The Search Is Over

Chapter 120

Kreacher and Regulus didn't return home to London until nearly time for Ariana to summon Regulus's parents again. Fisnik managed to convince Dora to remain in Switzerland a bit longer, giving Kreacher and Regulus hope that the budding relationship would continue to bloom. Upon returning to 12 Grimmauld, Kreacher was beside himself when Kereston admitted to mostly subsiding on Muggle fast food while they were away.

"Kreacher will cook wonderful meals for Kereston that shall clear out all the Muggle trash from her poor abused system," he muttered, not quite quietly enough to avoid being heard.

"Nothing is better than your food, so I shan't be complaining," Kereston said, giving him a hug and an apologetic look.

"After work, I was just too tired to deal with going to eat at my parents. I wanted nothing more than to get home and relax."

"Was it alright for Kereston all alone here while Master Regulus and Kreacher were away," the elf asked, giving his friend a fretful look.

His mind was surely still on the Muggle fast food, Regulus thought, trying not to smile.

"Oh I wasn't alone," Kereston said.
"I have Reynaldo. I think my cat is gone for good, though, she never turned back up."

Regulus couldn't help it. He looked away. If Reynaldo could live with himself, who was he to say a word. Kreacher coughed, then cleared his throat.

"Well Kreacher just hopes Kereston didn't mind having the place almost to herself for so long."
"I am so tired from work every day that I enjoyed the quiet," Kereston said.
"I was happy to read a few hours in the library or in my room and go to bed. I'm glad you're back, though," she added, giving Kreacher a fond smile.

Upon some deep consideration, Regulus discovered while away that it was the medicine of pleasant and intriguing distractions that kept the depression at bay. Being away from London wasn't a particular necessity for this, save for the fact he didn't find nearly enough interesting things to do or consider in his home town.

Not to mention when he was feeling at all down, there were far too many treasured yet painful memories that seemed to be everywhere familiar. When he was in completely unknown territory, his mind couldn't use any loved faces or landmarks to dredge up pleasant memories that had burned away in the face of horror and despair.

When he expressed as much to Kreacher, the elf decided that perhaps it was time to do more in depth redecorating of 12 Grimmauld Place. He planned to keep everything, as getting rid of any family heirlooms would be unthinkable. The attic was large, though, and had plenty of room. If they ran out of room, enlargement spells could be cast on the attic or shrinking spells on the items intended to be stored. Either way, room could easily be made.

Regulus wasn't sure that a new look would matter that much, but he was willing to try. Seeing Kreacher enthused about a project was nice, and it made him feel the same if only to see his friend's eyes light up when he spoke of decorating ideas. Kreacher utilizing his creativity was always a pleasure to witness.

"My mum is always getting catalogs for redecorating," Kereston said.

"I'm sure she would give you some. She gets them in the mail all the time. They're full of entire home spreads where you see how other people decorate, and shops from all around the world sell items they can ship right to your door if you order through the catalog. It's magical mail so often arrives same day."

Kreacher looked suspicious until Kereston mentioned magical mail. At those words his face relaxed into an eager smile. If it had nothing to do with Muggles, he was willing to give it a chance.

"Kreacher would look," he said carefully.

"And Master Regulus as well, of course," he added, turning to Regulus.