The Search Is Over,
Chapter 163, Animagi
"But can elves even be Animagi," Kreacher wondered. "It's a spell favored by wizards and witches, and Kreacher has never heard of elf Animagi." He and Regulus sat in the library with Orion and Walburga. They were still processing everything. Ariana had just left and there was a lot to consider.
"Elves are far more powerful than wizards and witches as you are aware," Walburga said peevishly. "Anything we can do, you lot can do better. So yes. I should think if you study the art and practice, you can turn yourself into whatever charming little animal you wish."
"What if Kreacher wishes to be a big animal," the elf mock grumbled, a tiny grin playing around the corners of his mouth as he peered playfully over at Walburga. Due to the general sense of gravity that came along with interactions with his own parents, he found himself seeking to lighten the mood a bit.
Walburga quirked her brows. "That would be odd, but have at it."
"I shall have to study the art as well, for I never had an interest," Regulus said. "I'm sure we have a book or two on the topic. We shall just have to find them." As he spoke, his blue gaze traveled over the library's towering shelves crammed full of tomes both old and new.
"Third bookcase over from the right," Orion said. "Third shelf down from the top. Fifth book over, if memory serves."
Regulus and Kreacher exchanged an impressed glance as Regulus stood. "Thanks, Dad."
Kreacher idly watched as Regulus approached the book shelf Orion had indicated. The lull in the conversation gave his mind that necessary second to replay the visit with his parents. He lifted his hands to his cheeks, recalling the odd chill of Balthazar and Hagatha's elemental hands touching his face as they'd departed. The memory gave him an odd pang of loss, and he felt sudden tears spring to his eyes. "Kreacher thinks that his parents may love him after all," he murmured half to himself.
"Of course they do," Walburga chided. "Are you always pleased with Hydra and Loughness? I think not, especially when they don't study their elf magic enough. You still love them, though. It is the same with all parents and children, Kreacher."
Kreacher sniffed and nodded. "Kreacher knows. He just expected his own parents to be kinder to him considering that they weren't with him during most of his life."
"Well if they didn't feel that you needed to be whipped into shape, I'm sure they would've," Walburga said kindly. For some reason those words said in such a kind tone made Kreacher snicker.
"I expected them to be far harder on me," Regulus said. "Honestly they didn't seem to dislike me as much as I expected.
Walburga sighed as she shook her head. "They clearly approve of you, Regulus. They simply wish you and Kreacher would work harder when it comes to correcting whatever past issues they believe shall affect your future."
Sighing, Regulus glanced over his shoulder at Kreacher, quirking his brows much as Walburga had earlier. "Now don't they think if we could, we would?"
Kreacher snickered, feeling his mood lightening. "Kreacher loves Regulus very much. He always knows what to say when Kreacher needs something to be said."
Regulus chuckled as his gaze met Kreacher's warmly. "Regulus loves Kreacher more than words can say." Due to Orion's specific directions, Regulus quickly found the book simply titled, Animagi. Removing it from the bookshelf, he hurried back to his chair at Kreacher's side so that they could view the contents of the book together. "I wonder if we shall have a harder time of the shape shifting aspect due to being vampires," Regulus wondered.
"Let's hope not," Walburga said.
"Kreacher did not have extra difficulty in adjusting his physical size, under Albus Dumbledore's tutelage," the elf pointed out.
Regulus nearly said that this was because Kreacher's magic was far stronger than that of humans. As a mere wizard, he would likely have a more difficult time of it. He supposed he should give it a solid try before assuming such, however. If Bloody Sirius and his ridiculous friends could manage it, he certainly had a shot, vampirism or no vampirism that may or may not change the way the Animagus magic worked.
"So when the two of you are ready to give it a go, may we watch," Orion asked.
The fact that his father was clearly trying not to smile made Regulus scowl. "No! We're likely to botch it with anyone watching."
Kreacher nodded in agreement."Not to mention we have much studying to do first, and that bit shall be far too boring for Master Orion and Mistress Walburga."
Walburga nodded. "He's right, Orion. It shall take them months at least. Let's go play chess."
Six months later, a bat flew gleeful circles around a basilisk lizard before crashing into the nearest wall. Clearly more flying practice was required."You did it," Walburga crowed as she floated into the library via the right wall. "Both of you! I am so bloody proud!" She'd clearly been spying.
"Now can you turn back," Orion asked, following at a more sedate pace via the same right wall.
"Here they go, respecting our wishes not to spy on our transformation practice," Regulus attempted to say. Rather than words, a series of long hisses left the basilisk lizard's open mouth. The bat shook his head to clear it and glared hard at the wall in to which he'd so recently crashed before transfiguring back into Kreacher.
"Kreacher did not understand a word Master Regulus said, but the hisses were very intimidating," Kreacher said, laughing as he bent to hug the basilisk.
"Alright, Kreacher transfigured back to his natural form very smoothly. Let's see you do it now, Regulus," Walburga prompted. The lizard sighed and in a few seconds, Regulus sat on the floor of the library in only slightly rumpled robes. Perhaps they'd made Kreacher's parents proud, he found himself thinking. At least perhaps they'd taken a large step in the right direction.
"Of course I can't turn anyone to stone or control snakes, not being a true basilisk, but Mag said her family has a book on Petrification that she'll allow me to borrow. If I can somehow incorporate those skills with vampiric hypnotism, the results could be interesting," Regulus said. That studious tone and scholarly expression caused Kreacher to give a dreamy sigh.
"Perhaps Kreacher and Master Regulus should find a way to celebrate their success," he murmured into Regulus's ear.
Smiling, Regulus nodded. "Kreacher and I shall need to be excused," he told his parents. Standing, he took Kreacher's hand.