Chapter 51: The Veiled Lines Of Progression
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Unknown Location, Unknown World...
Immense satisfaction filled the masked tyrant known simply as Arcturus, he had finally struck a damaging blow to his most hated enemy, Harry Potter. The red head wizard that had once been a most valued confidant during the so called hero of the wizarding world in his youth and now he would be food for the worms like any other sorted corpse passed it's usefulness. The masked dark wizard greatly approved of the suffering the wizarding world's greatest defender endured but it was only a fraction of what was in store for his enemy once the rest of the work had been done.
The masked dark wizard had known pain his entire life and it was in this kinship of agony that he saw relevance in a highly risen death eater by the name of Severus Snape. There was hardly any time when the ailing wizard knew peace and when he caught a glimpse of it, it eluded him still.
Arcturus balled his black gloved fists at the image of suffering on the part of the late Headmaster of Hogwarts before collecting himself. He would make the entire wizarding world suffer for what they had done.
It had not escaped his notice that the funeral for one Ronald Weasley was scheduled to take place later in the week and there wasn't a chance he'd miss throwing him a proper, "good riddance" party.
A deep and maniacal chuckle resonated from within the masked dark wizard. He would surely see Harry Potter there and the Granger girl as well. It seemed the diabolical plotting on his part was surely coming together, but there was just one minor loose end to deal with to ensure none stood in the way of his ultimate goals...
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Unknown Location, Wizarding World...
Regulus Snape had not been much for funerals. He had gotten blind drunk when attending the memorial services of both his deceased parents. Of course, there had been a body present when his mother was laid into the ground and all they had of Severus Snape had been bitter memories and a good deal of confusion. The fact that Snape had no body to be buried always give Elaine the notion that he had not truly been dead and that he'd find his way back to her and Regulus in due time.
At the time Regulus had been twenty two years old and deeply embittered by his father's departure as well as his passing. Following his departure from Ilvermorny, Regulus had been in a series of bad relationships and never trusted anyone aside from his own mother, whom he never liked to visit.
Her recent death put him in a guilt ridden mindset since he avoided her as often as his father had when they were married. It never seemed to bother Elaine in the slightest. She treated him as if he had never left.
With a sigh, Regulus Snape took up the whiskey filled glass that he cupped in his large pale hand and drank down it's contents. It was hard not to feel the immense guilt over the death of Ronald Weasley. The Junior Snape had not made any secret of his contempt for the freckle faced idiot sorry excuse for a wizard, and he had been interested in pursuing a relationship with the bastard's long suffering wife, but this...he had not expected Weasley to be taken out so easily.
Ordering another round, he had attempted to decided his approach when it came to speaking with Hermione again. The witch had been devoted to the red head moron despite his continued breaking of their vows but he knew she felt something for him, she couldn't have hid it if she tried.
As he drank down the next round of whiskey he noted that she probably felt just as guilty as he had given how they flirted and acknowledged their attraction to one another. Then there were the reminders that Weasley wasn't always faithful to Hermione and treated her like she was less than what she was truly worth.
"You've really gone and done it now freckles." said Regulus in remembrance of his rival. "I suppose she's fair game now, but I'll do you the courtesy of letting her mourn you."
The slightly drunken wizard placed his glass onto the counter-top paid for his drink and exited the pub. There was something to be said about having a clear shot at what he wanted, the amber eyed witch had been dancing in and out of his dreams and fantasies since the moment they met. Now here was his chance to actually do something about their budding attraction for one another.
Placing his hands into his pockets, Regulus made his way down the darkened alley. He had been shocked to find that there wasn't a single robbed wizard or crisis that broke out as he continued his late night stroll before he reached the apparation point.
He had been of the mind to venture to Spinner's End, he had not visited his father's childhood home in quite some time and thought it best to do so. He figured he'd speak with Hermione after giving her some time to lay her former husband to rest, as it was only proper.
In the back of his mind, he had known it was more than Weasley deserved given his antics while he had been alive but it had been noted that not even the loud mouthed moron deserved such a fate at the hands of the infamous Arcturus. The brutal way they found the poor red head wizard's body had been a clear indication that it was done deliberately and the rage behind disfiguring the deceased wizard was much too barbaric to even imagine.
Regulus took off toward Spinner's End, deciding that if he were going to genuinely pursue Hermione, a late night stop at the local brothel was out of the question. He doubted she'd appreciate him continuing his affairs while pursuing her affections indefinitely.
On the other hand, Regulus had not known what Harry Potter would make of his decision to pursue a relationship with Hermione, Ron was after all, his best friend and brother in law. There was bound to be some misplaced loyalty in that. Of course, Regulus believed Potter would get over himself so long as he kept Hermione and her children happy.
The Junior Snape had been quite exhausted thinking on his next course of action and decided to let the proverbial "chips fall" where they may in this case.