The Search Is Over

Chapter 140

Kreacher and Regulus were experiencing first hand the concept of when the time is right, everything falls into place. With the return of the goblin healers, everyone involved was able and ready to begin the process of attempting to create an heir for The Most Ancient and Noble House of Black.

As it happened, Bera's cousin wasn't interested in becoming too familiar with Kreacher and Regulus, feeling that doing so would give her too much of a connection to them. She didn't wish to become emotionally attached to them or the child. Both Regulus and Kreacher appreciated this and approved.

The child wouldn't be hers, after all, and a connection could only bring unnecessary complications that no one wanted. She would meet them when the procedure was performed. As Kreacher and Regulus saw no reason to waste time, the plan was to begin the instant everyone was able to meet for long enough to get it done without hurrying any part of the process.

Bera kindly offered them the use of the infirmary at Durmstrang so that all might remain entirely professional. When the day came, it felt surreal, and Regulus could hardly believe it was happening. It was only six days after the goblins had rid him of the potion of despair. Bera's cousin Gergana waited with her and Albus when they arrived at Durmstrang. She was a small woman with a mass of curly dark hair and active expressive dark eyes. Kreacher and Regulus thanked her warmly for what she was doing for them and she chuckled.

"Think nothing of it. It shall be something interesting to brag about and you are making me very rich."

Regulus nodded, smiling back at her.

"That is true. We couldn't do it without you, and we appreciate you volunteering...Even if we are making you rich."

He chuckled.

Albus was already present, considering he lived at Durmstrang, so they only waited on Ariana and the goblin healers. Ariana arrived just after Kreacher and Regulus, and she greeted her uncle warmly, giving Albus a tight embrace before turning to greet Kreacher and Regulus.

"I'm excited to see how this oh so unusual situation will turn out, but I'm also extremely happy to spend a bit of time with my uncle without family drama," Ariana told them with an almost shy smile.

"I love my father, but all of this, to my mind needless animosity began a bloody century ago and if you ask me it's time for it to be over in the name of family unity."

"Well please know that you may and should come to visit me often," Albus told her.

His blue eyes twinkled warmly as he studied her fondly. Though Regulus didn't attempt to look into Albus's mind, as such was rude when unnecessary, he couldn't help wondering if Dumbledore thought of his sister when he looked at his red haired niece. Not that the two were the same, but that perhaps Ariana the younger managed to become what her aunt never would've. The rare times Albus had spoken of his sister, he'd mentioned her mental instability, which of course Ariana the younger did not suffer from in the least.

The goblin healers arrived then and not being ones for small talk, they were ready to get started.

"We researched the process of surrogate parenting. As it is a practice of Muggles, we had our connection to such things assist us in this research," Gara said.

"Goblins have Muggle studies," Albus asked, lively blue eyes lighting with interest behind his half moon glasses.

Grub shook his head.

"A friend of Griphook's set us up with the connection. She's a witch named Millicent."

Kreacher grinned.

"Millicent is very nice. She is a Dear friend of Kreacher's."

The healers nodded nearly as one, and Regulus wondered if this was a twin thing.