The Search Is Over

Chapter 68

Regulus wanted to celebrate the long, LONG awaited victory over the Dark Lord, but sunrise was coming soon, so that would have to wait.
"I still can't believe it's really over to be honest," he told Kreacher quietly as they stood together inside the bedroom they shared at Doge's.

Kreacher had just apparated them in from Adler's, where they'd left Severus and Mag to return to their sleep, or celebration, or whatever they chose to do with their morning.

"I expected to feel more, but I think I'm still...just taking it all in," he admitted and Kreacher nodded slowly.

"Kreacher understands."

The elf smiled tiredly.

"He also relates. There is time, though. Time to become accustomed to his truly being dead..."

Kreacher paused, tilting his head to the side, and giving a worried frown.

"Master Regulus does believe he is truly dead this time, does he not?"

Regulus nodded.

"The prophecy seemed to dictate so, thank all the gods."

He started slightly when a tapping came at the door.

"Yes," he called.

"And Mr. Doge insisted that you would not be inconsiderate enough not to stop in and tell us what happened! We sat up all night in the library awaiting your return," Dora snapped peevishly.

"We are sorry," Regulus hastily apologized as he quickly opened the door.

"It was just a lot...so much happening and now that it's finally over...somehow we forgot."

"That's no excuse," Doge teased, giving a wink before clapping both Regulus and Kreacher on the shoulder.

"I'm so proud of both of you for helping to take him down, especially after all he has already done to you. Thank you for helping to protect the world from that mad man. He is truly dead then?"

"We had to because of all he's done," Regulus said, wondering idly even as he spoke, if the haze of depression that permeated his very being at the thought of the bad old days would ever fade with time.

"He is truly dead," Kreacher added with a satisfied nod.

"Master Regulus believes it is for good this time."

"Well now I can sleep easy," Dora said dryly.

"I'm just glad you made it back before sun-up...which should be in about three minutes. It would have been quite the tragedy if you got yourself incinerated by its rays if you were still out there fighting when it came up."

"I would've just left with Kreacher before that happened, Dora. I do pay bloody attention to things like that," Regulus said, returning his beloved maker's dry tone.

"Would you like to have a celebratory breakfast with me before we turn in as well, Kreacher," Doge asked.

Kreacher hesitated, then shook his head.

"Thank Elphias Doge, but Kreacher believes he shall remain with Master Regulus."

Regulus frowned.

"Rubbish. You have exerted yourself extensively and you need food to keep up your strength. Go. eat and I shall see you in the evening. Come and sleep with me after you eat if you wish to."

Kreacher nodded, eyes adoringly on Regulus as the vampire spoke. Regulus returned the look of adoration before bending to give the elf a very nonplatonic good night kiss, uncaring that Dora and Doge were present. Dora knew and if Albus had not told Doge, the old man was no fool and had to have guessed by now.