The Search Is Over

Chapter 114

As it seemed the parents were caught up on everything they'd missed, Regulus found himself scrambling for topics to keep them with him a bit longer.

"I've been studying the Hallows, or at least their concept of late, mainly because of my acquaintance with Grindelwald," he said.

"I have a theory that all three are actually Horcruxes. I believe them to be foul dangerous items, but something tells me there are more layers to them than even I have imagined. It was due to them, though, that I had the idea to contact the two of you. I didn't wish to use the resurrection stone due to what I believe it to be, so I placed an ad for a necromancer. That's how we met Ariana.

As his parents as well as Ariana were all listening avidly, he explained how Potter had dropped the resurrection stone, and how he'd taken it upon himself to find it in case it happened to end up in the wrong hands.

"Brilliant Master Regulus," Kreacher said proudly.

Orion and Walburga nodded, both beaming with parental pride at Regulus.

The expression made him swallow hard as a lump rose in his throat. He'd never expected to see that expression directed at him again.

"Regulus? Are you well," Walburga asked, face suddenly concerned.

How must he look, Regulus wondered.

"I...I'm just so glad to see you. I've missed you so very much...It is going to be difficult to let you go."

"Then you shan't," Walburga said firmly.

Turning to Ariana, she set the necromancer with a demanding glare.

"You shall bind us to this house as the ghosts are bound to Hogwarts. Then we won't be reincarnated, and nor will we have to leave our family."

"That isn't how it works, I am afraid," Ariana said.

"I do not know these Hogwarts ghosts, but if they remained behind, they did so upon death, not after crossing over entirely. Were I even able to do as you like, which is highly doubtful by the way, it could cause vast and dangerous disruptions for this world and beyond the veil."

For a moment, Walburga's expression was still belligerent.

"Burga," Orion murmured.

"I'm sure the kind necromancer will allow us to visit at least a few more times."

Walburga shot Ariana a questioning glance.

"Well? Shall you, or will you be responsible for plunging my darling boy back into despair? You heard everything he's been through, after all. All the emotional torment! All the strife!"

Walburga's voice rose on each word until she was nearly shrieking.

"Alright! Alright," Ariana cried.

"You win!"

Walburga smiled.

"She's a very nice girl," she told Orion.

Orion's lips twitched.

"Indeed she is, Burga."

"Now that you've beaten me down, are you ready to depart for today," Ariana asked a bit sullenly.

"I grow tired of holding you here. The job of anchor in this sort of case is draining, especially when I am anchoring two spirits."

"I suppose we can retire for today, though let it be known that we do not at all wish to do so."

Walburga's eyes rested on Regulus as she spoke, a clear statement mother to son that she did not wish to leave him. For some reason, probably for every reason, this caused tears to spring to his eyes.