Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter story plot, characters ...etc. Some of the passages in this chapter were taken from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows CHAPTER TEN: Kreacher's Tale
_____________________________________________________________________________________
BANG
The sound of explosions filled the kitchen as the front door shook briefly, and cries of panic and utter chaos broke loose from outside. Everyone was on their feet, wand at hand except for Sirius whose eyes were livid, starring at his friend, "Damn it Remus! I need you to get me my wand!"
"Sirius!" Hermione cried, "Harry!" Sirius' eyes widened in horror; he had to get to Harry. "You lot stay here, I'll go get him."
"Wait," shouted Remus, grabbing his shoulder, "Let us go first, you aren't armed." Sirius nodded solemnly as Remus walked by him, followed closely by Ron, Hermione and Tonks. Remus turned around hastily, and hissed at Tonks, "Dora, don't you dare think about..."
"Now's not the time Remus, I'm perfectly capable of defending myself." Tonks said, glaring at him slightly at his excessive protectiveness. Sirius ran up the stairs in frenzy, as the rest made way to investigate the front door. He reached the room where Harry laid breathlessly, and was surprised, not expecting to see his Godson who already on his feet, wand at hand who sighed in relief at the sight of his Godfather and not an unwanted guest.
"I thought you were a Death Eater. What's going on? Where are the others?"
"They went to check the front door. It seems as though we have been tracked somehow. You don't still have a trace on you, do you?" Harry burrowed his eyebrows, "I don't see why I still would. I turned seventeen not that long ago." Sirius considered his response before immediately shaking his head,
"The explosions are coming from outside. I think someone is trying to break in, but not with much success." Sirius said, still breathing excessively to some extent.
"But isn't it impossible, I mean...Dumbledore was the secret keeper."
"What about Snape...yes, the Fidelus Charm is unbreakable; since the secret keeper of Grimmauld Place was Dumbledore, but he shared its identity to the entire Order, meaning that slimy git as well...it doesn't matter anyways." He reached out, and put his arm around Harry's waist. "I'll need your wand, Harry. You're in no fit state to dual if it comes down to that. Try to stay behind me," he said as Harry handed him his wand, with an unpleasant look. They heard hurried footsteps thundering towards them. Sirius raised Harry's wand in alarm, only lowering it at the sight of Tonks.
"Sirius, it's them...Death Eaters. Nott and Macnair. They've killed some muggles in attempt to get in here. Half the building is in ruins but our location still remains concealed to them. They cannot breach our security, even though they seem to know we're here. They've must have tracked us somehow." She gave Harry a significant look, "You don't suppose you've still got that trace on you..."
"I don't think so," interceded Sirius abruptly, "It's impossible once one becomes of age." Footsteps could be heard ascending the staircase. Both Tonks and Sirius raised their wands, and then lowered them at the same time as Remus entered the room with a look of distress,
"Thank Merlin for the Fidelus Charm, it has yet to be infringed. For the time being, we are secure." He looked directly at Sirius, "How could they have tracked us?"
Sirius sighed, "I don't know...we've got to get a move on. Listen Harry," he said as he helped assemble Harry down upon the worn tattered mattress, "we've got to discuss about what we're going to." Harry cautiously looked at Tonks and Remus, both with broad eyes.
"They're up here, Ron!" shouted Hermione from the doorway. She heaved a loud sigh when she saw Harry sitting on the bed, starring at her. "You all right?" she asked, just as Ron made an appearance.
"Fine, "murmured Harry, still pondering about what Sirius had said earlier. Sirius turned to look at Ron and Hermione,
"How's it looking outside."
Ron spoke first, "Nott disaparated but Macnair is still here, waiting across the street." Sirius looked grim, "Okay, okay...well seeing as everyone is here." He looked down at Harry who groaned at the sight of Remus and Tonks' anxious looks.
"Listen, Dumbledore entrusted this to me alone, with the help of Ron and Hermione of course."
Ron smiled as Harry went on, "As much as I want to tell you both," he said looking at both Remus and Tonks, who both frowned slightly, noting where this conversation was aiming towards, "I don't think I should reveal to you the contents of this mission." Remus looked highly thwarted. Sirius gave Remus a sad smile,
"Moony, take my cousin back to your cottage and lie low for a while. I promise to keep you posted regularly, and will let you know if we need your assistance...right Harry?" Harry nodded hastily,
"Of course...I really appreciate everything, Remus. Please don't take this the wrong way." Remus exhaled loudly,
"I understand, Harry."
Sirius frowned slightly; he wasn't fooled by his friend's tone. He knew Remus wasn't tolerable with Harry's decision. Tonks too wasn't convinced, she knew her husband was torn in half.
"Harry, please don't settle on this on my behalf. As long as I'm informed regularly, I..." Tonks shook her head hastily before continuing, "I really don't think Remus would last two days at home, while you four are off and about." Remus looked at his wife with broad eyes,
"Dora, you know that..."
She raised her hand, "Remus, I know you'd never be happy in hiding and waiting for news...I know you don't want me to go through this alone, but I'll have my parents and well, truth be told I wouldn't want you to be at home... I'd want you to be with them, fighting for the greater good." It didn't take long for Remus to scoop up Tonks in a tender embrace, and then kiss her passionately on the lips. Sirius sniggered slightly, averting his eyes away from the couple. He still hasn't gotten over the idea of his friend being married to his cousin, and them expecting a child on top of that. His insides blazed with sorrow. He has missed so much.
"Erm, Remus..." Harry said uncertainly. He did of course consider the factor of Tonks being pregnant, but that wasn't the only reason he didn't want Remus to come with them. He wanted to respect Dumbledore's wishes. Harry looked up at his Godfather who seemed to understand the scuffle that was taking place in Harry's mind.
"Moony...that still doesn't mean you can come with us." Remus turned around rapidly, causing Harry to shift rather uncomfortably. He didn't dare look at Remus' wounded eyes. Sighing loudly, he closed his eyes, ignoring the principles lead by his conscience,
"Oh, all right. Remus, you can come." Sirius beamed, looking from his friend smiling extensively at him, to Harry who couldn't contain his contentment to Remus' retort.
Sirius turned to look at Tonks. She smiled, knowing what he was going to say, "I know, I know...I'd best be off, I suppose." Sirius advanced towards his cousin, and placed both hands on her shoulders,
"Now listen...you take care of yourself, all right? We'll keep you posted as much as we can." He gave her a tight embrace, "Marauder's vow." She snorted as they released hold of each other. Tonks made way to where Ron and Hermione stood, hugged them both ushering the words, "Be careful," in their ears. Looking down at Harry, who smiled remotely back at her, feeling slightly perturbed, Tonks smiled broadly at him as she kneeled down beside him and gave him a fierce embrace.
"No hard feelings Harry, I doubt I would be much use anyways." Harry shook his head,
"No, don't be foolish...of course you would have been a tremendous help, I just..." She raised her hand, "Don't feel the need to explain yourself. I admire your allegiance Harry, and couldn't be happier with my unborn child's Godfather. Thank you for letting Remus come, he really wanted to help you as much as he can with this. Take care of yourself, and be sure to keep your Godfather and my husband in line." Harry laughed, and hugged her again.
Tonks stood up, finally facing her husband. He gave her courteous nod, and they both headed towards the door. Tonks turned around with a smile, "I'm expecting all of you for Christmas dinner, no exception." Hand in hand, Remus and Tonks made way to the front door, wanting so share a reserved moment together before their separation. Sirius sat down beside Harry on the bed, as Ron and Hermione sat on the two chairs that were across the room, beside a writing table. Sirius patted Harry's back lightly,
"Thanks for giving Remus the thumbs up."
"No worries," he smiled back at him, before setting his gaze upon his two friends who were eying Harry warily. Harry sighed, "I'm fine you guys, really...just a little tired." Hermione grinned back at him reluctantly, however Ron still looked at him vigilantly; he still took the entire blame that his actions resulted in Harry's after affect anguish. Harry seemed to sense his friend's culpability, making a mental note to talk to him in private later. He cleared his throat, "Sirius has reasons to believe that R.A.B is his brother."
Hermione gasped, "What?" Sirius nodded as she looked at him seeking assurance. "Anyways," Harry continued, "let's search his room, and maybe we'll have some leads in to finding the locket."
"So, your brother turned against You-Know-Who?" Ron asked Sirius in disbelief. Sirius gave him a small smile, and nodded,
"Yes, we have reasons to believe that he had knowledge about the horcruxes and sought a way to bring him down."
"That fits," Hermione said loudly. She turned to look at Ron, "Let's start looking for it." They stood up at once,
"I'll come with you two." Sirius said, as he too stood up abruptly. Remus appeared before further words were exchanged. He looked poignant, before giving a query look at Sirius, "What's going on?"
"Harry will explain. We'll be in Regulus' room." He made way to the door, and after giving Harry a momentous look, followed Ron and Hermione who already vacated the room, heading down the hallway to Regulus' room.
"Is it okay if I sit here?" Remus said pointing at the foot of the bed where Harry lay.
"Of course," he said without hesitation. Ever since his first acquaintance with Remus John Lupin, Harry felt a close connection with him, and respected him full heartedly. He cleared his throat, but Remus spoke before he could find words that made a meaning.
"Listen Harry, before you tell me anything...I just wanted to..."
"No need Remus, I'm glad you're here." Harry smiled. Remus felt the warmness in his heart, as thoughts of James handing baby Harry to him the first time seventeen years ago pervaded his mind.
"So," Harry said, pulling Remus away from his nostalgia, "Remus, do you know what a Horcrux is?" Remus' eyes widened in astonishment.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Do Not Enter
Without the Expression Permission of
Regulus Black
Ron snorted as he read the pompous, little sigh, neatly lettered by hand, thinking that it was the sort of thing his brother Percy Weasley might have stuck on his bedroom door. Sirius sighed before turning the handle and entering the room. Regulus' room was slightly smaller than his room, though it has the same sense of former grandeur. Sirius had made it his life mission to annoy his parent's with Gryffindor colors pervade his room along with pictures of his friends and somewhat exposed pictures of muggle women hanging from his walls. Whereas he sought to advertise his difference from the family he despises, Regulus had done the complete opposite. The Slytherin colours of emerald and silver were everywhere. The Black family crest was painted over the bed, along with its motto Tourjours Pure: Always Pure. Hermione crossed the room to examine what seemed like a collection of yellow newspaper cuttings, all stuck together to make a ragged collage.
"They're all about him." She said in a bitter tone, referring him to Voldemort. Sirius ignored her as he looked around the room for likely hiding places and approached the desk.
"Someone has been here. The drawer's contents are turned over, and the dust seems disturbed." He turned to look at Ron and Hermione who were both still examining the old newspaper clippings of attacks in the year 1980.
"There's an easier way," said Hermione as she raised her wand, "Accio locket!" Ron sighed in disappointment.
"Is that it then? It's not here?"
Hermione thought for a moment before responding to Ron's desperation, "Perhaps the room is under counter-enchantments."
"Charms to prevent it being summoned magically, just like the stone basin in the cave." Harry said from the doorway. Remus was beside him, arm around his waist. Sirius groaned,
"Harry, you really should be in..."
"Sorry Padfoot already tried that but he wouldn't listen...he really is Prong's son." Sirius rolled his eyes, "I'm not sure if I should be proud or worried." Remus laughed, "Both are justified."
"Let's search manually; it could be somewhere else in the house." Ron said looking directly at Harry. "This is the locket of Slytherin right? The one you think Regulus stole."
"The same one," Sirius said bitterly answering Remus' question. Hermione gasped, resulting in all eyes to stare at her uncertainly, "I remember there being a locket...in the cabinet in the drawing room. Nobody could open it so we...we tossed it, along with everything else that was useful. Remember all those awful things we had to get rid of the last time we were here?"
Harry refused to accept what Hermione had just said, thinking rashly for any possibility that resulted in the locket being somewhere near their grasp. "What about Kreacher?" he asked vaguely.
"Kreacher?" asked Sirius incredulously, "what about him?'
"Well, he used to nick loads of things back from us," Harry said thoughtfully, holding onto his last thread of hope. Sirius apparently took what Harry said in consideration before bellowing, "Kreacher!" There was a loud crack and the house elf appeared out of nowhere, starring up at his Master with his pale skin hanging off him in crinkles. "Master," he croaked bitterly, giving Sirius a courteous nod. He looked around the room. He began muttering feverously,
"Back in my mistress's old house with the blood traitor Weasley, and the Mudblood..." Sirius seemed to ignore his nonsense mutters and gave him a look of utter disgust,
"I've got something to ask you, and I prohibit you from concealing the truth." Sirius looked at Harry, who nodded in encouragement at his Godfather, "Look, there was a big gold locket in the drawing room upstairs. It was thrown out apparently. Did you steal it back?"
There was a moment of silence, until, "Yes," the house elf said quietly. Harry's heart was ramming against his ears. "Where is it now?" Harry asked holding his breath.
"Gone."
"What do you mean gone?" Sirius asked viciously, "I order you to tell me..."
"Mundungus Fletcher," Kreacher croaked, closing his eyes. Sirius seemed to be towering over him in rage, "Don't lie to me..."
"He's telling the truth, Sirius." Harry said lightly. Sirius looked at him in bewilderment, "What are you on about, Harry?" Harry sighed,
"Last year we ran into Dung, he apparently came back here after you supposedly died and stole some silver wear, hoping to sell it off."
"You can't be serious," Remus said rolling his eyes, "well I'm not surprised."
"Master Regulus' locket, Kreacher did wrong, Kreacher failed in his orders!"
Sirius was about to rant about Mundungus Fletcher to Remus, before Harry spoke in a gentle tone to Kreacher, "You called the locket "Master Regulus's"...why?"
Kreacher remained silent. "What did my brother have to do with it, Kreacher?" asked Sirius in a raised tone, "I order you to tell me everything you know about that locket and Regulus' part in it!" Kreacher, who was covering his head in fear that Sirius was going to hit him, sat up and looked at Sirius warily.
"A year after Master Regulus joined the Dark Lord...oh how proud my Mistress was...Master Regulus came down to the kitchen to see Kreacher. Unlike Master Sirius, Master Regulus liked Kreacher. Master Regulus said that the Dark Lord required an elf."
"What?" gasped Hermione who starred at Kreacher with broad eyes.
"He needed an elf?" Remus asked thoughtfully. Kreacher glared at Remus, "Kreacher doesn't answer questions from filthy half-breeds..."
"Go on," Sirius said rather roughly, looking at Remus before setting his gaze once again upon the house elf who was rocking back and forth slightly. "Kreacher went to the Dark Lord, what an honour. The Dark Lord did not tell Kreacher what he had to do, but took Kreacher to a cave beside the sea, beyond the cave was a black lake."
Harry started shaking, raising alarm in Remus who still had his arm wrapped around his waist for support. "Harry, are you all right?" he asked lightly, causing Sirius' head to snap in their direction. His face revealed traces of concern,
"What is it?" Harry shook his head hastily, "Nothing...nothing, go on Kreacher."
Kreacher gulped, "The Dark Lord made Kreacher drink a basin full of potion...Kreacher saw terrible things, Kreacher cried out for Master Regulus and then the Dark Lord sailed away, leaving Kreacher on the island..."
"How did you get away?" Ron asked inaudibly, his face was pale. "Master Regulus told Kreacher to come back. Master Regulus was very worried...kind master...Master Kreacher came to find Kreacher one night, Master Regulus was very disturbed Kreacher could tell...and he asked Kreacher to take him to the cave where Kreacher had gone with the Dark Lord."
Sirius hands were shaking slightly. He remembered Harry's account on the cave with the stone basin, and Dumbledore drinking the potion...and the Inferi...
"Did you have to drink the potion; did Regulus make you drink the potion?" Hermione asked sympathetically. Kreacher shook his head and wept,
"M-Master Regulus took from his pocket a locket like the one the Dark Lord had. He told Kreacher to take it and, when the basin was empty, to switch the lockets."
Harry shot a quick glance at Sirius' face, before looking back at Kreacher who continued to sob on with his tale, "Master Regulus ordered Kreacher to leave and to destroy the first locket, and never to tell my Mistress of what he had done. Master Regulus drank the potion...all of the potion..." Kreacher looked up at Sirius, "Master Regulus cried out for Master Sirius, cried out saying he was sorry and begged for Master Sirius' forgiveness. Kreacher swapped the lockets and watched...as Master Regulus...was dragged beneath the water and..."
No one uttered a single word as Kreacher started to wail, and curled up in a ball, still rocking back and forth. Remus walked over to Sirius who looked horrified. He looked away from his friend to conceal the tears that had begun emitting from his eyes. Remus put his hand on his shoulder, and squeezed gently. Harry gave his Godfather a meaningful look before relentlessly asking Kreacher to continue with the rest of his tale; he was determined to know the full account.
"So you brought it back here, and tried to destroy it?"
Kreacher didn't even look at him as he responded to the direct question that was being addressed to him, "Nothing worked...powerful spells upon the casting, Kreacher was sure the way to destroy it was to get inside it, but it would not open. Kreacher had failed to obey orders; Kreacher could not destroy the locket!"
Harry felt a sudden inclination of fury, staring at Kreacher who continued to sob loudly. "I don't get you Kreacher." Sirius, who was reluctant to look at anyone, finally raised his head in perplexity while starring at his Godson. "Voldemort tried to kill you, Regulus died to bring him down, but you were happy to betray Sirius to Voldemort? You were happy to go to Narcissa and Bellatrix, and pass information through them..."
"WHAT!" Instantly after Sirius shouted in outrage, in one swift move he grabbed Kreacher by the throat and pinned him against the wall. Hermione shrieked in horror. Remus made attempts to loosen Sirius' grip on the house elf's neck, but failed.
"Padfoot, Padfoot! That's enough, let him go!"
"Sirius, please...it's not his fault! He's loyal to people who are kind to him!" Hermione shouted, as tears began forming in her eyes. Harry shot her a look of revulsion at her comment, hinting that Sirius was callous but deep down inside he knew that Sirius was always malicious to Kreacher. A soft thud on the floor made Harry look up seeing that his Godfather had finally released his hold around the house elf's neck.
"Padfoot please, now is not the time. It doesn't matter; you're back now and..."
"And, I've lost two bloody years of my life! You and Tonks are married and expecting! Harry is seventeen and risking his life for the greater good! I've missed so much because of this- this pathetic excuse of a life." Sirius roared. Remus gave him a sympathetic look, before looking down at Kreacher who was gasping for air.
"Kreacher, I want you to, please to go and find Mundungus Fletcher. We need to find out where the locket – where your Master Regulus's locket is. It's really important to well..."
"To ensure that he didn't die in vain," Harry finished Remus' sentence. Remus looked up and smiled at him. "I don't take orders from anyone other than that of my Master's..." Kreacher croaked.
"Sirius..." Remus egged on his friend, who heaved a loud sigh not looking directly at Kreacher,
"Find Mundungus Fletcher." Kreacher nodded, and got to his feet.
"Wait Kreacher," Harry called out from where he was sitting.
"Thanks," he said softly. And with a crack the house elf disappeared. Ron and Hermione exchanged a concise look.
"So, that's that..." Ron said quietly, cautiously glancing at Sirius who still looked vexed. Remus was still beside him, with his hand on his shoulder.
"You all right, Padfoot?" Remus asked wearily. Sirius took a moment before nodding,
"Too much information in such a short amount of time." Remus gave him a soft smile,
"I know...how about we head downstairs for a late lunch?"
They all made comments in agreement. Ron and Hermione were the first one's ascending the staircase. Remus turned from the doorframe, looking at Sirius who simply said, "You go, I have to help Harry anyways." Remus nodded and left abruptly. His footsteps could be heard from afar, echoing across the hallway. Harry carefully examined his Godfather's face as he approached the bed. Pain and disbelieving anguish could still be read from his features.
"Er, Sirius...you okay?" Harry asked apprehensively.
"I'm as well as can be expected, Harry. Don't worry about me, okay? At least we've started our hunt for these wretched horcruxes...I just can't believe that Regulus..." His voice shook. Harry had an inspirited notion, and pulled out the fake locket from the purse that Hagrid had once given him.
"Here," he said as he placed the locket in his Godfather's hand, "It belonged to Regulus and I'm sure he'd want you to have it. I was considering giving it to Kreacher as a token of Regulus' gratitude but, well..."
"Thank you, Harry," Sirius gave Harry a one arm embrace.
_____________________________________________________________________________________