Chapter 1: Rebirth
Cassiopeia Black stared down in horrified fascination as she watched her god-son, Regulus Black, begin to shrink before her eyes. She could hear the grinding of bones and she watched as his form shrank before her and his skin seemed at first a horrible wrinkled blanket of flesh and then it too shrank down to a smaller size. When at last the process ended she found herself staring at what looked to her to be a newborn baby.
Her hands trembled as she gently reached out and touched the child. Her fingertips touched the smooth soft cheek of the babe and withdrew as though burned. This, this was no trick no matter how her mind wished otherwise. Somehow the potion she had used on Regulus that was meant to counteract most known poisons and the incantation she had used to stabilize him had turned her god-child back into an infant.
No. That did not make any sense. Her brow furrowed as she thought. "That potion and that incantation have never caused such a result." She said softly as she stared at the slumbering babe. "Of course. It must have been the potion and incantation combined with the poison." Just how long had the poison been working its way into Regulus' system? She had no way of knowing.
She had been relaxing with a good book on Ancient Incantations when she had suddenly felt a horrible tingling sensation go over her. It had taken her some time to realize when she had felt such a tingling before. It had been when Regulus was seven and he had taken Walburga's broom for a flight. The boy had fallen from some twenty feet and had broken his left arm. With that reminder of the past, Cassiopeia Black realized that it was the bond of God-parent to God-child that she was feeling at work and she had rushed about trying to consider the best way of discovering just where Regulus was.
It was tradition in the Magical World for each child to have a set of God-parents. The Most Ancient and Noble House of Black always layered extra protections on the children at the Claiming Ceremonies. The Claiming Ceremonies were when the child was officially named, recognized by the family and their God-parents were named. Cassiopeia had been chosen to be the God-mother of Regulus and she had taken the role very seriously. She had nurtured the bond between them, helping it grow. She could not say the same for Regulus' God-Father, Cygnus. She was disappointed with her nephew Cygnus for his neglect of Regulus. Cygnus had instead alternated between doting upon Sirius and bullying him into obeying Walburga. It was shameful both how he treated Sirius and how he neglected Regulus. Cassiopeia was not surprised that Cygnus could never feel his bond with Regulus except for when Regulus was within the same room with him.
Cassiopeia had resorted to calling her House-Elf, Timery, and had ordered the little thing to immediately take her to Regulus. The little elf had taken her to a strange cave. She could hear the roar of the waves crashing upon the rocks and she had examined the walls until she had found the hidden door. She had gifted it with a blood sacrifice since she could not enter without doing so and then she had cautiously entered the cave. She had taken the boat across the lake trembling with a combination of horror and awe as she stared down at the water and realized just what must lie below the surface. She had stumbled out of the boat in her haste to reach Regulus when she recognized him huddled upon the rocks of the little island in the center of the lake.
He had not recognized her, was too lost inside of himself to assist her in any way. She had to resort only to what she had known to do when someone was poisoned. It was supposed to heal him, instead it had returned him to infancy.
"What to do? What to do?" Cassiopeia asked herself as she looked down at the infant. Well leaving that place was a good start. She needed to take Regulus from that awful place before what dwelled in the water chose to rise and do them harm.
She scooped up the babe and smiled softly as he shifted slightly in her arms but he did not awaken. He was no doubt worn out from his terrible ordeal. She could not blame him. She looked to the basin and frowned to see it full of liquid. Was this some of what her God-son had been drinking? She was tempted to take a sip of it herself. She was well versed in poisons and generally she could discover what the poison did by just taking a sip of it. The gentle weight of Regulus in her arms made her refrain from doing so. He needed her now and she could always return to this place if she wished to indulge her curiosity.
With that thought in mind she moved back to the boat. Once she was safely within she warily watched the water as the boat began to move them back across the lake. It was a relief to flee the cavern, leaving behind the monsters within the water. She doubted she would ever look at a peaceful and still lake the same way ever again.
"Timery." She called to her House-Elf and the little being appeared wringing her hands. "You will take us back to Ivy Hall."
"As Mistress Commands." Timery responded and then her hand reached out and touched Cassiopeia's and she reached her other hand up to gently place upon the babe. It took but a moment, no more than that, and Cassiopeia found herself once more in her favorite parlor of Ivy Hall.
"Timery, I will need all of the accoutrements to take care of an infant. Milk or formula for infants, diapers, and clothing. Discreetly go to Grimmauld Place and take the infancy clothes that belonged to Sirius. Do not let the other elves detect you." Cassiopeia ordered and watched as Timery nodded and then apparated away.
Walburga despised her eldest son. She honestly did not think that Walburga loved Regulus any more than she loved Sirius, but she had always enjoyed doting upon the better behaved Regulus in front of Sirius. Cassiopeia sniffed in disdain. She was not the least fond of her niece. Walburga was far too cruel for her tastes. While cruelty was an art form of the House of Black it should have a purpose. At least that is what Cassiopeia's father, Cygnus Black II, had taught her. Cassiopeia really did not think that Walburga would ever notice that she had taken some of Sirius' baby clothes and besides, it was only temporary. Cassiopeia would have to buy Regulus new clothes.
She gently laid the baby down on the dark green cushions of the sofa and sighed as she looked down on him. She would have to contact Lord Black. She frowned at the thought. She hated dealing with her first cousin, Arcturus Black III. He had never approved of her refusal to marry and that had often led to arguments between them. She was just grateful that by the time Arcturus succeeded his father and became Lord Black, that she was thirty-three years of age and already had a reputation amongst the aristocracy as a lady not to be trifled with. She was sure that without that solid reputation then Arcturus would have forced a bonding upon her to some man from a House that would no doubt profit more from the connection to the House of Black then the Black's would to their connection to him.
She glanced at the clock on her mantelpiece and saw that the time was two am. She sighed. It would not do to deal with Arcturus now. She would contact him in the morning at his Chateau outside of Lyons. He spent most of his time on the continent with his wife, Melania. Business for the Black Family was better on the continent where their name brought ideas of power, wealth, and elegance instead of fears of dark wizards. She blamed the likes of Sirius and Albus Dumbledore for spreading ideas about that the Black Family was filled with Dark Arts users.
Of course it was true but that didn't mean either of them needed to spread the word about.
How an uncivilized, uncouth little barbarian like Sirius Orion Black III could have come from the family she did not know. She blamed Walburga entirely. Sirius was so much like her.
She raised her wand and cast another diagnostic spell upon the sleeping babe and sighed in relief to see that he appeared to be fully healthy. No sign of poisoning now. His little organs were working perfectly. The trouble was, now he was a babe and she did not think they could replicate the effects that turned him into an infant and then mirror them to return him to his proper age. He would have to grow up again.
She frowned at the thought. If Regulus was going to grow up for a second time, then she refused to allow him to be placed back into the care of Walburga Black. Her niece was unsuited to being a mother, as was evidenced by her disastrous raising of both Sirius and Regulus. She could not let her god-child go through such a childhood again. It would be worse if he were placed with Walburga now. At least as a child Regulus had been the second born. Sirius had borne the brunt of most of Walburga's madness. Walburga had also taken Orion's death hard. Without Sirius and Orion as shields between Regulus and Walburga, Cassiopeia feared what would befall her god-child. She had vowed to take care of him. Arcturus would just have to let her do as she had vowed.
The soft pop of apparition had her turning to look at her house-elf. Timery's arms were holding a baby basinet that was full of baby clothing, cloth diapers, and baby bottles. "Timery took the liberty of taking some of the baby bottles as well Mistress Cassie."
Cassiopeia smiled at her elf. "Thank you Timery, that was well thought of you." She agreed. "Please take the bottles to the kitchen for proper sterilization. Then get milk for the babe. I doubt he will need to eat before morning light but please see to it as soon as you can just in case."
"Of course Mistress." Timery said after placing the Basinet beside the sofa where Regulus slept. Then Timery took up the bottles and apparated away to do as Cassiopeia had said.
Cassiopeia sat herself down on the edge of the sofa, careful not to disturb Regulus and she began to sort through Sirius' old baby clothes. She cast cleaning charm after cleaning charm on the clothes to clear them of dust. She cast sterilization charms on them to free them of germs. Then she picked up a simple antique ivory shaded onesie for Regulus to wear. She put it to the side as she picked up a cloth diaper and swiftly made work of sterilizing the cloth and cleaning it. She then with practiced ease put his diaper upon him and then the onesie. Regulus barely stirred as she changed him and she smiled down at him.
'Poor thing is exhausted. Little wonder after what he went through.' She thought once more and then she frowned. 'What were you doing in that cave Regulus Black?' She wondered not for the first time. Why had Regulus gone there? Why had he consumed a strange poison? There had been a locket in the bottom of the rock basin. Was he there for the locket? Why? What was important about the locket? How did he know about that place?
She sighed in frustration. She hated secrets and now it seemed that these would remain unanswered questions because Regulus was now a baby and it was most likely he would grow up again which meant he would not remember what his purpose in the cave had been.
She slowly picked the child up and cradled him against her chest. He snuffled a little in his sleep, his head coming closer to her neck. She smiled gently as she ran a hand over his soft raven hair. "I will protect you to the best of my ability." She promised him as she waved her wand over the basinet. The clothes stacked themselves inside and then with another wave of her wand the basinet floated from the floor to a height that was even with her shoulders. She then turned away from it and walked out of the room holding Regulus close and knowing that the basinet would follow her to her bedroom. It was time to sleep. Regulus was not the only one who was exhausted.
She awoke hours later to the sound of a baby wailing. A soft pop of apparition sounded and then there was Timery with a baby bottle in hand. Timery gently cooed over Regulus and lifted him from the cradle. She soon enough had Regulus calmed down and rocked him gently to and fro as she fed him.
Cassiopeia watched even as she tried to shake away the last vestiges of sleep. She looked on in amusement as Timery burped Regulus and then seemed to gently dance with the child. She glanced toward her bedroom fireplace. This particular fireplace was not set up for the floo network. Atop the mantelpiece was another clock and she squinted to read the time. It was just after eight in the morning. She had slept in, but then she had also had a longer night than expected.
"Timery, thank you for tending to Regulus." She had learned long ago that House-Elves would willingly die for their masters if their masters treated them with praise and affection.
Timery flushed with pleasure. "Timery is happy to have a little one in the house. I is happy to help Mistress Cassie raise little Master."
"Hopefully I shall be raising the little Master." Cassiopeia responded even as she arose from the bed. "Lord Black must approve my appointment as Guardian of this little one. You must tell no one of the baby's existence here until I have seen Lord Black and even then you must never reveal that this child is Regulus."
Timery nodded, her big water blue eyes earnest. "Of course Mistress. Timery obeys."
Cassiopeia nodded and then moved toward her wardrobe. She picked out a simple but elegant outfit to wear for the day, an antique ivory blouse with tiny opal buttons and an ankle-length dark blue skirt. She rushed through her morning ablutions afraid of leaving Regulus alone for too long. She was pleased to find Regulus asleep once more when she finished bathing and dressing. Timery swiftly and deftly assisted her in brushing her black hair and putting it up in an elegant twist. Cassiopeia made swift work of putting on the opal earrings, ring, bracelet, and necklace that Lord Black had gifted her with on her last birthday.
"I do hope breakfast has been held warm for me." She said to Timery.
"Yes Mistress. Timor was sure to keep breakfast warm for Mistress." Timery said naming her older brother. Timor was Cassiopeia's cook. "Timor knew that Mistress had a late night and that Mistress was needing rest."
Cassiopeia nodded her head in acknowledgement and then she waved her wand at the basinet. It gently raised itself from the ground and Cassiopeia then led the way out of the room knowing that the basinet holding her God-son would follow.
Breakfast was a simple and quiet affair. Cassiopeia had sent Timery to thank Timor for her mainly because she did not want the Elf hovering around her while she ate. Without the watchful gaze of her House-Elf, Cassiopeia ate mechanically and thought about how she wished to handle her meeting with Arcturus.
She would have to tell him the truth of course. While she did not believe that everyone in the House of Black should know the truth, she did believe that Arcturus was one of the few who did need to know that the babe she would be presenting to him was Regulus Black III. Arcturus was his grandfather as well as his Head of House. She would just go over the sequence of events as she knew them and then present her plea that she be allowed to raise him.
She would fight with Arcturus if he refused her. If he refused her she would beg Melania's assistance. Black's, when they loved, truly loved fiercely. Arcturus was one such Black whom had fallen in love. His wife, Melania, was a good woman and a kind one. She was not the least pretentious and she was quiet and sincere. She was the perfect complement to the more boisterous and lively Arcturus.
After breakfast she floated the basinet into the receiving room and gently lowered it to the ground. She took a deep breath and then took up the floo powder and threw it into the lit flames. "Chateau Noir." She cried out.
It took a few moments before the connection secured and then Cassiopeia found herself staring at the face of Melania Black. "Cassiopeia, how nice to hear from you." The other woman said. "What do I owe the pleasure?"
"I am afraid this is not a social call." Cassiopeia said to Melania. "There is something that I must speak to Lord Black about that is of vital importance. I wish him to grant me permission to travel to Chateau Noir with my current charge."
Melania's brow furrowed in curiosity. "Your current charge?" She asked. "Why sound so mysterious Cassie?" She asked.
"Until Lord Black knows the full story, I think it best." Cassiopeia replied. "Arcturus really does need to know about this first. It is a matter for Lord Black."
Melania nodded her head in understanding. "I will speak with him. If he wishes to grant you audience to Chateau Noir then he will send you a Port-key. I hope that is acceptable to you."
Cassiopeia nodded her head. "Yes of course. Thank you for indulging me Melania."
Melania merely smiled before she cut the floo connection leaving Cassiopeia staring at the bright flames. She turned away from the fire place and looked down at Regulus. He was looking up at her, studying her in a way she had often seen him do when he was this age the first time around. "It will just be a matter of time. Arcturus likes mystery. He will no doubt leave me hanging for a time though, he knows I am anxious." She said aloud to the boy. She refrained from adding that she felt Arcturus was being petty in making her wait.
Five hours passed before the owl carrying the port-key arrived. Cassiopeia was impressed since this must mean that Arcturus had consented to send the owl with the Port-key far sooner than she had expected of him. The missive delivered by the regal looking Eagle Owl was simplicity itself. "Present yourself and your charge swiftly."
Cassiopeia giggled as she read the missive. "Lord Black has a way with words." She informed Regulus. The child was staring up at her from the basinet. She gently leaned down and scooped Regulus up. "This will feel a little unpleasant, but I assure you it is swifter than the alternatives." She informed the child even as she secured him close to her chest. She then activated the port-key and felt the unpleasant sensation of a hook pulling behind her navel. She held tight to Regulus as he squirmed and whimpered in distress.
It was a relief when it was over and she opened her eyes to take in the grand receiving room of the Chateau Noir. The room was large and decorated with walnut and bronze benches spaced along two of the walls. Large carefully woven tapestries depicting the history of various Lord's of the House of Black covered the walls.
Just as Melania Black entered the room to greet her, Regulus let loose a wail. Melania looked shocked to see Cassiopeia holding an infant and was, for a moment, at a loss for words.
Cassiopeia rocked back and forth and gently ran her hand over Regulus back. "There there, you brave boy there there." She crooned to him in an attempt to soothe him. "It is over now darling."
"Cassie, it is good to see you." Melania said after regaining her composure. She moved forward to Cassiopeia's side and attempted to look at the child. "I take it this little one is your charge?" She asked.
Cassiopeia nodded. "Yes, it was a rather unexpected acquisition I assure you." She said softly, her voice slowly soothing Regulus. "I must speak with Arcturus about this."
Melania nodded her head in agreement. "I will lead you to him. I was going to ask if you would take refreshment with me first so that we might have time to catch up, however, I can see that this should not wait."
"I would appreciate the tea afterward." Cassiopeia said and was gratified when Melania happily agreed.
Cassiopeia paid very little attention to the décor as she was led to the office of Arcturus Black III. She was far too busy contemplating how to bend Arcturus to her will in concerns of who should have guardianship of the young Black Heir. If Arcturus was of a mind to oppose her wishes, well, he was Lord Black and it was his right to raise any potential heirs of the house. He was also Regulus' Grandfather and that close tie of kinship gave him all the justification he needed to tell her he would raise him. She had vowed to take care of Regulus and she would keep her vow, even if it meant moving into the Chateau Noir and living with Arcturus and Melania. She felt a cold chill race down her spine with the thought. The idea of living with Arcturus was far from pleasant. They grated on one another's nerves far too often for it to work. It was not that dissimilar to the trouble between Walburga and Sirius now that she thought on it.
She pulled herself away from her thoughts as Melania paused before the door and then knocked upon it.
"Enter." Came the masculine voice from within.
Melania gave Cassiopeia a reassuring smile and then she opened the door and led the way inside. "Arcturus, Cassiopeia has brought her charge to see you."
Arcturus stared at Cassiopeia and the child she held and he slowly nodded. "Very well, you may go Melania unless Cassiopeia needs you to stay for moral support?"
Cassiopeia bristled at his tone and fought against the urge to verbally retaliate. Instead she forced a smile and said to Melania. "I look forward to having tea with you later."
Melania nodded and bowed out of the room gracefully.
Cassiopeia narrowed her blue-gray eyes at her cousin as he lounged in the handsome dark brown leather desk chair. He was a handsome man, she admitted to herself as she swiftly took in the sight of him. Arcturus had the strong and stubborn jawline that most of the Black males seemed to inherit. His lips were smooth, his nose perfectly straight, his eyes were the true gray of the ancient Black's instead of the blue or blue-gray that had permeated the family over time, his black hair had silver at the temples and the long length was tied back with a ribbon at the nape of his neck. His body still looked powerful and healthy and was encased in fashionable black day robes. No one would deny that Arcturus Black III was a handsome man. Sirius closely resembled Arcturus. Regulus had lacked the rugged look of most of the Black males. Instead, Regulus had been beautiful whereas the other males of the family were handsome.
"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice cousin." She said to him in a voice that was strained due to her annoyance with him.
Arcturus gave her a regal nod. "And your young charge?" He asked her.
Cassiopeia fought the urge to smirk. "This shall sound truly incredible, Lord Black, but I ask that you first use your wand and cast a revealing charm on the babe so that you might know him."
Arcturus looked at her suspiciously but he drew forth his wand and cast the appropriate spell. He stared at the name hovering in a smoky haze above the child's head in stunned amazement. "Regulus…" He said as his voice trailed off.
"Cassiopeia, how did this come to be?"
Cassiopeia Black settled herself into a chair across the desk from Arcturus. She settled the babe in her arms and then proceeded to explain just what had transpired to Arcturus in absolute detail.