Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
The Return of Regulus Black
"Well done, Miss Weasley", Lord Flint said as we finally made it back to the castle. It took drying charms, warming charms, and pepper-up potions. We needed to be cleared by Madam Pomfrey, dodge well-wishers, and make it past the reporters who, unfortunately, were invited to join us in the castle.
Giving Flint Senior a side-eye glance, I tried not to wonder why he chose to stand next to me of all people. "I have no idea what you're talking about". And I truly didn't. All I did was take a long nap and get retrieved from the bottom of the lake.
As soon as we set foot in the entrance hall, Adrian had been pulled away to take pictures with the other champions. With the unique way they approached the second task, the reporters had questions for all of them. Luckily the rest of the school and our guests had retired either to the great hall or their quarters. Probably to get warm. But it meant the entrance was free of loitering people.
A closed-mouth pleased smile briefly graced Lord Flint's face. If you didn't know him, you wouldn't have seen it. "You played your part beautifully", Lord Flint continued. Keeping on the pretense that I knew what he was going on about. I tried to keep my focus on Adrian and the others. Despite wanting to be anywhere else, Adrian was doing a good job; smiling politely and shaking hands when asked. "In fact, I don't think I could have asked for anything better".
Better? I couldn't help myself. My eyes ended up flickering back over Lord Flint's proud form. "Are you talking about the picture Skeeter's cameraman took back at the docks?" Heat rushed to my cheeks as dread settled in my stomach. Oh, Merlin. Had Lord Flint seen that?
Lord Flint masked a snort of amusement by letting out a delicate sniff. "No", he answered. "Though I'm sure that display of young love will only help sell the narrative".
I narrowed my eyes. What narrative? Before I could question him further, Hermione and Ron joined us. Each still had their towels over their shoulders. Despite using magic to fix our soggy predicament. Honestly, the only evidence remaining that we had been in the water at all was the state of Hermione's and my hair. Because that was something only shampoo, conditioner, and a good hair brush was going to be able to fix.
"Mr. Flint", Hermione greeted; sounding just as pleased as Lord Flint looked. "What do you think of the champions working together? It's all the reporters want to talk about. Except Skeeter that is". Hermione paused to cast a disapproving stare in the direction of the bug-eyed woman. "That's what you were hoping for, right? When you invited Madam Maxime to our club event?"
I was surprised by Hermione's enthusiasm and taken aback by how comfortably she talked with Lord Flint. Had they ever talked before? In society's eyes, Lord Flint and Hermione stood on opposite ends of the spectrum. A muggleborn girl from Gryffindor and a Pureblood lord from Slytherin. Stuff like this just didn't happen. It usually wasn't safe. But… I guess, that's exactly what the United Party was targeting.
"You're right, Miss Granger", Lord Flint confirmed as he stood straight and moved his arms until they were held behind his back. "Having the support of international friends can only benefit us moving forward. And I have to thank you for your involvement as well". At this statement, Hermione seemed puzzled, while Ron looked suspicious. "I was surprised to see you pulled from the lake. Even more so to hear you were the hostage picked for Mr. Krum. Given how difficult it's been to communicate with Professor Karkaroff, I was sure we wouldn't be able to make an impact with the Bulgarian guests. But you have proved me wrong".
Hermione was all smiles again. It made me wonder if she forgot who she was talking to. Flint. Father of Marcus Flint. Who, Marcus I mean, until relatively recently wasn't openly willing about embracing different blood statuses. And there was another thing, I thought as I glanced over to the champions still busy with the reporters. Why was Lord Flint so motivated to have international ties? If UP was successful, it would still only have a footing in Wizarding UK, right?
As I thought, Hermione and Ron continued their conversation with Lord Flint. Or rather, Hermione continued it, because, like me, Ron seemed unsure about why this exchange was happening. Adrian was standing next to Harry; answering a question as Sirius stood behind them both. He had a hand on one of Adrian's shoulders and one of Harry's. Sirius' stance was both proud and protective and Skeeter's cameraman took more pictures. He looked less like a teacher. More like a father. Or an older brother. But… why? Usually, Adrian and Sirius were a lot more careful about their hidden family ties. It was hard to believe they'd forget themselves just because the second task turned out alright. Especially when standing in the middle of a media circus.
"Holly", Hermione said; pulling me back into the conversation. "I'm going to invite Viktor to the next YUP meeting". She seemed encouraged by all the attention from Lord Flint and it was hard not to feel the strength of her motivation.
"Sure", I answered; ignoring the slightly aggrieved look Ron was sending me. Honestly, if he was that worried about Hermione spending time with the opposite sex, he needed to sort out his feelings and have the balls to do something about it. "Bring him along. Ask if any of his friends want to join. But it's probably going to be a boring meeting". The club hadn't met since before the Yule Ball. And as of yet, we had no events planned for the new year.
"I will", Hermione assured me; undeterred as she started up the stairs for Gryffindor Tower. But not before she offered Lord Flint a very polite farewell. "Come on, Ron", she called over her shoulder when my little brother wasn't moving fast enough for her.
Grumbling, Ron took his time. "Don't you think there are enough people to keep straight in the club already? Do we really need the Durmstrang lot joining us?" He sounded a bit forlorn. I couldn't decide if Ron was pleading with me or if he genuinely felt that way. Either way, he should know by now that it's nearly impossible to stop Hermione once she's determined.
"Kind of defeats the purpose of YUP if we start turning people away. Don't you think?" I countered.
In response, all I got was a put-out sigh as Ron lumbered away. Barely picking his feet up high enough as he climbed the stairs. I shook my head at his back; missing little eleven-year-old Ron. He used to be such a cute little brother. What happened?
Lord Flint watched them go; calculating. "I might have to offer Miss Granger an internship too in a few years".
Snorting, I crossed my arms over my chest. "Why? Do you have another son you want to coerce someone into dating?"
Turning to me, there was a sharp glint in Lord Flint's eyes that I was becoming familiar with. And oh, how I hated that. "Young lady", Lord Flint started; sounding like a pompous guest lecturer. "I have never used coercion on anyone". Before I laugh, retort, or challenge him on that claim, Lord Flint continued. "You should join them; your brother and his friend. It must have been an ordeal being a hostage, even if you were unconscious for most of it".
"I'm waiting for Adrian", I answered; looking back over to where all the champions stood with their respective heads. And Sirius too. The number of reporters was slowly dwindling. Some, I could see, were even walking out the entrance doors as we speak. Though Skeeter was hanging on; her quick-notes-quill was still hard at work.
Lord Flint took a moment to take in the same sight I was; taking a step closer to the champions in the process. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait a very long time". I glanced at him, confused. "Mr. Pucey has another engagement after this".
My eyes narrowed on their own accord. "Adrian didn't tell me about having any plans".
There was a slight twitch on Lord Flint's lips. Or maybe it was a wince. As if to suggest whatever lay ahead wasn't going to be pleasant. Though for whom, I wondered. "He was not aware it would occur today", Lord Flint said to me; only making this whole exchange more mysterious.
However, things became clear when Lord Flint called to the group in front of us. "Rita". Immediately, he had her attention and that of her cameraman. "Do you have extra time today? I feel that now would be the appropriate opportunity to make good on that promise I gave you".
Despite trying to hide it, skeeter was thrilled. She plucked her quick-notes-quill out of the air and showed off her manicured and brightly colored nails in the process. "For you Lord Flint, I have all day". She adjusted her glasses and leaned forward ever so slightly. "You are, naturally, referring to the headline story you've been teasing me with since June?"
From behind Skeeter, Sirius gave Adrian's shoulder a long squeeze. At the same time, he changed his grip on Harry completely. Choosing to stretch his arm across Harry's chest like a seatbelt as a form of a one-armed hug. Harry just about folded into Sirius; looking at Lord Flint in a way to suggest he didn't know what the two were talking about. Adrian, however; stiffened. He lost his polite and practiced media smile and adopted something far more grim. Just the sight of him standing like that made me uncomfortable. Also, a little exasperated. I mean, we'd just conquered a situation we'd been stressing about since Adrian was selected as champion. And now there was something else on top of the pending third task?
"Yes", Lord Flint confirmed as Fleur, Krum, and all the head teachers looked on with varying expressions; interest, concern, distrust. "My young friend, Mister Adrian Pucey, has quite the story to share with you".
To Right a Wrong: The Redemption of a Reincarnated Soul
By Rita Skeeter
Any literature on the subject of a reincarnated person is limited. Mostly due to the fact that those who remember past lives are rare. There have not been many opportunities to study or examine such a soul. But the knowledge is also limited because past lives are such private affairs. We've all heard about such souls. Wondered about what it would be like to be gifted with a fresh start. But never have we been afforded the opportunity to ask our questions. Well, my dear readers, I am here to tell you I have had the honor of becoming acquainted with such a soul. And now, with my inside scoop, I'll pull back the curtain on one of the most mystical and unknown aspects of magic.
On the Surface, Adrian Pucey appears to be a normal student. At seventeen years of age, he resigns at home with his parents during the holidays. And during the academic months, he attends Hogwarts as a sixth-year student. Though perhaps normal is not the correct way to describe this young man. Promising might be a better word. As a prefect, and the Hogwarts Champion in the Triwizard tournament, Adrian Pucey is shaping up to be an impressive asset to our society.
However, Adrian is one of the selected few who has not lost the memories of his past life. In the quiet privacy of a classroom at Hogwarts, Adrian bowed his head and contritely admitted that in another life, he was known as Regulus Black.
Some may recognize the name. But for my readers who are not familiar, allow me to share its significance. Regulus Black was born in the sixties. He was the second son to the head of the noble and prestigious Black family. Younger brother to the famous and wrongfully accused Sirius Black. Regulus grew up to become a Death Eater. One of You-Know-Who's lesser-known followers, but a Death Eater nonetheless. "I was sixteen when Regulus took the mark", Adrian shared; using a peculiar way of speaking when referring to his past life. "At the time, I did not think about what it would mean or what the Dark Lord would ask of me. Just that it would please Regulus' parents".
"Why did you take the mark?" I asked the ashamed young man sitting across from me as he stoically bore the pain of his past mistakes.
"Before Regulus joined the Dark Lord's cause, everything I heard about him was spoken in terms of saving wizardkind from extinction. It was about protecting our heritage and traditions for future generations. Regulus' parents often praised the Dark Lord's message. That we, as purebloods, were superior. And as the superior people we had a duty to protect and uphold wizarding society. While I see the harm and ugliness of it now, Regulus grew up believing in those messages. Regulus was taught that denying the magic of muggleborns, silencing blood traitors, and murder was righteous as that is what it would take to save our way of life. I was so entrenched in these teachings and expectations that I had to die and be reborn before I could be free of them".
Regulus Black died in 1979, having walked the path of a Death Eater for a short time. At the time, he was eighteen; a recent Hogwarts graduate. As I sat across from this young man, many questions came to me. What crimes did Regulus Black commit under You-Know-Who's name? How did Regulus Black die? How does Adrian Pucey intend to make amends for his past life's wrongful deeds? And what motivates him to do so?
Well, dear readers, keep reading because I have been gifted all the answers. Young as he was, Regulus Black never gained much standing in You-Know-Who's ranks. As a lesser-known follower and a Death Eater who did not live long enough to stand before the Wizengamot, little is known about what atrocities Regulus Black committed. But Adrian Pucey is willing to tell all. "Arson", He admitted; speaking with great regret. "Setting fire to homes and businesses of blood traitors was a sort of initiation for new recruits. "And murder. One muggle had to lose his life in order for Regulus to master all the unforgivable curses and become a full-fledged member".
As he told me about his sinful past, grief, and guilt swam behind his eyes. At times, a great pain appeared to overtake him. I am more often reminded of the times I've interviewed victims rather than criminals. When asked if he worried about being brought to justice for his past life's actions in his current life, Mr. Pucey shook his head. "No. Though I wouldn't blame anyone if they wish that were the case. Under the law, a reincarnated person cannot be held accountable for any actions they made prior to their most recent birth. I can only hope Regulus' death is enough of a punishment for the harm I've caused".
At the mention of Regulus Black's demise, it was only natural to ask how it occurred. However, Mr. Pucey required a long moment to gather the courage to answer. "I was killed by inferi laying dormant in a cave filled mostly with water. the Dark Lord designed to protect something important to him. In an attempt to steal it from him and right some of my wrongdoings, the inferi were awoken. They grabbed a hold of me and I was dragged and held underwater until I drowned.
"Regulus' death wasn't a shock to me", Mr. Pucey admitted. "I had entered that cave knowing it wasn't likely I'd make it out. A part of me felt it deserved". Regulus Black's body was never found. In fact, he was only presumed dead at the fall of You-Know-Who when he could not be located.
Moved by the depth and emotional torment of his past, Mr. Pucey required several moments before he was able to continue. When he was ready, I asked when he became aware he was a reincarnated soul. "Around the age of three", Mr. Pucey answered. "At least, that is my earliest memory of this life. Though I've heard stories of other reincarnated people remembering much earlier".
Mr. Pucey described accessing Regulus' memories as a confusing and terrifying time. "Like all reincarnated people, I was my physical age; emotionally, and developmentally. And all of a sudden, my parents felt like strangers except not. I knew things I shouldn't and remembered events from a first-hand perspective that weren't suited for children".
Adrian Pucey was born to Marcellus Pucey and Floretina Pucey nee Carrow. Mr. Pucey talked of his second childhood with great respect and love for his current parents. "My parents are everything Regulus Black's parents weren't. They are attentive and affectionate, and encourage me to form my own opinions and think for myself. It would have been impossible to ask for better parents".
When asked about how he intended to use his new life to better himself, Mr. Pucey turned sheepish. "The answer didn't occur to me right away. The Dark Lord was still at large when I was born. After the initial panic of being reborn wore off, I planned on living quietly and not involving myself at all. Once again born a wizard and to a pureblood household, I thought it would be safe to do so. My plans didn't change until my third year at Hogwarts".
I asked Mr. Pucey about what caused this change and suddenly found myself sitting across a blushing, love-struck teenager. Not at all the sort someone would imagine when picturing a Death Eater. "That was the year I started spending more time with the young lady I am currently courting. Being close to her brought me closer to people who were affected by Regulus Black's actions. Through her, I met Harry Potter and was reintroduced to Regulus' older brother". The young lady Mr. Pucey is referring to is Miss Holly Weasley. Some of my most dedicated readers will remember Miss Weasley and her brothers from two separate debacles involving the mouse man, Peter Pettigrew, and the mad Gilderoy Lockhart.
Miss Weasley and her family aligned themselves very closely with the Boy Who Lived and his Godfather, Sirius Black. My sources report that the Weasleys often host Harry Potter and Sirius Black in their home. This is an important tidbit because it means Mr. Pucey could not woo the love of his young life without confronting the very much alive ghosts of his past. "I had to be honest", Mr. Pucey explained. "Both Harry and Sirius learned of my past life and with time they were able to forgive and accept me".
This claim was checked by going directly to the sources. When asked if they did indeed forgive Mr. Pucey for his past life's crimes, Sirius Black answered. "Yes. It was a shock to learn my baby brother was reincarnated. But a relief to see he was better for it. We didn't have loving parents when we grew up together. And I hadn't protected him as I probably should have. Forgiving Adrian ended up being easy. He's a different person now. I'm just glad to have him back in my life".
While Harry Potter had to say, "Adrian's great. I never knew him as Regulus and he's been helping me and my friends since our first year of school".
Mr. Pucey was asked if his young lady friend knew about his past life. Still blushing, Mr. Pucey mustered up an answer. "Yes. I told Holly about Regulus long before I told anyone else. Except for my parents. I just couldn't see us building a healthy relationship if I kept such a big thing a secret. She learned about Regulus in our third year. With her acceptance, I found the courage to share it with Sirius as well".
Mr. Pucey and Ms. Weasley began identifying as a couple during their fourth year of school; a year after Ms. Weasley learned Mr. Pucey's biggest secret. My sources share that the two can often be found together; causing a stir amongst their peers as they challenge a belief held by generations of Hogwarts students that a Gryffindor and Slytherin cannot be friends. Let alone lovers.
And so, my dear readers, that only leaves one final question. Why share this intriguing tale with me? Why risk the ire of society when Mr. Pucey has already achieved acceptance amongst those who matter most to him?
In Mr. Pucey's own words, he explained, "Our world did not change much after the fall of the Dark Lord. We think it has but I have muggleborn and half-blood classmates who are bullied and belittled for their heritage. I have pureblood classmates who are avoided or treated like criminals because of something their parents or grandparents or some relative did.
"Like most, I was happy to pretend these things did not exist because they did not affect me. Could not affect me now that I was no longer Regulus Black. However, that was before discovering Regulus' brother had been framed for committing a massacre, before witnessing my significant other be targeted and accosted by a madman claiming to be the Dark Lord returned, before seeing a first-year student being bullied for being both a Slytherin and a muggleborn and before seeing Harry Potter being forced to participate in a tournament he wanted no part in. These events made me realize the Dark Lord is still very much at large. The Dark Lord may physically be gone, but his ideologies remain and keep us divided. And as long as we're a divided people, we will think nothing of hurting those who stand opposite of us. I hoped agreeing to this interview may help to finally do away with the dark days of our past. Because until we reach a time where no one is offended by a muggleborn Slytherin, we will continue to hurt others and feel justified in our actions. Which, I've decided, is no longer good enough".