going to Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches. Once there, Mistress can practice as much magic as she likes. Servus would advise Mistress not to risk doing any magic until then, but Servus can also see that Mistress has some enchantments on her already. Did Mistress enchant herself? Or was it another?”

This time it is your turn to eye Servus suspiciously. Somehow, he can see the woven quintessence of your magical protection spells, something you were aware house-elves could do, but had not recalled until this moment. You also know that Revelare Magicae would temporarily grant you this power, meaning another Wizard that knew this spell could see your protection magic even though they couldn’t use Occlumency to prove that you had cast it.

“Servus,” you ask the house-elf, “you are loyal to my family, are you not?”

The creature looks surprised, almost offended at your question, “of course Mistress. Servus has been loyal to House Lestrange for almost ninety-two years now.”

“Then you won’t tell the Ministry of Magic if I cast any spells?” You ask.

Servus looks apprehensive, then resolute, “No Mistress. Servus is loyal.”

“Good,” you say, then point your wand at your body, “Obscurus Magicae” you enchant, hiding the magic aura of your protection enchantments, “can you see my enchantments now?”

“No Mistress,” the house-elf seems genuinely surprised at your sudden and adept magic-use, “Servus cannot see it. In fact, Servus cannot distinguish mistress from a common Muggle now. All of Mistress’ power is hidden. How has Mistress learned…”

“Enough,” you say, silencing him. “My next question is, when am I able to access my family vault at Gringotts bank?”

Servus looks at you again. His suspicion clearly written on his face now.

“Of course Mistress. Now that Mistress is of age and will shortly be attending Hogwarts, Mistress can visit the bank and the vault, but why would Mistress need to visit the vault? What would Mistress need from there? If Mistress really wants to go, Servus would advise Mistress to visit with Mistress Bellatrix.”

You think on what Servus has said. In addition to a large amount of wealth, there is something very important in that vault.

What do you do next?

• Summon Miss Lancel, your Nanny
• Summon Bellatrix Lestrange, your Paternal Aunt - But... isn't she in Azkaban?