Assumption // Regulus Black

60

Regulus

I was only half conscious during Thalia's apparation. My vision was blurring in and out as we tumbled through the darkness. I didn't know how much blood I had lost, all I knew was that I would need help immediately. 

I landed sharply on the ground, my vision still wavering. I put a hand to my neck, feeling the hot blood seep through my fingers. I grappled for my wand and muttered "episky" hoping it would be enough for a temporary fix. My head was pounding and blood was still covering my hands when I finally looked around. 

It was still nighttime and therefore quite dark. But even despite the darkness and my current lack of blood, it wasn't exactly difficult to figure out where we were. The Eiffel Tower was glittering in the dark, almost mocking me. I quickly glanced around at my other surroundings. I was standing on a large lawn beneath the tower. Luckily, there didn't appear to be any onlookers at our arrival. Our arrival. Thalia.

She wasn't standing next to me. Nope, that was because she was currently passed out on the ground. Cross-country apparation is tiring in itself. When you get into international territory, the energy expenditure is even worse. I couldn't believe it: Thalia had apparated us to France. No wonder she was passed out.

Before I could worry about her or finding a place for us to stay, I needed a blood replenishing potion.

"Kreacher," I groaned. The elf instantly appeared in front of me with a confused expression. Before I could let him get a word in, I asked for the potion and some of the money from my safe at home.

"Kreacher will be back," the elf nodded and snapped. 

Sure enough, mere seconds later, Kreacher returned with a small vial. I took the container from him and choked it down, feeling my body instantly thank me. I then pocketed the money- both muggle bills and a bag of galleons- before sending the elf off. To be honest I was too tired to provide him with an explanation. 

I then cast an aquamenti charm to wash the blood from my hands. I did my best to clean my neck up, though I would definitely need a shower. I then squatted down next to Thalia and lifted her up from the ground. She was in such a deep sleep that she didn't make a single sound. 

I surveyed our surroundings once more and decided to head into the main part of the city. France hadn't been overrun with death eaters yet and there were a lot of people in the city itself, so luckily I wasn't too concerned about getting noticed. 

I walked the two of us down the quiet streets of Paris. There were a few drunk muggles clamoring about, yet no one seemed to bat an eye at me or a passed-out Thalia. The streets were peaceful for the most part, with gentle lighting and pretty buildings. Even I had to admit the city was quite beautiful.

I eventually arrived at a small, pastel-colored inn with white trim that made it look like a wedding cake. A bell chimed as I opened the door to the small lobby. An old lady who looked half-asleep was reading a newspaper at the front desk. She looked up as I approached the desk with Thalia slumped over one shoulder. 

"Bonsoir-" I began in a friendly tone.

"Iz zhe alright?" The lady squeaked in an alarmed French accent. 

"Oh yes," I laughed, switching to English, "She had a little too much to drink." I added a reassuring wink, and the lady relaxed slightly.  

"Do you 'ave a reservation?" She asked.

"No, I was wondering if we could get a room?" 

"Sure, I 'ave one available," the lady scanned a book in front of her, "'ow many nights?"