Back From the Dead
Amelia walked aimlessly along the shore, the weather reflected how she felt. It was gray and windy like a storm would be hitting soon. She knew she should get back to her cottage soon but a strange flailing creature caught in the crashing waves close to shore caught her attention.
She walked closer only to realize it was a human, without a second thought she lost her shoes and coat, running in immediately. The freezing water slammed into her, knocking her off balance and dragging her towards the human. Salt stung her eyes, blurring her vision, and the ocean threatened to pull her in further. Gritting her teeth, she dug her feet into the rough sand and forced herself up, bracing herself against the waves.
Another wave crashed, swaying her slightly but she dug her feet in further, reaching out towards the man who was carried closer. Her fingers barely catching his, they gripped onto his as she lunged with her other hand, grasping desperately onto his wrist. She pulled him closer, slipping her arms under his armpits, and gripped onto his shirt as she fought against the waves, dragging them both towards shore.
The saltwater no longer aided her in carrying his heavy, limp body once she reached the sand. Her legs buckled with every step as she dragged him towards her abandoned coat. The only sign that showed he was alive was the faint thump under her fingers, still pressed against his chest.
Slipping out from under him, she scrambled reaching into her coat pocket, her numb fingers wrapped around her wand. Without hesitation she flicked her wand, wordlessy casting a hot air charm to dry him off before he went into hypothermic shock.
A ragged breath left his lips, “Amelia..” he rasped, before falling unconscious.
Her body went rigid. Her pulse pounded in her ears as she finally registered the familiar face before her.
Regulus Black.
Autumn 1979
Amelia sat on a stone bench by her favorite tree on the Potter residence, she watched the wedding party from afar as she smoked a cigarette. A small smile lingered on her lips as she watched her friends who have become family to her, laugh and dance. She loved that her friends were having a good time despite everything going on, she on the other hand couldn’t help but feel like this cloud of sadness and worry was lingering.
As she raised the cigarette to her lips she heard light rustling behind her. She was up in seconds with her wand pointed where she had heard the noise. It was too dark to see anything but the smoke coming from her breath.
“Who’s there?” she called out, ignoring how her voice shook slightly.
“Everything okay?” a voice came from behind her.
She spun quickly, her wand still raised, ready to hex at the slight threat. But she was quick to melt when her eyes met Regulus. She closed the distance in a heartbeat, jumping into his arms hugging him. He chuckled softly, clearly amused, as he held her tight.
Reluctantly she pulled away gazing up at the boy. He looked gaunt, his eyebags looking more prominent than ever,his cheeks sunken and hair longer a little more wild. The boy who usually carried himself with nonchalance looked haunted, like he hadn’t slept or ate since she last saw him months ago.
Her hand rose instinctively to cup his cheek, but he flinched just slightly, taking her hand in his, giving it a squeeze. Her eyebrows scrunched together trying to read him, something was off, the sad look in his eyes told her so, the small smile in his lips wasn’t content, it was something else she couldn’t quite name yet.
She pushed it to the back of her mind, just wanting to enjoy his company, “What are you doing here?” she asked, nudging his shoulder.
“Mrs. Potter sent an owl.” he replied smoothly.
Her eyes narrowed and frown pulled at her lips, “Oh so you do get owls. You just choose to ignore mine.” She paused, frustration seeping through, “You know I’ve been worried sick about you, Black.”
“I know..” his head hung in defeat before looking up again, “Owls are dangerous right now, they are being intercepted. But I have enjoyed your letters and Mrs. Potter was lucky I spotted the owl before my mother or cousins could.”
Her irritation dissipated when his eyes showed nothing but sincerity, “So what are you really doing here Reg?”
He let out a small sigh, lips quirking a bit, “I missed you.” he paused, his expression darkening, the quick smile fading, “Wanted to say goodbye.”
“But you’ve only just arrived.” trying to ignore the sudden sinking feeling she felt in her gut.
The look he gave her made her heart twist, she knew something incredibly wrong was waiting but she refused to acknowledge it. “Why don’t we go dance Reg? huh?” She forced a fake smile trying to push the feeling of incoming doom away.
He didn't respond right away. Instead he reached into his jacket, pulling out two letters. She flinched somehow that was worse than him pulling out his wand and hexing her on the spot. She could practically feel her heart tearing little by little.
“C’mon Reggie..” her voice cracked as she tried to tug him away to the dance floor, but he didn’t move.
His eyes held back tears, “This one’s for you and this one is for Sirius.”
“No.” Her voice was firm and stubborn, “You can give it to me when you come back.” taking a step back as if the distance would make him stop.
Regulus was quicker, he caught her wrist gently and placed the letters in her palm. “Don’t make this harder please.” he practically begged.
Her shoulders fell, defeatedly, grabbing onto the letters, “Where are you going, Regulus?”
He smiled sadly at her compliance, “I can’t say but it’ll be dangerous. I’m not sure if..” he paused breath hitching, “ I-i just need you to read that for me okay?”
“I’ll read it when you come back.” She shook her head, tears leaving her eyes.
His eyes searched her face like he wanted to memorize every detail. Finally gave her a ghost of a smile before kissing her head, ready to depart.
“Please..don’t..” she whispered. Her hands cupped his face leaning forward to steal a kiss in hope he would stay.
For a moment he hesitated before pulling her hands away. Backing away with trouble.
Panic. Regret. Sadness. All of it flickered behind his eyes. “I have to.” he paused before retreating, “I’ll come back to you.” a flash of determination on his face before he apparated. He was gone with a crack.