The Search Is Over

Chapter 36

"Well I must say, Regulus," Albus commented, smiling warmly. "It is good to see you alive and well. You were always such a promising young man."

"Who made far too many mistakes and errors in judgment," Regulus said. Though his spirits had lifted over the past day from feeling he'd struck back even a little at Voldemort by taking out that Death Eater, the current conversation was serving to lower them again. Of course he realized the necessity for the conversation, but it was still depressing nonetheless.

"Most mistakes can be rectified if one has the will to do so," Albus assured gently. "I do wonder, though. Why have you returned at this time in particular?"

There was no condemnation on the old headmaster's face, nor on Severus's. Both only studied him with open curiosity.

"Believe it or not, I've been hiding among Muggles and just heard that Voldemort was back," Regulus admitted.

"But why didn't you return when he supposedly died," Albus asked, expression mildly perplexed.
"And why do you look eighteen years old," Severus practically demanded.

Regulus smiled sadly. "I shall answer the easier of the two questions first. I became a vampire before going to do the thing that would have gotten me killed by Voldemort had I not done so."

Regulus saw comprehension flash in Severus's dark eyes and he nodded. "As a vampire, how is it that you are out and about during the day," he asked, and Regulus gave a small pleased smile. He'd always thought well of Severus's sharp mind.

"It's dark and rainy. With the proper spells I can move about when there is no sun. I perfected a few shield spells. Many vampires aren't wizards, so I have a bit of an advantage over them."

Severus nodded his silent understanding.

"I plan to give you the entire story, don't worry," Regulus hastened to assure them.
"The answer to your other question first, though. The reason I did not return sooner was...simply that I believed Kreacher did not wish for me to do so."

The elf's face crumpled and Regulus drew him into a gentle hug.
"I know...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry."
"Kreacher never would've wanted Master Regulus to stay away."

"I'm so sorry," Regulus said again. For he and Kreacher it was as though Severus and Albus had faded into the background. The two of them and their emotions filled the room and it wasn't large enough for anyone else. Pain and sadness striking as suddenly as a knife made it hard to care who looked on to witness it. After a moment, he forced his gaze to return to the other two men in the room, though he kept his arms around Kreacher for general support.

"All of this will be far more clear after I explain everything," Regulus said. "It started when the Dark Lord...when Voldemort asked his Death Eaters if he could borrow the assistance of one of their house elves for a simple task. He asked for a volunteer and I was excited to rise in the ranks. I knew Kreacher would want to rise in the ranks as well, for we both felt very strongly in favor of what we believed Voldemort stood for. We wrongly believed him to be another Grindelwald."

At mention of Grindelwald, Severus choked slightly on a laugh. Regulus paused, arching dark brows and Severus shook his head, gesturing for him to continue. Perhaps Severus did not agree with his comparison, Regulus thought, shrugging slightly.

"He took Kreacher in a boat, across a lake to a cave. He needed his help to hide a locket, but this help nearly killed my elf and best friend."
Regulus's expression hardened as Kreacher hid his face against Regulus's shoulder.

Regulus rubbed his back, cuddling him close. As he did, he couldn't help reveling in the warmth radiating off the elf's body. Though Kreacher said that Regulus did not feel overly cold, he found himself noticing Kreacher's warmth far more now that he was a vampire.