The Search Is Over

Chapter 4

Descent Into Darkness

"How do I look," Regulus asked nervously as he turned from the ornate dark oak mirror on the wall of his bedroom to face Kreacher, who sat on the edge of his bed. Kreacher stared for a long moment before replying.

"Master Regulus is beautiful."

Regulus smiled, blue eyes filling with fondness. "Thank you, Kreacher...But do I look suitably presentable for going before the Dark Lord? Should I have worn something else, do you think? Did I over do the Slytherin pride?" He knew he was fretting, and could not help it in the slightest at present. He wore silver robes shot through with green threads to signify his Slytherin roots. His face was clean shaven, in truth he hardly had to shave yet which was nice. His shoulder length straight black hair was neatly combed, and he wore the family emerald black locket about his neck on a heavy chain to also signify the Black's long standing Slytherin pride.

"The Dark Lord is proud to be descended from Salazar Slytherin, so Kreacher thinks Master Regulus's presentation is fittingly respectful for showing fealty," the elf assured.

Regulus nodded, letting out a breath of relief. "Bella and Rod should be here any moment," he said unnecessarily. Kreacher was aware, after all. The entire family was.

"There shall be a celebration when Master Regulus returns," Kreacher divulged. "The Mistress intends it as a surprise. She had Kreacher prepare all Master Regulus's favorites, so do act surprised so that Kreacher is not chastised for telling."

Regulus nodded, feeling himself thrilling with excitement and pride that he'd pleased his family enough to earn a celebration in his honor. It even did a little to distract him from the nervousness that had gripped him tighter and tighter as the day progressed. "That's grand!" He didn't mind Kreacher spoiling the surprise. It gave him something to look forward to. Kreacher must have seen that he needed that. Not to mention the two found it next to impossible to keep from telling one another everything. For that reason, Walburga and Orion had learned to keep surprise Christmas plans a secret from both of them at a young age.

Approaching the bed, Regulus smiled. "Though I do look forward to the celebration in my honor, I hope we can have our own private celebration here later tonight. Then you can show me how pleased you are with my success." As Regulus leaned forward to brush his lips across Kreacher's the elf gave a wordless murmur of approval before their kiss quickly deepened.

The resounding sound of the magically enhanced door knocker caused them to reluctantly draw apart. "That's surely Bella and Rod," Regulus said and the two went down to greet them together. Bellatrix nodded in approval at Regulus when he opened the door. "You look nice. She glanced at Kreacher, an amused expression in her eyes. "You coming, Lover Boy? Because I don't think the Dark Lord will be impressed if the two of you nasty perverts can't control yourselves and decide to indulge your twisted needs in HIS closet!"

"Kreacher and Master Regulus would never..." the elf protested. "And there is no reason for Kreacher to come along. He fears it would not be suitable."

Regulus would've been even more confident with Kreacher at his side and had to confess an eager hope at Bellatrix's sarcastic query of the elf coming along. Kreacher's words caused him to sigh in resignation, though. If the Dark Lord saw no reason for Kreacher's presence, Regulus would not wish to displease him.

"Nice to know there are limits," Rodolphus drawled.

"Of course there are," Kreacher said. "Miss Bella is family and would never betray us, so Master Regulus and Kreacher were comfortable in her home."

"Rubbish," Bellatrix sneered. "You were merely lacking in self control and brain cells." Bending forward slightly she jabbed a sharp red fingernail into Kreacher's chest. "Go and bathe yourself, foul fiend. Hopefully it will cleanse you of those perverted thoughts. Then make me some of those butterbeer cookies I like so much...because you are my bitch, remember?" The words may have held more weight had Bellatrix not obviously been holding back a smile. Kreacher nodded gravely nonetheless, though, mainly because he'd already made the butterbeer cookies for Master Regulus's upcoming celebration.