The Search Is Over,
Chapter 157, Kreacher's Parents
Regulus and Kreacher were excited for the Christmas holidays more than usual. This was the first year the children were away at school, after all. The two had never gone without seeing Loughness and Hydra for months at a time. Both were very ready to have the children at home for a bit. They found themselves eager to hear their news, for letters were few and far between from both, even if Hydra's were longer.
Regulus was particularly eager to hear their thoughts on the professors he'd had during his own time at Hogwarts. Having this common ground to share with them was exciting. All too often the twins behaved quite as if he and Kreacher were ancient and as such, unrelatable. When the day arrived for them to come home for the holidays, Stormy and Ripper met them at the train station to escort them home. When Regulus and Kreacher woke in the evening, they hurriedly dressed and rushed down stairs to greet them. Everyone was in the dining room having dinner. Walburga and Orion hoovered near the children, and the room was full of lively conversation. Regulus was far less uncomfortable not eating when everyone else was once Kreacher became a vampire and so could not eat with him. He felt far less self-conscious not eating alone. With his parents about, unable to eat for other reasons of an incorporeal nature, he felt even less self-conscious.
"Hi Daddy," Hydra called, waving as she caught sight of Regulus. "And other Daddy," she added, waving at Kreacher, who followed just behind him. "Hogwarts food is delicious, but we've so missed the food of home."
"Yes," Loughness agreed enthusiastically around a full mouth.
"Loughness, dear. It is not gentlemanly to speak with your mouth full," Walburga chastised. "Whatever have they been teaching you at Hogwarts for you to forget so soon, I wonder."
"Oh, sorry," Loughness said after hastily swallowing. He darted a quick embarrassed glance to Kereston, who hadn't appeared to notice. Apparently he was still carrying a heavy torch for the little blonde, Regulus noted, with an amused smile that he couldn't quite restrain.
"We want to hear all about your time at Hogwarts," Regulus said eagerly. As he spoke, he and Kreacher settled themselves in their customary spots at the head of the table. "Who are your favorite professors, and what are your favorite classes?"
"Professor Flitwick of course," Hydra said. "But we've known him for ages, so that's only natural. Unless someone else was particularly amazing, but they're all just okay. No one is unpleasant at least, so we don't dislike anyone. I think my favorite class might be Astronomy, then Charms."
"Mine is Herbology," Loughness said. "At first I hated it, and didn't understand it, then something just clicked, and I saw how interesting all the plants are and how they're all sentient to a degree, and it's so exciting to think of what they could be used for."
"That's brilliant, Loughness," Regulus praised. "Kreacher and I have long speculated that elves should have a deeper connection to nature even if it has been lost over the centuries. We are very pleased that you are connecting with your abilities when it comes to such things."
"Indeed," Kreacher said, giving a proud nod. Loughness grinned happily, clearly pleased to have pleased his parents. Loughness was often the rebel child, the loud one, the demanding one. He couldn't even have a normal pet to take to Hogwarts with him. Indeed not. No toad, owl or cat for him. Instead he decided that he needed a salamander, and that Hydra should have one as well so that they could match.
When Kreacher and Regulus pointed out how difficult it was to obtain one of the fire creatures, Loughness set up an angry wailing until they agreed to make it happen for their own peace of mind. In the end they asked Blaise and Gellert to check with some of their Swedish connections, and fortunately, one of them knew someone who knew someone who could manage to lay hands on two salamanders for an exorbitant price. In spite of his at times willful nature, Loughness was a good and loyal child, and a child who enjoyed pleasing his parents. These traits ensured that they always forgave him most things soon enough.
"Speaking of elves and lost history," Hydra began slowly. "I have a Christmas present for The Daddies, only it has to be given a bit early. As in tonight. In a few hours even. You see, it involves Ariana Dumbledore, and she will be leaving town for a holiday trip with her father, so she said if we need her, she must do it tonight. She's leaving tomorrow morning." She paused, drawing in a deep breath as Kreacher and Regulus exchanged a look of surprise.
"It's just...Daddy Regulus has his parents here and Daddy Kreacher lost his so young that he barely remembers them. We never got to meet them, and I thought at least meeting them would be nice. If they could see Daddy Kreacher grown up, it would be nice for all of you," she concluded, looking at Kreacher as she shifted in her chair, suddenly seeming uncomfortable and even worried. "Also as you've discovered nothing of the elf history, perhaps they might know something. It's doubtful, granted, but it's also free to ask. I hope you like my gift and that it's alright." Her voice faltered.
"It is a wonderful gift, and you are a darling child," Walburga assured her warmly. Hydra's face relaxed, and she smiled at her grandmother, but when she glanced at Kreacher again, the worry returned to her expression.
"Mistress is right, yes," Kreacher assured. "Hydra is a kind, thoughtful child." As he spoke, his hand slipped into Regulus's, clinging tightly. Regulus couldn't read his face, as it was impassive aside from the reassuring smile he gave Hydra. His mind was teaming with emotions though. He was excited to speak to his parents, and worried that they might disapprove of his free lifestyle choices. Most of all, though, he was curious, and proud of Hydra for having the idea.
"It shall be interesting to meet our elf grandparents," Loughness said excitedly. "Hi-De-Ho had a grand idea! My Christmas present shan't seem nearly as creative, but it's the thought that counts, right?"
Regulus chuckled. "Yes, son. Probably."
"Unless the thought is very basic and uninspired," Kreacher clarified.
Loughness grinned. "No, it's not that bad."
"Don't call me Hi-De-Ho," Hydra snapped at her brother, having politely waited to do so until he'd finished his exchange with the parents.
"Fine. If you never call me Nessy again," Loughness replied. Hydra scowled. "I have decided to play Quidditch next year," Loughness told his parents. "It will be good exercise."
Regulus nodded, smiling proudly at him. "Yes, that is precisely why I played."
"I want to be a beater," Loughness said.
"I shan't play," Hydra said. "Even if Professor Flitwick wishes me to do so for Ravenclaw, which he probably will, I am just not interested. The entire stupid game confuses me and seems rather pointless."
Regulus grinned, nodding at his daughter. "Yes. But I did enjoy the physical workout. Such is beneficial for the mind as well as the body, you know."
"Yeah," Loughness chimed in.
"I will find other ways to work out that don't involve all the rough play," Hydra insisted. "I enjoy jumping rope, and that uses about every muscle in the body."
Ariana arrived just after dinner, and they all gathered in the library. "I will need something that belongs to each of Kreacher's parents," she said.
Kreacher looked blank, shaking his head. "Kreacher doesn't have anything."
"They had little in way of personal possessions," Walburga said. "I am afraid that I threw out their extra clothes so that little Kreacher would not see them and become upset." She bit her lip. "I dreaded the day he found some of their things and asked for them, and I..."
"Didn't he know they were dead," Loughness asked.
She nodded, hands twisting at her spectral skirt in open agitation. "Yes, but you know how children are. They can forget such things when they miss their parents. And Orion and I blamed ourselves so much for the accident."
Orion's dark head was bowed, his elegant hands clasped before him. He hadn't spoken a word since Hydra had announced her Christmas present. Regulus began to feel nervous for Kreacher. What if his parents could not be summoned without any earthly possessions?
"The three of you surely meant a lot to them, so perhaps you will do," Ariana said, indicating Kreacher, Orion and Walburga with a nod. "Now what are their names?" As she spoke, Hydra began lighting candles and placing them almost reverently around the room. Clearly, she and Ariana had spoken of this at length before hand.
"Hagatha and Balthazar," Orion replied nearly tonelessly. Kreacher's head whipped toward him, a look of surprised interest sparking in his round blue eyes at finally hearing his parents names.