CHAPTER FOURTEEN
J.K.ROWLING owns the Harry Potter world.
@hoseoko- I've reported the issue and I'm waiting for a response. Thank you.
Saturday, 26th October 1990
Regulus and Lucy had their house under the fidelius charm, since Regulus was almost as paranoid as his father, though much less than Orion Black. Jasira was lucky she knew their address as she apparated at around eight in the morning the next day.
As soon as her feet touched the ground a green coloured house materialized infront of her. Still much of a pure blood, her brother in law had had the goblins design a three storey manor with a well looked after garden that was take care by a house elf.
As Jasira walked up the path, she checked herself in the small mirror. She'd dropped her disguise for the time and was simply Jas, dark hair past her shoulder and dark eyes. She put on a smile as she knocked and immediately the door swung open, and a wand was pointed straight at her face.
Jasira rolled her eyes," Honestly Reggie, is this the way to greet your sister in law? Especially one you haven't seen for months?" she chastised, flashing a grin at him.
Regulus did not return in. Instead, his eyes narrowed and he asked," What happen on the 19th of August the year 1979?"
Jasira stiffened slightly and lowered her voice as she said," Reyna and Rylan."
Regulus relaxed before saying," What are you doing here?"
Jasira raised her eyebrows," I needed to talk to you. Er-is there anyone inside?"
Regulus gave her a swift look before shaking his head and beckoning her inside.
Jasira followed, shutting the door carefully and looking round. She'd only been here once but it was still an attractive house. The ground of the manor consisted of the kitchen, a rectangular living room, a dining room that was mostly for any formal event, and a study for Regulus.
The kitchen, where Regulus had led Jasira, was painted a creamy white and was quite large, mostly for Lucy to practice her cooking skills. And said woman was busy cooking up kippers and eggs and laying them neatly on plates.
Regulus cleared his throat before saying," Lucy dear, we've got a visitor."
Jasira couldn't help rolling her eyes again at his formal tone as her sister turned curiously before brightening," Just in time for breakfast!" she said cheerfully before adding," Don't refuse Jas, I've made plenty, and you don't have to worry about anyone coming since we haven't had a proper visitor for ages."
Jasira nodded, watching as Regulus started reading the Daily Prophet while munching on a toast. His face turned disgruntled before he asked, not looking up," How are Reyna and Rylan?"
The same smile that always appeared whenever she talked about her children surfaced as she replied," Good. You'll be happy to know that Reyna's in Slytherin, and Rylan's a Gryffindor."
Regulus nodded," Family houses, though she's always struck me as a Gryffindor."
"Oh, Reyna's got a few goals for your house, Reg," chirped Lucy, putting a plate of sausages infront of Jasira and sitting down.
Jasira stared at the amount of food," Lucy, do you always eat this much?" she asked, looking amazed.
Lucy suddenly shared a mysterious smile with Regulus before saying excitedly," Should we tell her?"
The first smile crossed Regulus' face as he said in a self-suffering sort of way," I suppose she'll find out soon enough," but Jasira detected excitement in his tone as well.
"Tell me what?" asked Jasira curiously.
"I'm pregnant!" said Lucy, beaming at her.
A grin formed on Jasira's face as well as she smiled widely at her sister and her husband," That's brilliant! Congratulations, both of you," she said, getting up to give her sister a hug before ruffling Regulus hair.
For once he didn't look annoyed but merely grinned as well," We found out two days ago and we've been meaning to give everyone the news in due time. You're the first to know," he said.
"Lucky I chose to come here today then," grinned Jasira.
"Yes, why are you here? I'd have thought you barely have free time now with the patrols and the training and whatnot," said Lucy curiously.
"Today's a Sunday so I have no patrols, and no training either. And I'm here because of you," she nodded in Regulus' direction, who merely raised an eyebrow telling her to elaborate. Jasira's expression turned serious," I heard about the horcrux, and I heard what you're going to do."
Regulus let out a sigh," If you're here to tell me to drop the idea then-"
"Of course not. I know you well enough to know I'd be wasting my time," interrupted Jasira calmly," however, I wasn't taking the chances that you might be injured, so I'm here to help."
Lucy was looking on silently between the two, not saying anything. She wasn't exactly happy that her husband of two years had decided to do it, since it would mean him seriously injured, but she knew he wanted to do his own part in helping, especially after almost being among Voldemort's followers. She also knew that he admired her older sister and respected her, since she was the one who managed to make him see sense before it was too late.
Regulus raised a dark arched eyebrow," Help in what way?"
"I know you're a qualified wizard who knows how to deal with dark spells, as well as other protection spells, but just incase, I want you to master the full body shield charm," said Jasira quickly.
Regulus opened his mouth but Jasira said hurriedly," No, wait, you should know that the full body shield charm could help you not get burnt in case something goes wrong. And I know you haven't mastered it Regulus, or if you have I bet it's less than a few minutes."
"After breakfast," said Regulus after considering for a while.
Lucy looked relieved and smiled gratefully at her sister while Jasira nodded.
"So, any plans for the baby?" asked Jasira, taking a bite of sausage.
Regulus shook his head at her," Jas, we've only learnt that we're expecting a baby two days ago," he said in a deadpanned sort of voice.
Jasira raised an eyebrow," So? I planned my life when I was twelve," she said with a shrug.
She didn't notice the uncomfortable look Regulus and Lucy exchanged but Lucy cleared her throat," We're still thinking about things, Jas. I mean, with the war and all, it's not going to easy on any of us," she said lightly.
Jasira nodded slightly and Regulus said," What about you, Mrs Cade?"
She smiled sheepishly," Rylan came up with the name. Anyway, things are going as well as can be expected I s'ppose. Although, well, I feel it's my fault the war's suddenly started being more intense. I mean, when I was in Africa Britain was still going strong with the war, but then the attacks decreased a bit, every now and then but not as much as when I suddenly appeared at the Lovegoods," she admitted.
Regulus aimed a small glare at her," Don't start blaming yourself over what you have no control of. Voldemort would have started more attacks anyway, with or without you being in Britain," he said sharply.
Lucy nodded in agreement," We're lucky all our families are protected. I've heard about the attack on Ferguson, and it wasn't pretty. Thank Merlin Marlene could help them when she did. I thought other Aurors' families would be attacked, specifically ours, but so far they've all been protected," she frowned as she added," Which seems a bit odd, honestly."
Jasira winced slightly but said nothing.
Regulus' eyes narrowed at her guilty look but drawled out," They've tried, plenty of times, particularly the Longbottoms, the Potters, Dimitri's and Irena's houses, Sam and Matthew's as well, but they haven't succeeded."
"Perhaps the wards were too powerful for them," suggested Lucy.
"Yes, they must have been quite powerful," muttered Jasira, avoiding their eyes as she finished the last of her breakfast.
"Where do we practice?" asked Jasira, once they had waited a while for the food to digest.
Regulus got up," There's a sidedoor in the drawing room which leads to an underground training room," he answered.
"Be careful," called Lucy as they left the kitchen.
Regulus glanced at her before adding softly," I got the idea from the Sergeys."
Jasira nodded, following along the gray corridor and towards the drawing room, where a drawing of the Culbert house and the Black house had been drawn.
She suddenly gave a gasp, causing Regulus to turn sharply, his wand drawn out. he took in her wide eyes and slightly horrified expression as she said urgently," What is it?"
She didn't answer, hurrying towards the family tree of the Culbert family and paling as she saw Reyna and Rylan's names under her name.
Regulus approached her and saw what she was looking at," Don't worry, no one ever comes in here anyway so I doubt they'd know about it."
Jasira gave a small nod, getting a hold of her emotions tightly. The others didn't have family trees so there was no danger of her children suddenly getting known.
"But Jas-"started Regulus, but Jasira shook her head slightly before saying," Let's continue."
Regulus looked at her sadly but followed. Jasira gave a small whistle as she went down the steps of the training room.
It was quite big, not as big as the Great Hall but the size of the Gryffindor and Slytherin common room combined, so it allowed for people to train comfortably without feeling congested. Painted a royal green with streaks of gold, a combination of colours that strangely complimented each other, the training room consisted of several dueling platforms, as well as some cushions to practice on, a shelf of books that contained defense spells, and a few muggle equipment used in gyms that was likely Lucy's idea.
"It's quite good, actually," said Jasira, moving to examine one of the books.
"Only good?" teased Regulus, wanting to put his friend into a nicer mood. She tended to be gloomy whenever the other members were mentioned.
Jasira smiled before saying," Right. You probably want to finish as soon as possible, so let's not waste time. I want to see how far you can hold, as well as how strong your shield is."
Regulus took out his wand before flicking it in a circular motion and saying," Defendo Periculum!"
A brilliant forest green bubble covered him from head to toe and Jasira looked carefully at it. It wasn't light or faint, which was good, since it meant the magic around was strong. She looked at Regulus' face, noting his calm exterior before throwing a spell at the shield.
It remained intact. Jasira threw seven spells at it without pausing and from different direction. The shield didn't falter, but she saw Regulus grimace slightly. It was almost five minutes since he'd first uttered the charm, which meant if a stronger spell were to be thrown at him he'd last around three minutes.
"Reducto!" she said, jerking her wand and watching as the shield disappeared.
"Not bad. Five minutes is good when simple spells are being aimed at you, but Fiendfyre is tougher and more powerful, not to mention darker than most spells. The best is to manage it for five minutes straight while I throw powerful spells till you can cope easily," she told him.
"How long can you hold your shield?" inquired Regulus with a quirked eyebrow.
Jasira gave him a look but answered," It depends on the spell. Less powerful spells will last me as easily as thirty minutes without throwing spells at the attacker, more powerful and darker spells can last me ten to fifteen."
Regulus tried not to look impressed and started practicing. Jasira didn't let him stop for a break as she threw spells at his shield. When it was almost eleven they finally stopped and Jasira smiled, looking satisfied.
"Good, the Fiendfyre will have a hard time burning you," she said.
"Thanks," said Regulus, his tone holding the slightest of sarcasm.
Jasira caught it before aiming a glare at him as she said," When I was fourteen I had to spend more than an hour with Moody before we called it a day."
Before they entered the drawing room Regulus caught a hold of her arm and said with a small smile," Thanks though, Jas."
Jasira smiled at him," I won't let my little sister lose her husband so soon."
She left Regulus looking slightly guilty even though he knew she meant it kindly. Jasira didn't stay long after that. She left quickly, stating she needed to do a spot of shopping for someone.
One of the order members had found an abandoned house that was practically falling to pieces in a village. The house was in a secluded area where no one bothered going there and had been empty for years.
Regulus, Dumbledore, Sirius, Melinda, James and Matthew apparated to the spot midafternoon, with Sirius clutching the horcrux carefully.
He looked at his younger brother carefully. Two inches shorter than him, with darker hair but the same grey eyes. Sirius knew him well enough to know that he was putting on his Slytherin mask, not letting anyone see his true feelings. He kept on tapping his fingers every now and then discreetly, a sign that showed his feeling of tension.
"Are you sure, Reg? We can still find another way to destroy it. Dumbledore and the Order could search into it," he said gently.
Dumbledore gave a small nod," Sam and Irena are already looking into other ways we can destroy the horcruxes, so we do not have to resort to Fiendfyre if you wish to not do so," he assured.
Regulus shook his head, saying in a cool voice," I will manage. I already know all the protection spells to help me if the need arises."
Sirius sighed but conceded. Still, the others were here to help him so he wouldn't be alone.
Regulus held his hand out for the bundle Sirius had and his older brother handed it to him grimly.
"Make sure you're more than two feet away from the thing," advised Sirius.
"And make sure you've got your wand out at all times," added James.
"If anything goes wrong just give a yell," Matthew said as well.
"Boys, stop pressuring him. He already knows what is to be done without you adding your voices," said Melinda, giving them an admonishing look.
Regulus smiled gratefully at her.
Dumbledore was busy casting spells around the house, waving his wand in different patterns while muttering to himself. He gave a small nod once he was done before turning towards Regulus," The house is safe for you to enter, Regulus."
Regulus nodded back and approached the house. As he passed Dumbledore, his former headmaster gave him a small smile," I admire your courage, Regulus, and I thank you for doing this."
"Think of it as a duty," said Regulus, tilting his head slightly.
He wrinkled his nose as he headed to the living room, the only room that was actually decent enough to be called a room. The house smelled of dust and had holes all round, and the smell was no better than the smell of the cottage that he'd burned down the previous day. He went towards the broken table before putting the bundle on it and removing the cloth covering it.
The bell vibrated slightly, as though knowing that it was going to be destroyed. For a moment Regulus was tempted to touch one of the carved runes and shake the bell slightly. But he knew even the smallest of touches on any of the runes was dangerous. For all he knew he might find his finger missing.
Following James and Sirius' warnings, he removed his wand, keeping it pointed firmly on the bell and moved backwards cautiously till he was standing almost ten feet from the artifact.
His grip tightened as he made sure his aim was straight before whispering the incantation.
It took his entire willpower to flick his wand in the bell's direction and make sure the fire touched it. A roaring sound filled his ears as the fire became alive, surrounding and spreading round the entire bell before moving downwards towards the broken table. It multiplied further and further, spreading towards the broken down chair in the corner and the lopsided painting in the center of the wall. In a matter of seconds it had spread to the other rooms as well, though Regulus made sure his side of the living room was protected.
He couldn't get rid of it till it was atleast five minutes into casting to make sure the bell was completely damaged. His wand shook as he kept on muttering the protection spells round his side, coughing slightly as the smoke came into his nose. He muttered the bubblehead charm, inhaling deeply before his eyes widened.
A sort of black haze had come out from where the bell had been, and was turning into a form. Regulus gave a horrified gasp as it showed his mother, Walburga Black to perfection.
Her dark eyes were crueler yet-at the same time, understanding and loving. Her long dark brown hair curled at the ends, making her look young, younger than Regulus had ever seen her. She opened her mouth, and Regulus couldn't help the tremor that passed through his body as she spoke.
"Regulus," her voice was a gentle whisper, and Regulus forgot about the Fiendfyre, forgot the raging fire that surrounded him as he was suddenly transported back to a child of fourteen.
Walburga Black smiled lovingly and moved closer, the dark mist around her coiling above as she spoke," You've disappointed me," her eyes looked sadly at the young man in front of her standing frozen," you chose to follow your brother. You disobeyed your family, Regulus. You disobeyed the Dark Lord."
Regulus' face hardened but he couldn't respond as a wave of fire almost engulfed him. With a gasp, he took a step backwards, his wand almost slipping from his fingers as his mother moved closer to him, her eyes losing the warmth as she continued," I taught you better. I taught you the way of the pure bloods, the right way from muggle filth and mudbloods who seek to taint the Wizarding World. You have your power, your name, your looks from me, Regulus, and you followed that muggle loving fool of a Dumbledore," her lip curled, the fire surrounding her but she didn't seem to care the slightest.
Regulus coughed as smoke almost choked him. Sirius' panicked voice was heard over the roar of fire," Regulus! Regulus! I'm coming in."
Regulus gripped his wand like a lifeline, his eyes misting slightly as he called back, forcing himself to sound strong as he said," Fine! I'm almost finished."
He ignored his ghost like mother's amused look as he focused on casting the full body shield.
"Defendo Periculum!" a forest green bubble appeared, covering him from head to toe and his breath eased slightly. Jas had been right. The shield could block out most of the fire's attempts to harm him.
Regulus's breath shook slightly as the dark form of his mother leaned in closer, the fire roaring around her and him. He resisted the urge to panic as he saw himself surrounded by the Fiendfyre with only his shield to protect him.
His mother's eyes bore into his as she whispered," Give up now, little Black. Go back to the Dark Lord. Do you honestly think the fool of a Dumbledore wants your help? Do you really think the filthy half-blood Culbert is a worthy Black wife? Go-"
Whatever she was about to say was cut off by Regulus' snarl at the insult of his wife," Never insult Lucy again!"
His eyes flashed darkly as he gathered his strength just as the door burst open. With a small shout, he made a complicated wand movement wandlessly before removing his shield. Just before the Fiendfyre could engulf him, he slashed with his wand viciously and watched as it was directed at his mother's ghost form, absorbing through her screams and anguished pains as her eyes cut through him accusingly and into the horcrux.
An arm reached out at him urgently," Come on, Regulus! The fire will reach here soon, it's too powerful," Sirius said quickly, dragging at his arm.
Regulus's face was masked as he followed his brother, slamming the door shut as they heard a loud roar from the inside. Melinda shuddered as the fire reached the windows, smoke coming out at them. The house was slowly tearing apart, the walls peeling off.
Dumbledore stepped forward calmly, muttering something with his hands and wand. They watched as the fire slowly began moving from the windows but the smoke increased, though strangely enough it didn't reach them as they were behind the Headmaster. After a few minutes Dumbledore stopped, nodding as the fire had completely disappeared and there was no sign except for the blackened ashes around the place. The house was unrecognizable now, the small warehouse was burnt down. It looked ready to collapse at the smallest of touches.
Matthew broke the silence as he said quietly," I think we should check to make sure the horcrux is fully destroyed.
"It is, I saw the fire going through it," Sirius replied, though there was a strangeness in his voice as he looked at the house. His gaze flickered to his younger brother, who had remained silent as he looked at the cottage.
"Regulus?" Melinda said gently, coming to stand next to him.
Regulus glanced at her as she asked in concern," Are you alright? Did the fire touch you?"
Before Regulus could reply James said quietly," He used the full body shield, it couldn't touch him."
Melinda looked back at her son in law as he nodded, his Slytherin mask coming back to reveal no emotions," Matthew is right, we should check if the horcrux is destroyed."
Dumbledore stepped in, his eyes serious yet with a trace of a twinkle as he said," I have performed charms to ensure the box has not survived the ordeal and Sirius is correct, the horcrux is now destroyed and I doubt any form of magic is enough to bring it back," he turned to Regulus and said kindly," Thank you, Regulus, what you did today will not be forgotten."
Regulus nodded curtly and Melinda said firmly," You should go home and give the good news to Lucy, fiendfyre still has effects even if it has not touched you."
With another curt nod the young Black disapparated from the spot, aware of his brother's gaze boring into him as his mother had minutes before.
Sirius appeared in his brother's house, landing gracefully as a dark haired woman walked into the living room with her wand out. Upon seeing Sirius her face did not soften, instead she asked neutrally," What happened today at one?"
Sirius raised an eyebrow before replying," We destroyed the horcrux."
Lucy relaxed, lowering her wand as Sirius followed her to the family living room across the kitchen.
"I'm sorry about that, Sirius, but Regulus insists on security checks before lowering our guard," apologized Lucy, placing a bottle of butterbeer in front of them and a plate of biscuits.
Sirius gave a small chuckle," That's the Slytherin in him," his face turned serious as he said," How is he?"
Lucy sighed," He barely spoke when he arrived home and he's been down in the training room for hours. Something shook him there," she looked at him before asking bluntly," What happened inside the house?"
Sirius pursed his lips as he remembered his mother's cruel eyes directed at Regulus before the fire went through her. He knew it was just Voldemort impersonating Walburga but it still stunned seeing her so real like. His eyes darkened as he thought of what she must have told Regulus.
"Sirius?" his sister in laws concerned eyes brought him back to her question.
Sirius shook his head as he answered," Mother's form appeared from the horcrux, Lu. Unless I'm wrong, she must have said some things to him."
Lucy scowled," Tom's horcruxes have a way of knowing what's in our hearts, it must have told Regulus his fears."
Sirius sighed before getting up," I'm going to see him but before that, did he tell you how he managed to endure the fire?"
Lucy looked up at him questioningly as Sirius continued," He used the full body shield, and unless I'm wrong, he used it for more than five minutes."
Lucy gave a small shrug," He practiced for a while before leaving to be prepared. I'm glad it worked."
"Me too," Sirius said quietly.
Lucy let him go towards the training room across the corridor but before he could enter the door swung open, revealing Regulus' tired face as he looked in surprise at his older brother.
"Sirius!" His eyes narrowed as he asked, holding up his wand but Sirius said quickly," Lucy's already questioned me."
His brother relaxed before asking, closing the door and leading them to his study," What are you doing here?"
Sirius let his eyes wander round the study, snorting lightly at the pale green walls and white colour of the office. A shelf full of Wizarding books was in a corner of the room, with Regulus' rather large desk was at the center. Two large visiting chairs stood opposite the desk, with a large one behind currently occupying Regulus.
Sirius took a seat on one of the chairs, before remarking," Nice study."
Regulus rolled his eyes," Thanks, though I doubt you came here to praise my study."
Sirius let out a small sigh before saying," I saw Mother." He watched as his brother tensed slightly, a scowl on his face but Sirius continued firmly," Regulus…"
Regulus interrupted him," Sirius, I know what you're about to say, and there's nothing you need to worry about. Whatever happened today is in the past, and I would appreciate it if you'd forget about it," his tone was even firmer.
Sirius stared at his brother for a while before saying with a nod," Alright, as you wish, but Reggie, know that we're here and we're not going anywhere."
Before he could stop himself Regulus said," You weren't here for Jasira."
Sirius flinched but didn't say anything. Regulus looked regretful as he started," I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry, Sirius," he said sincerely, knowing how much talk of his former friend hurt him.
Sirius nodded stiffly before getting up. He was halfway across the room when Regulus said," Wait."
Sirius paused, looking behind. Regulus shot a small smile before saying softly," I appreciate your help, brother, and I'm not going anywhere, not if I can help it."
Sirius returned the grin before leaving the room, saying a quick goodbye to Lucy and going home.