Guess who's back! :
Sometimes inspiration strikes in the late am and you end up with an idea that's begging to be written, so here we are again.
This time around I'll be answering any questions people have here, so be sure to leave them in the comments!
I'll be updating on Mondays, so be sure to check back then!
I'm excited to include all you readers on this new adventure!
Love,
~Kiwi
Kreacher waited by the front door, watching his Master through the slightly ajar entrance to the parlor. The wiry man was watching the autumn leaves spiral down the the tree's, barely visible in the twilight. The ancient house of Black was eerily quiet, except for the subtle creaking of wood, and the humming of a lullaby drifting down from the second landing.
"Kreacher?"
Kreacher took a deep breath as he walked into the parlor. "Yes, Master?"
His master sighed heavily. Though he didn't turn around, his eyes shifted so he could look at Kreacher's reflection in the mirror. "Are you certain you're ready to go back?"
"Kreacher lives to serve the noble house of-"
"That's not an answer."
Kreacher shook his head in confusion. "Kreacher does not understand, Master."
There was a moment of silence that seemed to last an eternity before Kreacher's Master turned around, kneeling down so that he could look Kreacher in the eyes. Kreacher couldn't hold back a swallow of fear as his Master let out another sigh.
"Kreacher," Master spoke slowly and deliberately, "are you certain you're ready to go back?"
Kreacher clenched his wrinkled fists to keep them from trembling. "Kreacher is ready to help Master however Kreacher can."
The creaking of footsteps coming down the rickety stairs caused both Master and Kreacher to look out of the parlor.
"You're dismissed, Kreacher," Master gave a small smile as Mistress came into the parlor, her green eyes weary with sleep as she meekly smiled back at her husband. "Stay at the ready, we'll be leaving soon."
Kreacher nodded and hobbled out of the room, bowing to Mistress as he hobbled past her. She smiled kindly down at the house elf as he left the parlor, and closed the door after him. Her husband didn't say a word as she walked over to the window and leaned on the edge.
"When are you going to tell me where you're going, Reg?"
The wind outside picked up as Regulus shook his head. "I don't want to put you two in danger. With the war afoot, it will be safer for you-"
"It would be safer for us if you didn't leave your family to play hero!" Primrose snapped, crossing her arms. "We're married, we have a son, and our unwavering loyalty to the Dark Lord, as well as our blood status, puts us in high regards with him! Don't throw all that aside."
"Prim, don't you see?" Regulus fell to his knees, his voice hoarse. "I have to do this. I have to save our son."
"Then stay with him," Primrose kneeled down in front of him, placing her hand on her husband's cheek as her voice dropped to a whisper. "Stay with me."
Regulus sighed, placing his hand on Primrose's and holding it to his cheek. "I can't pretend what happened didn't happen."
"Will you at least tell me what happened?" Primrose's voice shook.
Regulus shook his head, bowing it slightly. "I can't put you or Styg in any more danger than you're already in."
"How could we be in danger?"
Looking up at his wife, Regulus put his hand on her cheek. "Prim, if all goes well, you won't be."
Primrose couldn't stop the shiver going up her spine as she looked into his brown, earnest eyes. "I trust you."
Smiling slightly, Regulus leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead. "Go to sleep, my darling Prim."
Primrose grabbed hold of her husband and pulled him into a deep kiss, praying to whatever entity could hear her that it wouldn't be their last, before standing up and going up the stairs to bed,
Regulus waited until her footsteps fade from the stairwell before standing up, and heading out to where Kreacher was waiting in the entrance hall.
"Master Regulus," Kreacher bowed deeply as Regulus pulled on his boots. "Is Master ready?"
"Almost, Kreacher," Regulus sighed, looking down at the house elf in a drawn out moment of uncomfortable silence.
"Does Master require anything of Kreacher?" Kreacher ventured hesitantly, doubting the necessity of the question in his mind. Surely if Master Regulus needed anything, he would say so?
"You can't tell Prim."
"Master?"
Standing up straight so that he could look down at the house elf, Regulus hardened his gaze. "I, Regulus Arcturus Black, forbid you, Kreacher of the Noble House of Black, from ever telling Primrose Alexandra Rosier Black what happened leading up to tonight, as well as the outcome of tonight. You are forbidden to speak of it to her, even if I was to perish. Under no circumstances are you allowed to tell her. Do I make myself clear?"
Kreacher nodded slowly, his stomach tight. "Yes, Master."
"Good," Regulus gave one, sharp, nod. "Then, do you have the locket?"
Kreacher nodded, pulling the long chain out of his tattered rag pocket and handing it to his Master.
"Take me to the cave," Regulus spoke the command in a barely audible whisper, and with a small bow and a snap of his fingers. Kreacher obeyed.
The stairs at the top of the landing creaked as Primrose made her way back down the stairs, drawing her arms around her as she sat down on the bottom step, and awaited her husbands return in the frosty September silence.
