The Search Is Over

Chapter 91

Over the next few days, Regulus attempted to ride out the momentum the vacation had given him to continue doing things that made him feel alive. Doubting he'd ever truly be accepted in general wizarding society, he decided not to even try. He knew Bellatrix was right on that front and he may as well spare his own feelings on the matter by not bothering. Instead he would continue to seek stimulating company from those who already seemed to accept him.

Other than family, Gellert Grindelwald was the first to come to mind. Perhaps he was aiming high, but who needed society when one could have tea with the great Grindelwald himself. When he wrote Gellert to invite he and Blaise over, however, it took Grindelwald a few days to reply. As it turned out, this was because like the goblin healers, Blaise and Gellert were out of the country for an extended amount of time.

At the moment, they were in Switzerland. Regulus experienced a flair of interest, because though it wasn't one of the places on his and Kreacher's travel list, if Gellert and Blaise found it worth while, it was intriguing. He considered suggesting to Kreacher that they join Blaise and Gellert on their travels. It would be grand fun!

Almost as soon as he had the thought, he discounted it, though. He and Kreacher had wanted their privacy, after all. Surely Blaise and Gellert did as well. Regulus clearly recalled how much Grindelwald missed Zabini while the two were separated over the past few months. Catching up with them in Switzerland didn't seem suitable, but it still made Regulus miss being out of the country himself.

He wished he and Kreacher had stayed away for longer as well. Kreacher seemed to be fine being back home, though. He went to take Millicent and Kereston their gifts while Regulus slept the third day they were back, and after that he was out with them frequently.

This made no impact on Regulus, for it was during the day as he slept. While Kreacher was reluctant to leave him alone at first, Regulus was quick to remind him that Mortis was with him and he'd be fine. He was fine when Kreacher visited with Kereston and Millicent before while they were at Doge's and now they were at home where the security was even better.

They'd been back home for about a week when Kreacher suggested that Kereston move in with them. He broached the topic when they returned from Regulus hunting down his evening meal aka a Muggle criminal.

"Kreacher has been thinking," the elf began.

"When he is a vampire he will not be able to afford Master Regulus the same protection. Nor will he be able to venture out into the light of day for affairs of business that may need attending to from time to time."

Regulus felt a pit growing in his stomach.

"Have you changed your mind, then," he asked quietly.

If Kreacher had, what would he do? He couldn't stand to watch the elf age and die, and he certainly couldn't stand to live without him. If he couldn't change Kreacher's mind, he'd just walk into the sun, ending his own existence when the elf died, he decided. He'd do that rather than push Kreacher into doing anything he did not wish to do.

"Oh certainly not," Kreacher said firmly, reaching to take Regulus's hand as he smiled up at him.

"He just found someone to take his place! Someone to take care of those day time things when Kreacher is unable to do so. Someone who can protect us both because she is Kreacher's dear dear friend. Kreacher thinks Kereston should move into the manor!"

Regulus blinked in surprise, then smiled as relief washed over him.

"Oh...Well that sounds fine! Have you spoken to her about this offer of yours?"

Regulus didn't know Kereston well at all, but if Kreacher liked and trusted her he did as well. Kreacher did not like or trust easily, after all, and Regulus trusted the elf's instincts to a fault.