Chapter 51: A Christmas Fit For A King
Kreacher nearly drove himself to distraction over the next few weeks resisting the urge to peak at the stack of boxes that Master Regulus tucked away in a downstairs cupboard at Doge's. He'd commanded Kreacher to leave them alone so the elf guessed it had something to do with the upcoming holidays. If after Christmas, the boxes were still hidden away, Kreacher would surrender to his curiosity and look. Once this was decided, it was a bit easier to wait. As the holidays approached, Kreacher busied himself with meal plans for Christmas day. This was to be his gift to Doge so he planned to outdo himself. Master Regulus insisted that Kreacher make all their favorites and stuff himself for the both of them as Master Regulus was unable to do so. It made Kreacher a little sad at times that Master Regulus could no longer enjoy his cooking that he had once so loved, but having him back again made this hardly matter. Had Master Regulus even returned as an Inferius, Kreacher would've still been glad so long as the Inferius Master Regulus still loved Kreacher. Vampires were obviously far preferred to Inferi, though, and Kreacher was even coming around to the idea of becoming one himself some day. He'd agreed at once when Master Regulus asked, but the concept had honestly felt foreign to Kreacher and mildly unsettling. To drink blood, to be bound to a dark room and forced to sleep during the day, it wasn't something Kreacher was certain he would particularly relish. He would still do it, though. He would do anything for Master Regulus. Watching Master Regulus hunt, bothered him less and less if it ever had at all, though. Repeatedly witnessing the excessive strength and speed Regulus had obtained as a vampire, caused Kreacher's interest to grow. For now, though, Master Regulus wished Kreacher to regain his strength completely and enjoy food, drink and sunlight to the fullest. Kreacher tried to acquiesce, but he did not venture out into the sunlight much at all, preferring to remain with Master Regulus while he slept. If he left the beautiful vampire's side for too long, his separation anxiety would quickly grow. At times it was still nearly impossible to believe that his Master Regulus had returned to him, so Kreacher needed to frequently touch him and look at him just to reassure himself that it was all true. With Christmas only two days away, while Kreacher did not venture out into the sun other than to shop for food, he did spend a few daylight hours in the kitchen, arranging everything to his satisfaction for the Christmas dinner. When Christmas morning arrived, Doge insisted that they wait until Regulus and Pandora were awake to eat so that they would feel a part of the festivities. This touched Kreacher's heart in a way that he found difficult to put into words, and he vowed to begin making very nice meals for Doge even more frequently from then on.
"Elphias Doge is a good man," he said gruffly, swallowing down his emotions as he rubbed fists into his eyes.
Doge grinned selfconciously as he ducked his head of white hair. "Hardly that. You made me such a large and delightful breakfast, that it shall certainly keep me full all day."
Kreacher smiled back. "That was the traditional Black family Christmas breakfast. Kreacher made all of his and Master Regulus's favorites. He is happy that Elphias Doge enjoyed them as much as Kreacher. He has missed making it for his family," he admitted, swallowing down more emotion. For years he'd allowed the days to blend into one another, forgetting Christmas, because there was no point in doing otherwise with everyone in his family dead and gone or in Azkaban. Until this year, Kreacher had believed that happy Christmases were gone forever. Happy Christmases or any happy days for that matter.
Doge gave him an understanding smile, eyes kind and distantly thoughtful. "I am honored to have experienced it," He said quietly.
The traditional Black family Christmas breakfast consisted of peppermint and chocolate pancakes, orange slices, chopped candied nuts, sausage and eggs. Kreacher had to admit that eating it put him into quite the festive mood. Mortis, who always appreciated Kreacher's cooking, ate two entire oranges and three pancakes. Once the meal was over and the kitchen cleaned, Kreacher retreated upstairs with the black phoenix to wait with Master Regulus while he slept. When the sun set, Kreacher was already eagerly bending over Master Regulus, peering into his face as the room dimmed. "Is Master Regulus awake?"
Regulus chuckled as he reached up an arm to gently draw Kreacher down to him for a kiss. "I hope so," he murmured. "Because otherwise this could turn into a very frustrating dream."
Kreacher opened his mouth to protest that Elphias Doge was waiting Christmas dinner for Master Regulus and Dora, but his bothersome mouth had a mind of its own. When it opened, it was only to deepen the kiss, tangling his tongue with that of Master Regulus and making a low sound of need as he allowed himself to be drawn down onto the bed. His body went all jelly, while at the same time searing with heat as Master Regulus caressed him, fangs driving into Kreacher's neck in that way he'd come so quickly to desperately desire. As Regulus drew small drops of blood from Kreacher's neck, one hand moved down to cup the elf's erection, causing Kreacher to groan. Crying out in nearly instantaneous pleasure as Master Regulus drank from him, Kreacher arched against the vampire as his world spun with ecstasy. Such an encounter was so intense that it only lasted a matter of seconds before Kreacher went over the edge, but it was so incredible that he didn't care. Three or so minutes later when he could move again, he slid languorously down Regulus's body, trailing kisses down his slender chest as he did. Glancing up, he relished the openly glazed look in Regulus's beautiful blue eyes as Kreacher drew his erection into his mouth.
"Kreacher," Regulus gasped and the elf redoubled his efforts. When Regulus's breathing increased and his cheeks were flushed in that way that made him nearly heartbreakingly beautiful to Kreacher, he drew back and smiled. "Merry Christmas, Master Regulus," he murmured, before sending him over the edge as he always knew how to do.
"Gods," Regulus gasped with a chuckle, nearly a minute later. "That was..."
Kreacher grinned as he slid off the bed to retrieve a small package from the top of the wardrobe where he'd placed it earlier in the day. "Kreacher has another gift for Master Regulus." He presented Regulus with a silver chain mail style bracelet that sported a round green stone in the center. "It was Mistress's, but Kreacher thought she would like Master Regulus to have it," he said. "Kreacher placed a charm on it that involves a bit of blood magic. With this bracelet, Master Regulus shall always be able to find Kreacher if it is ever necessary. He only has to press the stone with a finger and speak Kreacher's name and he will be apparated directly to Kreacher no matter where he is."
"That is wonderful, Kreacher. Thank you. Don't you need something like that for you to find me as well, though?"
Kreacher smiled and nodded. "Kreacher put a bit of Master Regulus's hair in the locket, on which he placed the same spell."
"Good," Regulus said with a smile before drawing Kreacher into his arms for a hug. "This is wonderful. Thank you very much, my dearest one. If we'd only thought to have something like this back when, our misunderstanding never would have happened. Thank you for taking care now. It is more of a comfort than you can know to be sure that we will never be separated again because of this." Kreacher embraced him tightly in return and when they finally parted Regulus put the bracelet on his left wrist where Kreacher thought it looked extremely elegant. The design was such that it could be suitably worn by men or women. Regulus rose and dawned festive green dress robes, then arranged his hair at the mirror while Kreacher watched in open admiration. Moving to the bedroom door, he flung it open before turning to Kreacher. "And now,there are some boxes downstairs for you," he told the elf with a mischievous wink.
Kreacher's heart leapt. So the boxes were for him! He'd eventually suspected as much, though he couldn't imagine what Master Regulus thought he could need that would involve so many boxes. At least the boxes weren't any part of some dangerous plan that Master Regulus was, for some reason, withholding from him. "While Kreacher is eager to see, perhaps he should wait until after dinner," he said reluctantly. "Elphias Doge insisted on waiting for Master Regulus and Dora."
Regulus's eyes widened slightly. "Why didn't you tell me? They've been waiting!"
Kreacher widened his eyes in return, giving Regulus an incredulous look. "When Master Regulus kisses Kreacher like that, he is unable to do anything that does not involve more kisses."
Regulus grinned, then took Kreacher's hand and the two went down stairs to Christmas dinner. Doge and Dora were already seated at the table in the dining room. After a hasty apology for being late, Kreacher quickly set about serving the food for himself, Doge and Mortis. The black phoenix perched on the back of one of the high dining chairs that was pushed completely under the table. This made it easy for the bird to lean forward and easily get at the plate of food Kreacher set for him.
"That was kind of you to wait dinner for us, but you really didn't have to," Regulus said, giving Doge a shy apologetic look that for some reason made Kreacher's heart melt. "Merry Christmas," Regulus added, including Dora in his holiday well wishes with a glance and a smile.
"To you as well, Regulus, and Dora said the same about us not needing to wait dinner on the two of you, but blast it, it's Christmas, and that is a time of togetherness even if some of those with whom we are together aren't able to eat," Doge said warmly.
"This is my first true Christmas celebration," Dora said. "I find it rather fascinating and I am honored to be included. Though I can not eat or even desire food, it all looks lovely nonetheless, Kreacher."
"I'm sure it tastes even better than it looks," Doge said eagerly. In fact it did. If Kreacher did say so himself, he'd outdone himself this year! He, Doge and Mortis all had seconds...TWICE! By the time they were done, Kreacher felt entirely stuffed to the point of discomfort and Mortis would not stir from the back of the chair. Never had Kreacher stuffed himself like that during family dinners at Grimmauld. It would have been unseemly, but Master Regulus wanted him to enjoy the food, and he appeared quite pleased when Kreacher took seconds, so the elf was happy to take seconds again, when he found himself wanting more. The act was oddly freeing. While the three ate, Master Regulus and Dora sat at the table chatting with them about this and that. The atmosphere was festive and relaxed and to Kreacher's mind it was one of the best holidays ever. Doge thanked Kreacher for the best holiday dinner he'd ever eaten as the elf cleared away. "Kreacher is happy that Elphias Doge enjoyed it," he said, giving a pleased smile.
"I have something for you as well, to thank you for your hospitality," Dora said, and rose to hand Doge a small festively wrapped package.
"How kind," he said and eagerly tore it open to reveal a heavy pocket watch in gleaming gold.
"It is the sort that must be wound and it's a German antique from the late fifteen hundreds," Dora said proudly.
"Good. Something older than me," Doge said with a pleased grin as he lifted his awed gaze from the watch in his hands. "Dora, this is wonderful! Thank you so much."
"I'm glad you like it," she said.
"Well now mine doesn't look so grand," Regulus said with a chuckle. "I paid a friend who had some extras and got you an...well you'll see." He stood eagerly. "I'll be right back." Kreacher followed as Master Regulus moved to the downstairs cupboard and lifted the stack of boxes into his arms. A package in brown paper rested on top, and Kreacher gave a knowing grin because he knew what that one was. Regulus had bought one of Wolfgang's extra invisibility cloaks off him for Doge, not knowing what else the man may not already have. When he returned he presented the older man with the package and Doge gave a cry of excitement as he tore off the wrapping.
"Well I'll be! Thank you, Regulus!" He produced three packages from under his chair, passing one to each of them.
"Oh you didn't have to get us anything," Regulus protested. "You've allowed us to stay here, after all."
"Rubbish," Doge said firmly.
For Kreacher there was a book titled Merlin's Travels, a historical accounting. The elf clutched it to his chest, smiling. "Kreacher thanks Elphias Doge." With a grin at Regulus he added, "Kreacher will kindly share with Master Regulus."
"I am grateful," Regulus said, already excitedly tugging the book away to have a look.
He and Dora had thin black cloaks in their packages and Doge explained, "Those block the sun. You can't see out of them as they cover you entirely, but if there is an emergency, someone else can guide you along if you ever have to be out."
"Brilliant," Regulus said. "Did you make them?"
Doge shook his head. "Got them from a friend of a friend of a friend who knows a vampire."
"Well it's an amazing concept, and one I've never heard of before," Dora said, standing to give Doge a quick hug. "Thank you very much." She reseated herself, slender hands running over the thin, nearly gossamer fabric of the cloak in open awe.
At last Kreacher attended to the stack of boxes eagerly. He'd never thought to have so many clothes and shoes, and felt rather overwhelmed.
"Millicent did what she could with the sizes, and she said you could likely alter them easily if they were a bit loose," Regulus said apologetically.
Kreacher nodded. "Yes, Kreacher easily can," he assured, running one hand over the soft thick fabric of a cloak that looked perfectly sized to him. At least Master Regulus had been careful not to free Kreacher with the clothes, allowing the elf to open the boxes and take the clothes himself without technically being given them. "How did Master Regulus find these with Millicent?"
"Oh she helped me order them on the Internet," Regulus explained and Kreacher had to struggle not to recoil.
"A Muggle made them?"
Regulus shook his head and grinned in open amusement. "No." Kreacher gave a sigh of relief. "It was probably several muggles and some of their machines," Regulus said. Dora chuckled and rolled her eyes at the look of frozen horror on Kreacher's face. "You can wash them," Regulus told the elf firmly. "They are very high quality. We ordered the best. Millicent understands our standards."
"But Muggles," Kreacher protested.
"I wanted you to have nice things and I did not wish to separate from you long enough to sort out a way to shop for them in Knockturn Alley," Regulus said.
Kreacher stared at the clothes. "Kreacher thanks Master Regulus," he said. He knew he'd had a bad feeling about those boxes.