The Search Is Over

Chapter 118

They dropped Dora's things off in a guest room before apparating to the Hog's Head. The three Lestranges were waiting outside for them, Bella with her wild black curls pulled back into a long tight braid. To Regulus's surprise, that slight change did alter her appearance immensely.

Regulus supposed that was one of many tricks they'd learned in working black ops when it came to quick and simple disguises. The two Lestrange men weren't nearly as noticeable as Bella with her wild hair, but both wore long, heavy cloaks with the hoods up to shadow their faces. Granted most patrons of the Hog's Head wouldn't give a damn if the Lestranges were out about and alive or not, but being cautious and not drawing attention was wise.

"Thanks for being on time, Prats," Bellatrix drawled.

The three Lestranges greeted Dora exuberantly, openly friendly to the person who'd saved Regulus without hesitation. The Lestranges were loyal above all else, and that meant a lot to Regulus.

"Are we waiting for Dumbledore and co out here," Rabastan wondered and Regulus shrugged.

"I suppose we could, but I'd rather not attract too much notice to you lot."

Bellatrix nodded.

"We'll go inside then."

The place was cleaner, which was a feat in itself, considering the centuries of grime it had built up. Ariana had spoken of redecorating, and that hadn't happened yet, but the place being clean was a start as it already made it look quite different. They took seats together in a cluster at the end of the bar furthest from the door. The Lestranges ordered drinks, and of course the vampires did not. Aberforth served them, nodding silently in greeting and giving Bellatrix's braid a skeptical look.

Regulus asked Aberforth to tell Ariana that he'd arrived with some people for her to meet.

"She wished us to come and visit," he explained and Aberforth nodded gruffly.

"Ariana," he bellowed.

"You have company."

Before long Ariana came down the rickety stairs that led to the second floor. She wore a long gray woolen dress with a matching shawl wrapped around her shoulders. She looked pretty and vibrant in spite of the mildly severe attire. At sight of Regulus and Kreacher a warm smile broke over her face.

"You came to see me!"

Her glance swept the group, smile faltering slightly.

"Hi everyone...Where is Grindelwald?"

"Gay so he won't be dating you," Rabastan proclaimed.

"I'm single, though."

Ariana's lips twitched.

"Not sure I can trust sleeping beside one of Voldemort's best and brightest," she quipped.

"You don't need to be meetin' Gellert bloody Grindelwald," Aberforth growled at his daughter.

"He's not worthy to be in your presence. And you won't be waking up beside any men under my roof. Men will treat you with respect or they shall answer to me."

"It was a joke, Dad," Ariana said.

"And what's the matter with Grindelwald?"

"How did you know I was...who I was," Rabastan asked Ariana, eyes darting about in mild agitation.

"Oh one of the ghosts that haunt this place told me," Ariana answered Rabastan before turning back to her father, obviously waiting for him to answer her question concerning Grindelwald.

Aberforth heaved a sigh.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"He isn't coming," Regulus said of Grindelwald, uncertain whether he was speaking to Ariana or Aberforth on the matter.