Chapter 62: The Death Stick
"Regulus! Kreacher! Someone is down stairs asking for you," Doge called through the closed bedroom door. "Judging by the blonde hair and German accent, I think it may be Mr. Grindelwald," he added in a near whisper, knowing by now that Regulus's vampiric hearing and Kreacher's elf ears could pick up on a near whisper just fine. It was the second day in a row that Regulus and Kreacher had someone call on them. The two currently lay tangled and sated on the bed. They'd recently returned from hunting Regulus's evening meal before enjoying other pleasures once back home.
"Do you mind putting him in the library," Regulus asked. "We shall be right down."
"Not a problem," Doge said. "I shall offer him tea."
"Thank you so much," Regulus said gratefully.
"Think nothing of it, Dear Boy," Doge said and then Regulus could hear his footsteps retreating.
"He truly is a kind soul," he murmured and Kreacher nodded against his shoulder.
"He's a friend of Dumbledore's. What else could he be but kind?"
Regulus gave a short laugh, amused. "Well, Severus is also a friend of Dumbledore's so..."
Kreacher's lips twitched into a slow grin. "Yes but Severus Snape is also kind to Master Regulus and Kreacher, so for us at least, Kreacher's sentiment still stands."
"Fair enough," Regulus said. Dragging himself languorously up to a sitting position, he bent to give Kreacher a final kiss before getting dressed.
"Master Regulus is so beautiful," Kreacher murmured nearly wistfully against Regulus's lips. The elf's hands slid through Regulus's hair, spreading the black locks over his slender naked shoulders as the kiss deepened. Suddenly getting dressed was the last thing on Regulus's mind. Making a low sound of desire, he sank back down, drawing Kreacher closer. "Beautiful Master Regulus," the elf murmured, then gasped as Regulus's hand slid down his body. Though Regulus did very much wish to know what brought Grindelwald to call, he was, at times like this, tired of always being responsible rather than taking what he wanted. Look what it had gotten him thus far to be the diligent, responsible one, after all. Escalating heated kisses and touches had them both on the edge, so at least Grindelwald would not have to wait long. Soon they were crying out their pleasure against one another's skin as their bodies shuddered together in ecstasy for the second time that evening. This time when Regulus gave Kreacher a final kiss both dragged themselves up from the bed, hastily locating then dawning their garments that had somehow gotten themselves scattered around the room. Before long they were walking into the library together to join Grindelwald. The blonde sat in an armchair near the fire, an untouched tea tray on a table at his elbow and an old looking book in his hands.
"Have you seen this one yet," he asked them in way of greeting as he glanced up with a slight quizzical smile.
"What is it," Regulus asked, arching a brow.
Grindelwald smirked. "Can't you see it in my mind?" Though he quipped, a genuine curiosity flashed in his animated blue eyes.
"No, actually," Regulus admitted. "Your shields are quite impenetrable unless you happen to be thinking of your man." At the mere vague mention of Mr. Zabini, Gellert's expression softened.
"The book is a history of secret under ground cities," Grindelwald said, standing to replace it on a near by shelf. "Some were founded by wizards, and some by other creatures. This library has a few impressive tomes."
Regulus nodded. "Yes, Kreacher and I read that one soon after we moved in." He could be flattered that they shared reading tastes with Grindelwald, but then again most like minded dark wizards would have a similar eye for intriguing texts.
"The master of the house sent in a cup of tea for you as well, Kreacher. I waited for you so that we may drink together," Grindelwald said as Kreacher and Regulus seated themselves on the small sofa across from his armchair.
"Ah, Gellert Grindelwald did not have to put himself out for old Kreacher," the elf murmured, but he did look pleased as he rose quickly to take the extra cup. As the elf smiled, Regulus noted the flushed quality of his lips. The knowledge of just why they were flushed, that being from their many heated and impassioned kisses, sent a surge of pleased satisfaction singing through him.
Gellert took up his own cup as Kreacher resumed his seat.
"I came to ask what you plan to do when the end truly begins."
Regulus smiled. He appreciated the direct manner in which Grindelwald conducted himself. "I will track Potter's plans as best I can through Kreacher's exposure to him and do what I can against Voldemort accordingly. So no direct plans of yet, though I do plan to have a hand in the monster's defeat if it is safe for Kreacher and I to do so." Knowing how cowardly that must sound he hastily continued. "Not because I am afraid, but because after what I have done, I owe Kreacher the assurance of our safety. We deserve a better life than we've had thus far after crossing HIM. And the prophesy dictates that we can't kill him anyway."
Gellert nodded. "Exactly. I'm in the same situation. I cannot kill him and I cannot expose the fact that I am alive without risking another imprisonment, which I cannot tolerate." Something flickered in Gellert's eyes that Regulus recognized as kindred. It caused him to nod in understanding. "Not to mention I promised Blaise not to put myself at risk for a society who chose to lock me away," Grindelwald added, eyes softening once more with love at the mention of Zabini.
"So you were hoping I could do something more," Regulus asked, still a bit confused when it came to Grindelwald's line of questioning.
"I just hoped you'd let me know if things start to go...unexpectedly wrong. I don't expect that anything shall, in truth, but if it happens I would like to be ready with a good team around me. We have a safe place, and I wanted to give you a talisman that shall get both of you there. One for each of you, actually," he clarified. "If things go wrong, we will all gather and plan the next stage. "Reaching into a side pocket of his robe, he produced two matching pendants on silver chains. The pendants were greenish copper and cast into the shape of a very detailed oak leaf.
"Thank you," Regulus said as Grindelwald passed one to him and one to Kreacher. They were useful and also attractive to wear which didn't hurt.
"Of course. When you touch these with the intent to activate, everyone will be transported to our hiding place. I would tell you where it is, but as you are exposed to Mr. Potter and Voldemort, even if indirectly, it is safer for you to simply know that it is a safe place."
"Of course," Regulus agreed readily. He did not feel left out of any informational loop by not being aware of the exact location. The precaution had nothing to do with he and Kreacher not being trusted and everything to do with keeping them all safe from Voldemort. At mention of a safe place if things went wrong, Kreacher's face showed open relief, a clear sign of how concerned the elf had been over the outcome of the impending battle. "Who arranged for this," Regulus asked, curious.
"All of us in essence, but it was mainly facilitated by Mr. Adler and my own family." At Regulus's perplexed look Gellert flushed slightly and clarified,"The Zabinis. They have quickly become the family I never had." The blonde chuckled. "It is nearly uncanny, honestly. I never realized I wanted parents as much as I did until I had them. And while I look quite a lot like Sabra, my personality is closer to that of Geo so both tend to see me as one of their own."
"So they truly accept you as a...son-in-law of sorts, then," Regulus asked with a smile. He was truly glad for the other man. Acceptance like that was wonderful indeed.
Gellert nodded, smiling back. "It seems so."
He looked as if he would say more, but when he did not, Regulus spoke again. "And the age difference between you and Blaise?" Zabini was certainly of legal age, and with Grindelwald youthened, he looked extremely young himself, so the two appeared close in age. Still did it work out mentally?
"Not anything I even consider," Gellert said dismissively. "Blaise and I connect on so many levels, it's symbiotic. I've never met anyone as much like me in my life and nothing has ever felt so right."
Regulus and Kreacher exchanged a look and Regulus nodded. "I understand and I am truly happy for both of you."
"As is Kreacher," the elf added. "So as we all have much to live for, we must keep ourselves safe and alive."
Regulus chuckled. "I think he's worried that I shall run off and do something Gryffindor stupid when things truly begin."
Kreacher smirked, giving his head a slight shake. "No. Master Regulus is never Gryffindor stupid. Slytherin stupid, though...He has been countless times."
Regulus smiled slightly, ducking his head in acknowledgment. "And that is why I allow you to make the final decisions," he reminded the elf. Though he caught the briefly confused look in Grindelwald's eyes at that, he chose not to clarify. "So, the Elder wand...Did you lose it," he asked instead, deciding to pursue a topic on which he was genuinely curious. He may as well make the most of the fact that Grindelwald was actually here calling on him.
The confusion on Gellert's face turned at once to an expression of regret as he nodded. "I lost everything when I was locked away and I have no knowledge as to where any of it is now."
"Well I have theories on the Elder wand, and if correct, it could mean that its loss was a blessing in disguise...A heavy disguise mind, but still," Regulus said.
"And Master Regulus's theories are always correct," Kreacher murmured proudly. "He is, after all, the most brilliant wizard there is."
Regulus never expected to hear anyone, not even Kreacher, speaking such words to the likes of Gellert Grindelwald, who was surely more brilliant than he, but the elf made the sincere proclamation without batting an eye. Regulus was surprised to see a mild flicker of interest rather than definite doubt in Gellert's eyes as he spoke a single word of inquiry.
"Explain?"
Nearly like an eager school boy excelling in his favorite class, Regulus was eager to do just that. Straightening in his chair, he met Gellert's eyes with his own now avid gaze. "Well considering that only brilliant wizards are able to claim the wand, due to the obvious level of difficulty involved, and also considering the fact that every wizard who gains it suffers, and at last considering the fact it's called the Death Stick, my theory involves a Horcrux." Regulus could not deny a gratifying satisfaction when Grindelwald's eyes widened a little.