A Purchase That Wasn't a Purchase
Lucien and Akeno left Borgin and Burkes hand in hand.
The deeper parts of Knockturn Alley slowly gave way behind them, though the air remained thick with shadows and bad choices.
Akeno hummed cheerfully.
"That went well."
Lucien nodded.
"Too well. That worries me."
They were just about to turn a corner when Lucien stopped.
Something felt… wrong.
Ahead of them, a dark wizard was speaking loudly, gesturing to someone beside him.
"Fine goods! Cheap! Strong, obedient—"
Lucien's eyes narrowed.
A woman stood there.
Her skin was tanned, streaked with dirt.
Her clothes were ragged, torn in places.
Her eyes were dull—not empty, just tired.
Very tired.
Lucien didn't know why.
But something in his chest twisted sharply.
"…Akeno," he said quietly.
She followed his gaze. Her smile vanished.
"That's not a sale," she said softly. "That's slavery."
Lucien stepped forward.
An Exchange That Should Never Exist
"How much?" Lucien asked calmly.
The dark wizard blinked, then grinned greedily.
"Three thousand galleons."
Lucien didn't argue.
He simply handed the money over.
The man snatched it eagerly and disappeared down the alley without a second glance.
Lucien turned to the woman.
"You're free," he said gently.
She stared at him.
"…Free?" she whispered.
Then her shoulders slumped.
"That doesn't help," she said quietly. "I don't have a place to live. No one will care if I disappear."
Lucien hesitated for half a second.
Then he held out his hand.
"Then come with us."
She froze.
"…Is that okay for you?" she asked carefully.
Lucien nodded.
"Yes."
She swallowed hard.
"…My name is Seraphina Zabini."
Lucien blinked.
"…Zabini?"
He tilted his head slightly.
"Do you know someone named Blaise Zabini?"
She shook her head slowly.
"No. I don't."
Lucien nodded.
"Alright," he said simply. "Let's go home."
Akeno smiled brightly and slipped an arm around Seraphina's shoulders.
"You're safe now," she said.
Seraphina didn't respond.
She was too busy trying not to cry.
The Lionhardt Mansion — Recovery Mode
The moment they arrived, Lucien gave quiet instructions.
"Sylpha. Grayfia."
Both nodded instantly.
"We'll take care of her," Grayfia said calmly.
Seraphina was gently led away for a bath and clean clothes.
Lucien waited in the lounge, arms folded, expression thoughtful.
Later—
Seraphina returned.
Clean.
Well-fed.
Standing a little straighter.
Lucien froze.
"…Huh."
Her appearance had changed completely.
Dark skin glowing softly.
Sharp, confident features.
Golden eyes.
She looked—uncannily like Yoruichi Shihōin.
Lucien stared.
Akeno leaned in.
"…You weren't expecting that, were you?"
"No," Lucien admitted. "Not even slightly."
Seraphina ate quietly, carefully, like she expected the food to disappear.
It didn't.
A New Opportunity
After dinner, Lucien asked gently,
"What skills do you have?"
Seraphina hesitated.
"…Management. Finance. Numbers."
Lucien turned to Nagini.
"Make her your assistant."
Nagini raised an eyebrow.
"Trial period?"
"Yes," Lucien said. "If she passes, full-time."
Nagini nodded.
Lucien looked back at Seraphina.
"You can stay here. You'll live in the mansion. Help Nagini manage the stores."
Seraphina stared.
Then her hands trembled.
"…I have a place to stay?" she whispered.
"And a job," Lucien confirmed.
She broke down crying.
Akeno immediately hugged her.
Business Continues (Because of Course It Does)
Later that night, Lucien handed Nagini a folder.
"The Borgin and Burkes contract," he said.
"And the Berserker Potion formula."
Nagini opened it once.
Then closed it slowly.
"…Two hundred a year?"
"Yes," Lucien replied. "You'll oversee production and delivery."
Nagini nodded.
"I'll handle it."
Lucien leaned back slightly.
Another problem solved.
Another life changed.
Tomorrow would bring more chaos.
But for tonight—
The Lionhardt mansion was a little fuller.
And a little warmer.