Empty Souls
October 1988
One fact resurfaced during her investigation: Voldemort had a penchant for giving unique objects to his followers, which seemed to hold a special significance. Petunia began to suspect that these objects were more than mere tokens of favour—they were imbued with dark magic, possibly even tied to Voldemort’s power.
She knew Lucius had to know something; after all, he had once been part of the inner circle. As their meeting day approached that October, she got ready for that conversation.
October 1988
Petunia’s meeting with Lucius Malfoy in October was cut short, leaving a tension in the air that she could still feel hours later. The encounter had been carefully orchestrated. Every detail was meticulously planned. Petunia had dressed the part of the composed, no-nonsense MI5 officer she was, but a storm of emotions brewed beneath that exterior. The revelation that Voldemort liked to bequeath dark objects to his followers, possibly more sinister than she could imagine, set her on edge, and now, she needed answers—answers only Lucius Malfoy could provide.
As they sat in a private parlour of Malfoy Manor, the grandiose surroundings did little to ease Petunia’s nerves. She studied Lucius with a practiced eye, noting his controlled demeanor, the way his gaze flicked to her, assessing, calculating. The man was a master of manipulation, a dangerous game she had to play carefully.
They had discussed mundane topics, carefully veiled inquiries about the political climate and the ever-present tension in the wizarding world. But as the conversation meandered, Petunia knew she could no longer delay the inevitable. She needed to ask one question that would determine the course of her subsequent actions.
“Lucius,” she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. “There’s something I must ask you, and I need your absolute honesty.”
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Of course, Mrs. Dankworth. Ask whatever you wish.”
Petunia hesitated, choosing her words with care. She knew the risk of offending a man like Lucius Malfoy, a man who held power and secrets in equal measure. But she had to know.
“Did Lord Voldemort… did he ever give you something to guard? An object of significance, perhaps?”
For a moment, there was silence, thick and oppressive. Petunia watched as Lucius’s expression shifted, his cool mask faltering ever so slightly. His pale eyes narrowed, and she could see the gears turning in his mind. He was weighing his options, calculating the potential outcomes of his response.
Lucius leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. “Why do you ask, Petunia? What exactly are you suggesting?”
Her heart raced, but she kept her voice even. “Because I believe that object might be more dangerous than you realise. I’ve come across information—fragments, really—about the lengths Riddle went to ensure his power. I’m asking you this because if you do have such an object, you might not be fully aware of what it truly is.”
Lucius’s gaze hardened, the faintest flicker of fear crossing his features before it was quickly masked. Petunia knew then that she had struck a nerve. He had something. She was certain of it.
“I see,” he replied slowly, his voice devoid of its usual arrogance. “And if I were to have such an item, what would you suggest I do with it?”
Petunia leaned forward slightly, her tone growing more intense. “We need to neutralise it, Lucius. These objects are not just tools of power—they are twisted, cursed things that pose a danger to everyone around them. If Voldemort entrusted you with one, then you are in more danger than you might think.”
Lucius remained silent, his thoughts hidden behind a carefully maintained façade. Petunia could see the conflict in his eyes, the struggle between his fear of the Dark Lord and the instinct for self-preservation.
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, a sharp knock interrupted them. The door creaked open, and Narcissa Malfoy stepped into the room, her presence as elegant and cold as always.
“Lucius, darling, we have guests arriving soon,” Narcissa said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “We mustn’t keep them waiting.”
Lucius glanced at Petunia, his expression unreadable. “It seems our conversation will have to be continued another time, Mrs. Dankworth.”
Petunia nodded, masking her frustration. “Of course. Thank you for your time, Lucius.”
As she left Malfoy Manor, her mind raced with the implications of their conversation. She had seen the doubt in Lucius’s eyes, the brief flash of fear. It was clear he had something to hide, something connected to Voldemort’s dark legacy.
But the question remained: Would Lucius act on the information she had given him, or would he continue to cling to the dangerous power he held? Petunia knew one thing for certain—this was far from over. She would need to be prepared for whatever came next, whether it meant dealing with Lucius or taking more drastic measures to secure the safety of those she cared about.
The stakes were higher than ever, and Petunia was determined not to let fear or uncertainty cloud her judgment. She would find out the truth, even if it meant confronting the darkest secrets of the wizarding world.
December 1988
As December 1988 descended upon them, the cold winds that swept through the vast Malfoy estate seemed to mirror the deepening tension in the air. The grandeur of Malfoy Manor, with its towering walls and intricate tapestries, held an air of foreboding that seemed even more pronounced as winter settled in. Petunia had spent years carefully navigating the complex web of alliances and secrets that surrounded her, but the chill in the air wasn’t just from the weather—it was a reflection of the unspoken fears and unresolved issues that lingered between her and Lucius Malfoy.
Since October, their last meeting had left Petunia with more questions than answers. It was a question she had asked Lucius before, but his evasive answers had never satisfied her. As they sat in the opulent drawing room of Malfoy Manor, the fire crackling in the hearth, Petunia decided that the time had come to confront him once again. The stakes were too high, and she could no longer afford to let this question go unanswered.
Petunia asked him once again: Had Voldemort ever given him anything special or otherwise? The question was loaded, and Petunia knew it. Lucius had always been guarded about his past with the Dark Lord, but their alliance had grown strong over the years, and she hoped that strength would compel him to reveal the truth.
Lucius sat across from her, his expression inscrutable, his silver-blonde hair catching the firelight. He sipped his wine, seemingly at ease, but Petunia knew better. She had spent years honing her ability to read people, to detect the slightest shifts in their demeanor. Lucius’s calm exterior was a mask, one that he had worn for so long that it had almost become a part of him. But Petunia was determined to see beyond it.
Taking a deep breath, she met his gaze directly, her voice steady but laced with the weight of the question she was about to ask. “Lucius,” she began, her tone measured, “I need to ask you something, and I hope you’ll give me an honest answer this time.”
Lucius raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “You’ve always been straightforward, Petunia. What’s on your mind?”
She didn’t hesitate. “Had Voldemort ever given you anything special or otherwise?”
The question hung in the air between them, heavy with implication. Petunia knew it was loaded—knew that it touched on the part of Lucius’s past that he had always kept guarded. But she also knew that their alliance had grown strong enough over the years that he would afford her the courtesy of truth.
For a moment, Lucius said nothing. He stared at her, his pale eyes searching her face for any sign of deception or ulterior motive. Petunia held his gaze, unflinching, determined to show him that she was not asking out of curiosity but out of necessity.
Finally, Lucius set his wine glass down, his fingers lingering on the stem as if he were weighing his options. “You’ve asked me this before,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a note of caution.
“And you never answered,” Petunia replied evenly. “Not in a way that satisfied me.”
Lucius leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the flames in the fireplace. The flickering light cast shadows on his face, accentuating the lines of tension that had formed over the years. When he finally spoke, his voice was laced with a rare hint of vulnerability.
“Voldemort gave me many things, Petunia,” he said, his words measured. “Power, influence, fear—all tools he used to control those who followed him. But if you’re asking whether he gave me something more... tangible, then the answer is yes.”
Petunia’s heart quickened. She had suspected as much, but hearing Lucius admit it was another matter entirely. “What was it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucius hesitated, his gaze still fixed on the fire. “A diary,” he finally said, his tone flat. “A simple, unassuming diary. He told me it was important, that I was to keep it safe until he asked for it.”
“A diary?” Petunia’s mind raced. Of all the things she had expected, this was not it. “Why would he give you a diary?”
Lucius’s lips curved into a bitter smile. “Because it wasn’t just a diary, Petunia. It was a dark object.”
The existence of such a thing in Lucius’s possession was a revelation that could change everything.
“Do you still have it?” Petunia asked, her voice urgent.
Petunia’s heart quickened. This was precisely what she had feared—perhaps it was something sinister like a Horcrux, an object that might contain a fragment of Voldemort’s soul, capable of bringing him back from the dead.
Lucius had shown Petunia the diary, and she asked him to identify it. Lucius said he needed some time to confirm. A week later, Lucius told Petunia that the diary was a Horcrux, and her worst fears and nightmares were confirmed.
December 1988
The Destruction of the Horcrux and the Search for Others
With the knowledge of the diary, Petunia and Lucius faced a new challenge: how to destroy it. They knew that merely destroying the object would not be enough—they had to find a way to eliminate the dark magic that bound Voldemort’s soul to it. With his deep knowledge of dark magic, Lucius suggested a ritual that could cleanse the diary of its dark essence. The ritual was dangerous and required careful preparation, but it was the only way to ensure that the Horcrux was indeed destroyed.
Meanwhile, Petunia turned her attention to another possible Horcrux—the one she suspected was in the hands of Sirius Black's deranged cousin. After Sirius had become Lord Black, he could access other family members' vaults as the family's lord.
December 1988
A week later
In December 1988, Sirius Black's journey as Lord Black proved to be both a turbulent and transformative experience. A year earlier, he had seized control of the Bellatrix Lestrange vault, a move that marked his growing power within the wizarding world. However, the true significance of this event became apparent when Petunia and Lucius approached him, both insisting that they needed to examine the contents of the vault.
Curiosity piqued and wary of what they might uncover, Sirius agreed. Together, they descended into the depths of Gringotts, where they meticulously combed through the dark and twisted relics Bellatrix had hoarded. Among the items, one object stood out: a small, unassuming cup. Yet, despite its modest appearance, it exuded a dark and malevolent aura that sent chills through them all.
It was in that moment of dread and realisation that they understood what they had found: Horcruxes. The revelation was as horrifying as it was staggering. Voldemort had not just created one but multiple vessels to safeguard his soul. The weight of this discovery pressed heavily on Sirius as he recalled an object that had once been in his possession—a locket he had initially believed to be a mere family heirloom connected to one of his ancestors.
Lucius’s eyes widened slightly, a rare display of genuine surprise. “Bellatrix’s vault,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Of course… the cup. That must be Hufflepuff’s Cup. I never imagined she would be trusted with something so crucial.”
Petunia leaned forward, the urgency of the situation pressing on her. “We need to destroy these objects. Every last one of them. If we’re to ensure that Voldemort never returns, we can’t leave anything to chance.”
Lucius nodded slowly, the gravity of the situation settling over him. “You’re right. But it won’t be easy. These Horcruxes are protected by powerful dark magic. Destroying them will require knowledge and resources beyond what most wizards possess.”
Petunia’s determination only grew stronger. “Then we find the people who can help us. My colleagues helped me before to destroy one with Fiendfyre, an extremely dangerous operation.
No matter what needs to be done, it will be done. We use every connection and every piece of information we have. This is too important to leave unfinished.”
Lucius looked at her with a mix of admiration and resolve. “We’ll need to be careful. If word gets out that we’re hunting Horcruxes, it could draw unwanted attention—from both sides. But I agree, Petunia. We must act.”
They returned to Sirus's house to strategise and plan their next steps. They sat down in the living room, contemplating the enormity of what the Horcrux meant for their future.
As the gravity of the situation settled in, Kreacher, the Black family house-elf, entered the room, his face etched with fear and sorrow. The sinister presence emanating from the cup had drawn him, triggering memories long buried.
“Kreacher thought the locket was the only one; Master Regulus… forgive Kreacher…” the elf sobbed, his voice choked with guilt and despair.
Hearing this, Sirius was devastated. The realisation that his brother, Regulus, had tried to destroy the locket Horcrux, that Kreacher has tried as well, to realise that was why the elf was so determined to destroy the locket all those years ago. A task his brother entrusted the elf.
All the emotions rushing through, all the memories and his guilt towards his brother were a crushing blow to Sirius. The tragedy of Regulus's sacrifice and the fact that the evil they had both fought against still lingered weighed heavily on Sirius. It was a moment of profound grief, mixed with a renewed determination to see the fight through to the end, to destroy the Horcruxes and finally vanquish the dark lord who had brought so much suffering to their world.
December 1988
A New Mission
Petunia and Lucius’s alliance took on a new and dangerous purpose with this revelation. They were no longer just protecting their families and securing their futures—they were actively working to eliminate the remnants of Voldemort’s dark legacy. The stakes had never been higher, and the risks were immense. But both of them knew that this was a mission they could not afford to fail.
Petunia, with her connections in the Muggle world and her unique perspective on magical threats, began gathering information and resources, seeking out those who could assist in the destruction of the Horcruxes. Lucius, with his knowledge of dark magic and his influence within the magical community, set to work discreetly tracing the locations of any other Horcruxes that might still be hidden.
As they embarked on this dangerous path, they both knew that the road ahead would be treacherous. The Horcruxes were not just objects; they were pieces of Voldemort himself, imbued with his malevolence and cunning. Destroying them would require not just power and knowledge but also the willingness to confront the darkest parts of their own pasts.
But they were determined. December 1988 marked the beginning of a new chapter in their alliance—one that would test their limits, challenge their beliefs, and ultimately decide the fate of the world they were fighting to protect.
With the help of Remus Lupin and Severus Snape, who had reluctantly joined their efforts. The destruction of the Horcruxes became a turning point in their fight against Voldemort. Each object destroyed weakened the Dark Lord’s hold on life, bringing them one step closer to ending his grip on life and ensuring he was never resurrected. But the journey was far from over. Petunia knew that there were more Horcruxes out there, hidden away in places that only Voldemort and his most trusted followers knew about.
Petunia also understood that their actions had put them all in grave danger. Voldemort would not take the destruction of his Horcruxes lightly, and if he ever discovered who was responsible, there would be dire consequences. But Petunia was not deterred. She had long since accepted that her life was one of constant risk, and she was willing to do whatever it took to protect Harry and ensure that Voldemort was defeated.
The word sent a chill down her spine. Horcruxes—fragments of a soul, hidden away in objects to anchor the creator to the mortal world. She can only hope to get them all…
As she sits alone in a dimly lit study, Petunia's face is etched with a mix of anger, fear, and determination. Muttering to herself, "It's all so clear now. Tom Riddle, Voldemort, whatever he wants to be called, he needs to be stopped. He's the one behind Lily's death."
She pauses, her eyes filled with a chilling intensity. That scar on Harry... it's connected. Lily knew she was going to die, and Sirius wasn't there. She must have done something—a ritual—something dark and powerful. And Voldemort was involved somehow. The magical world is so whimsical. It's frustrating.
She leans forward, her voice lowering to a whisper. " I'm not convinced he's really dead. He might be using those Horcruxes to become even more powerful. Or... maybe he is dead, and one of his followers is trying to bring him back". Petunia sits back, her expression hardening. Whatever the case, I won't rest until he's gone.