The door was closed. His eyes stared with some apathy at the china cup that steamed in front of him on the desk. The house-elf's footsteps were already fading outside the room, surely heading downstairs for the last night's rounds of checking doors and windows.
Regulus knew he could very well trust Kreacher, but he was avoiding causing any fuss, even in that readily obedient being. Indeed, it was obedience that caused him reservations. Walburga's authority would be readily assented to by the almost-totally-faithful friend. Everything would be a vain effort.
In the corner of the room, the stacked books rested beside the large dark suitcase with her initials. On it the Hogwarts crest stood out in a dark gray tone, like a Patronus about to disappear.
The sips of tea were given calmly and half an hour later, Regulus settled into bed amid clean sheets and light pajamas. The thought no longer went to the next room - now locked. He preferred to take another route. Books. People. chores. Services. All different from what he was used to.
He was grateful for his cousin Bellatrix who would arrive the next day—the famously regular vacation she took from her husband. Fortunately they would not see each other, as Regulus insisted on leaving the house early and walking around London before boarding at King's Cross.
The tension previously present in his body had already largely dissipated until, in a brief movement, the young man forgot himself and the darkness of closed eyes became - in another quiet night - the normal world.
He fell asleep.
