Rats and Resurrections
Regulus sat with his brother, Grandad Black, and Morgana in the basement at Grimmauld. Well, he was sitting there bodily. His mind was skimming through the wards of hundreds of buildings and properties across the United Kingdom and Europe. Searching for a snake. A werewolf. And a rat.
Grandfather Wards, what says your blood?
Time. Is The Issue. The layered wards rumbled to him. I Feel Them, Of Course. Especially The Snake. She Was The Vessel Of One Version of Your Mate. Her Blood Calls to Me. The Wolf Seldom Visits Structures with Wards, Preferring The Wilds. But the Rat…the Rat…Time Is My Enemy, I Fear. I Am Endless, Ageless. The Rat Dwelled Among My Wards At Hogwarts. I Sense Him There Still. But I Know Not If It Is Past or Present.
“Oberon, take me there,” Grandfather Black said. “To Hogwarts. Wherever you think he is. It is not worth taking a chance that the rat is among the children.”
“I’m going, too.” Sirius said. “I’ll recognize him. And hell, I’ve got the Map.” Sirius said and summoned a folded piece of parchment.
“I’m coming, too.” Regulus said.
“No,” Sirius and Grandfather said at once.
“Stay and search for the snake with Oberon.” Grandfather said, squeezing his shoulder. “If there is trouble, take Morgana.”
“I…no offense, but if I go anywhere, I’ll be taking Tom. It’s his snake, after all.”
“I find it difficult not to be offended that you do not wish to spend time with me.” Morgana huffed, but to Regulus or Orion Reg couldn’t really tell, especially when Grandfather murmured an apologetic goodbye, kissed Morgana, and vanished into the wards with Sirius.
Morgana was on her feet. “I shall not remain here while Orion returns to his prison.”
“Hell, that’s right.” Regulus offered his hand to Morgana.
“What are you doing, boy?” Morgana demanded. “You think to detain me?”
“I think to go with you. You think I could face Grandad if I let you get lost in the wards? Come on, Grams. Time to go back to school.”
Morgana grabbed his hand; he spoke to the wards and went incorporeal.
And dear Merlin, this was the worst.
Tumbling through the endless wards of Hogwarts, lost in the blood wards. He couldn’t find Sirius’ essence, nor Grandad Black’s. Well, no that wasn’t true. The problem was, it was everywhere. Everything screamed of Siri, of Grandad, hell, of Regulus. And everything was screaming at him to sleep, to yield, to become part of the wards that his ancestors had been bleeding into for generations.
He kept a tight hold on Morgana’s essence and that was literally all that he could do.
Where is he? Morgana’s essence was as panicked as his own. He’s there…he’s here…he’s…where is he?
Stick with me, Morgana. Regulus told her, realizing that the wards were trying to absorb her as well. We’ll make it out, just stick close.
He’s everywhere - he’s nowhere…Regulus…
Reg. Tom’s voice, clear and sharp, rang down the mate bond. Honey. Wassa matta?
Tom, Regulus knew he would be crying if he had a body right now. Tom, help. Please.
I can tell you’re at the school, Regulus, but I can’t tell where. Seems like you’re bouncin’ all ovah.
Trapped in the wards. Regulus was so tired. He could barely hold onto Morgana, barely keep directing his thoughts. I can’t…I was trying to follow Siri. But everything feels like him or Grandad. And me. My blood is everywhere in the wards. And the wards…they want me. They want me to stay and be part of them.
Tom’s voice came clearer, sharper. Not like I want you, Regulus Black. Forget the wards. Forget your brothuh. We’ll find him latuh. You are fuckin’ mine.
Regulus clung to Morgana and focused on Tom’s voice, Tom’s essence, Tom’s pull on him down the mate bond. Tom… he said shakily, but he had a tinge of hope.
Come on, honey. Tom’s voice was rock steady. I’m here in my office, my hand is on the wall, I’m talkin’ to the wards, and you can’t fuckin’ miss me. I’m the one light wizard in all these wicked cool dark wards. Follow me home, Reg. I ain’t losin’ you after all this.
Okay, Reg said, focusing on the tiny silver dot of light magic and diving for it, dragging Morgana along behind.
That’s it, baby. Tom said, tone clear and firm as the dot became a long silver string that he grasped and was pulling him along. Stick with me. You’re almost here.
Tom… was all he could think or focus on until he felt himself rematerializing, solidifying from smoke and staggering into Tom Riddle’s waiting arms.
“Baby, what the fuck?” Tom gathered him up with one arm and dragged Morgana along with the other, sending warming charms through their shaking bodies. He settled them down on a couch in front of a roaring fire, conjuring blankets and chocolates. “Let’s not do that, again, okay?” He pulled Regulus into his lap, hugging him to his chest, pressing Reg’s cold face against his warm neck. A magically warmed hand caressed his back. “There’s other ways tuh travel. I’ll buy you a car; you can travel through Sev’s floo. Let me know you want to come see me and I’ll come and side-along you. Hell, I’ll quit this job and be your personal chauffeur or butler or whatever. Just don’t get lost in the wards again, Babe. That was awful for me; can’t imagine how it felt for you.”
“Tom,” was all Regulus was able to croak out as he clung to the man he loved, pressing cold lips to Tom’s neck.
“I’ve gotcha, Reg.” Tom caressed the back of his head, gripped the back of his cold neck, and then settled his arm around his shoulders and settled his cheek against Regulus’ head. “It’s gonna be okay. How you holdin’ up, Morgramma?”
“I…I need to find Orion,” she murmured, sounding about as shaky as Reg felt. “They were pursuing the rat man. I was worried about him returning to his place of captivity.”
“Pettigrew? They think he’s here?” Tom’s body went stiff against his own and Regulus instinctively caressed the back of his head and neck. Tom melted into him and Regulus found himself crying a little. To think this wonderful powerful man who had just saved his life or sanity, or both could be comforted by the smallest touch from Reg?
“They were not certain, but the wards seemed to indicate he might be present.” Morgana said, staggering to her feet.
“Hey, Lady Morgs, why don’t you have a seat,” Tom gently caught the lady by the arm and tugged her back down on the couch beside them. “You’re still livin’ in popsicle territory, here.”
“I must find him.” Morgana murmured but shivered and leaned against them.
“Yeah, we will. Just give yourself a minute. I’m gonna send a patronus to Mr. Boss. He can contact Siri without it being obvious or distractin’ him if he’s in the middle a somethin’.”
“Could…could I have a mate bond with Orion?” Morgana asked quietly.
Reg pulled back from Tom enough to exchange a wide-eyed look with him.
“Hell if I know, Morgramma, hon,” Tom said, candid as ever. “You should talk that ovah with him. And if you two wanna try for it, Cissa might be able to help you. Now, gimme a minute.”
Tom sent his Patronus off to Remus, then summoned hot chocolate for the two of them, and spent his time kissing Regulus’ still cold face and neck with magically heated lips. And Merlin, maybe he should do this more often.
Don’t even think about it, Honey. Tom fairly growled down the mate bond and Regulus had to laugh. We ain’t doin’ this lost in the wards shit again. Promise me.
I don’t plan on it, Tom. I don’t even know how it happened. The last time I came to Hogwarts, I traveled through here to pick up Neville and then brought him back through, just him and me. Without an issue. I don’t understand how this could have happened.
Maybe the wards are actin’ up again? Tom asked. Like with Dumbledore.
But Sev is Headmaster. He wouldn’t mess with things like that. And nobody else would be able to alter the wards. I mean, besides Grandfather.
Siri could. He’s a Founder’s Heir. And I guess I’m technically the Heir of Slytherin, cept I don’t know nothin’ about the wards. Or Slytherin, really, cept what his painting told us.
“Are you two speaking with your bond?” Morgana demanded. “I must protest at such rudeness.”
“I’m sorry, my lady,” Tom said politely. “It started off real personal and then got real…concerning. I got really focused. Sorry to leave you out.”
“What is concerning?” Morgana asked, immediately shifting focus to the priority like the queen she was.
“This should have been easy,” Regulus said, sitting up a little in Tom’s arms, leaning against his shoulder. “Hell, this has been easy for me before. It should not have been so chaotic trying to take you through the wards.”
Morgana nodded slowly, her eyes far away. “Yes. It’s always easy for me to go through Orion’s wards. Our magicks are so similar.”
“Except this sure as hell wasn’t easy,” Tom gathered them both a little closer and sent a fresh wave of warmth through them. “This was a nightmare.”
A beautiful shimmering grim bounded into the room. “Tom, Siri is at Hogwarts with Grandad. They’ve cornered Pettigrew. But they’re trapped in the room of requirement. The wards will not let them out.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Regulus staggered to his feet and headed for the walls as Tom replied. “Okay, Grandad Wards, what the fuck?”
He Is Fighting Me. Grandad Oberon’s voice was faint. He cannot possibly win. But he tries. He will not be defeated easily.
Who, Grandad? Regulus demanded but a figure staggered into Tom’s office. Tall, pale, muscular, golden-haired and blazing-eyed.
“Back away boys,” the man said, fixing his eyes on Morgana. “I must deal with the witch.”
Tom got to his feet, hands out non-threateningly, no wand in sight. “You have me at a disadvantage, sir.”
The man smiled and cast Avada. Tom reacted faster, shoving her with a wall of pure white magic and cushioning her fall.
The man fixed his eyes on Tom. “I believe I asked you,” he said, eyes flashing with rage. “To stand back.”
“Fuck off,” Tom said and hit him with wordless, wandless magic that sent the man staggering backward.
The man shook himself and straightened, fire wrapping around his hands and arms. “Let me kill the bitch and I’ll leave you alone. You care about this place. You care about the kids. You can keep your little dark lordlings. You can have the rat. You can even keep your fucking Orion. Just not her.”
“Really?” Morgana said, getting to her feet, a little shaky, but with almost crazed determination on her beautiful face. “You address the little light lording? When I am in the room? Thinking I need protection or permission from anyone? You have lived too long, old man. I speak as one who knows.”
And with that, Morgana levitated off the floor and glowed with shimmering power.
“Nope!” Tom said, throwing a crackling shield between them, which Regulus scrambled to reinforce. “Not happening. School is in fucking session. You said you cared about the kids, Mr. Whoever? Then what the fuck are you doing starting a magical fight in a teacher’s office?”
To Regulus’ surprise, the man in the doorway paused, large amber eyes blinking in concern. “Then battle me, Witch.” The man growled out. “On the Moors. As it should have been.”
“I do not recall you being so brave before.” Morgana scoffed. “For all your reputation. Where was this attitude when you were sacrificing your daughter to keep your captive?”
“You are not allowed to speak of Celeste.” The man spat out. Tom turned to stone and Regulus fought to keep his head. “You do not know the agony that we went through; how I begged her for years to return to her human state.”
Regulus grabbed Tom just as he made to lower the shields and throw lightning. “The kids,” Reg muttered. “Think of the kids.”
Tom released a shuddering breath. The man in the doorway…Godric Gryffindor?...turned to them, hands spread in entreaty. “I’m so glad she has you, you know.” Godric said with a sad smile. “You’re both so good for her.”
“Yeah, we’re not askin’ for your blessin’ pops.” Tom spat out. “I’m gonna have to ask you to leave for your little battle before I forget to protect my kids and start focusin’ on how you hurt my baby.”
Godric’s face was utterly devastated. “There are things you do not know.”
“Yeah, and one of them is why I’m not fryin’ your nervous system right now. Get. The Hell. Out.” Tom growled.
Godric bowed. “The Moors. Noon. Where we last met, Morgana.”
He apparated. Which Reg guessed he could do as a Founder. Morgana slumped against the wall, then immediately charged toward the door. “Where is this Room of Requirement?”
Reg caught Tom’s hand and jogged after her.
My loves, Celeste’s sweet concern drifted down the mate bond. What is wrong?
We’ll explain everything soon, Sweetheart. Tom said down the bond in his warm but firm way. Let Remus know that Reg, Morgana, and I are on our way to help Sirius, okay?
Very well. Be safe. I love you both so dearly. And I will have a full explanation as soon as you are able.
Yes, my lady. Regulus said with certainty.
Sure thing, Lady Boss. Tom agreed.
Sirius dodged a curse, ducking behind a huge pile of, well, stuff. “Peter, you’re not getting out of here. Just tell us who bit Dudley and why you were with him.” Another curse flew from a corner of the room and Sirius released a sigh. “You’re not getting out of here, Wormtail. Me and Grandad own these wards.”
“But…but he said…fuck!” Peter Pettigrew whined out.
“Said fuck, did he? Who said it, Peter?” Sirius said, anger so strong in him that he could barely think.
“He said…he said he would help. Dumbledore said.” Peter gasped.
“Yeah, we’ve all made that mistake.” Sirius said, hating the taste of the admission. “What did he promise you?”
“Access. He promised us access to the children if I…”
The avada rose up in Sirius from a place he didn’t know he had. Pettigrew’s last second transformation was the only reason he missed.
“No, no,” Pettigrew gasped, popping up on the other side of the room. “Not like that, Sirius. I swear. I’ve fallen far, I admit, but not that far. I meant for surveillance and recruitment. Not for…” the man to his minimal credit, seemed to be gagging. “They are children. To be recruited, perhaps, but not…not exploited. Don’t add that to my sins; I’ve enough to my credit already.”
“Recruited for whom? Don’t tell me you’ve created some movement of your own, Peter. What have you ever believed in besides your own wretched survival?”
“Only that, Pads, I fear…”
“Do not call me that,” Sirius bit out and his fury thundered through the walls. “You turned on Lily and James. You got them killed. You murdered a dozen innocents. You sent me to prison. You forced Harry to grow up in torment without any of us. You resurrected the man who murdered his parents. You will not address me as though we are friends. My friend Peter Pettigrew is long dead, if he ever existed.”
“I…I tried to bring retribution, my…my lord.” Peter whined, voice shaking.
Sirius felt sick and dirty. “Do not call me that, either.”
“But you are a lord, are you not?” Peter asked, the familiar pleading whine slipping into his voice. “A new Dark Lord. Word is, you defeated He Who Must Not…”
“Peter, tell me who the fuck is having you recruit kids and we will fucking go from there. If you try to tell me how useful you will be to my cause, you won’t leave this room alive.”
“You won’t let me live anyway.” Peter whined.
“Why the fuck should I?” Sirius burst out. “Have we not gone over the whole life-ruining traitor bit? Grandad, back me up, you heard that, right?”
“I heard it all, son,” Grandad Black gripped his shoulder and Sirius felt his blood pressure ease by miniscule increments.
“So why should I tell you anything?” Peter nearly screamed. “What’s in it for me?”
“Wow, could be your fucking mantra, huh, Peter?” Sirius yelled and suddenly gave up on reining in the darkness that was gathering behind him. Thick black fog swirled into the room, thunder rumbling through the foundations. “‘What’s in it for me?’ Should be on your fucking headstone.”
“Sirius…” Peter whined, scurrying back to a corner with the darkness encroaching on him.
“Would you like me to carve it there, Peter?” Sirius whispered, stalking toward the trapped man. Darkness curled around Peter’s wrists and ankles, the man screamed as he was suspended, dangling between the ceiling and floor. “Put it right there by your birth and death date? I know your birth date, of course, Peter. Made you fucking cakes. Bad ones, I admit. Is that why you turned on us, Pete? Because I always tried to get you something nice, even when I’d been kicked out of my house…”
“Sirius…” Peter whined. He tried to transform, but Sirius’ darkness held him tightly.
“No, no, no, not scurrying away this time, Pete.” Sirius snarled. “You turned on James. You turned on Lily. You turned on Harry. Remus. Dumbledore. Me. You turned on fucking Voldemort. Just one more fucking turn, you little rat. Who’s your new master?”
“Um…you, my lord Sirius. If you will have me.” Peter managed to fucking bow even while spread eagled, dangling from the ceiling.
“My god, Pete. It’s like you never fucking knew me. Who is the guy who told you to recruit kids, who had you run with the werewolf who bit Dudley Dursley? That’s what I’m asking, you amoral moron. That’s what you’re going to tell me if I have to rip it out of you. I’ve been working on mind warding my friends, you see. I wonder what happens if I try it in reverse.”
Sirius wrapped a band of mind magic around Peter’s head but instead of keeping out mind magic, he pressed it inward.
Peter screamed, thrashing, but the dark tethers gave not an inch.
“Come on, Pete. Let’s not prolong this. We all know you weren’t made for torture. We all know that’s why you defected in the first place. Couldn’t stomach the idea of pain, let alone the reality. So come on now. Give them up. The names.”
“Dumbledore sent his phoenix to say I could get in.” Peter sobbed. “He sent messages to let us know I could come in and gather information. I don’t…I don’t know…”
“When?” Sirius cut in, mind reeling. “How long have you been doing this?”
“Only a few days,” Peter choked out. “We got the message three days ago. I’ve only been here two days.”
“Who is ‘we’? More names, Pete. Let’s go.” Sirius tightened the band around Peter’s brain and the man screamed in agony. Sirius relented slightly and the man was in shuddering sobs.
“I don’t…I don’t have many names,” Peter was gasping. “I just…I just know who I work for. The same one who…who bit the Dursley boy. The same one…who bit Remus.”
Sirius ground his teeth together. “Say the fucking name, Peter.”
“Greyback!” Peter screamed out. “I’ve been working with Fenrir Greyback! Now, please…”
“I’m sorry, you appear to be laboring under the delusion that I owe you something. This? This little demonstration we’re going through right now? This is nothing compared to my days and nights with the dementors for twelve fucking years. Keep talking and you might keep living. This is where we’ve got to, Pete. My god, you’ve been missing for months. We’ve been happy, man. Barely gave you a thought. You could have smuggled onto a nice cruise ship and lived happily as a rat until you got to Japan or Australia or Canada. But you had to go and hide behind the biggest monster you could find. So, here we are. We’re here, so we’re gonna fucking talk. Why Greyback?”
“He…he’s powerful,” Peter whined. “He has werewolves behind him. At least he did, until…until you started your recruiting.”
“Recruiting,” Sirius sighed. “Housing, educating, and providing healthcare for werewolves, you mean?”
“Recruiting with your charm and dark agenda?” Peter asked, shakily.
“Is that what he said?” Sirius sighed. “Is that what he told you about me? Is that why you ran from Voldemort? Because you heard I was Lord of House Black? And then you ran to Greyback when you heard that Voldemort had become inactive? Again, why stick around? Why not run to the ends of the earth?”
“Because…because you were Lord Black.” Peter whimpered. “Powerful. Wealthy. With a consort and an heir. People to keep you stable. Focused. I knew you would come after me.”
“But we fucking didn’t, Peter. Not for months. You could have…” Sirius sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “What does Greyback want? What’s his goal?”
“You’ve turned much of his army. He’s starting younger. Biting younger. Turning younger. Starting with powerful wizarding families. He went after Dursley to get to you. Really, he hoped to get lucky, and Harry would be there, but the cousin was a bonus.”
“If the idea was to bite, turn, and recruit the kid,” Sirius was nearly growling. “Then why did he not take the kid with him immediately?”
“More muggles started arriving.” Peter shook his head. “There was a dinner party. A moment’s distraction and the kid was in the house.”
“What other kids has he gotten?”
“A…a few muggles. Most…died.” Peter had the decency...the audacity?...to sound ashamed. “It’s hard to recruit from Wizard kids, because of warding and Fidelus charms. That’s why…that’s why having me at Hogwarts was ideal.”
“What information have you passed along?” Sirius said tightly, his control hanging by a thread. “Which kids were your targets?”
“Well, our first try was for the Longbottom kid. Months ago. Neville. I…I cast the living death on the grandmother. The Uncle’s place is not secure. We thought he would go to his uncle but then he…vanished.”
“Who else?”
“The Burrough has become very secure; we thought we could get one Weasley or another since I knew the house so well. But the warding there has changed.”
“You’re damn right it did. What do you think I’ve been up to all this time, Pete? Who else?”
“We decided to expand to some of the Weasleys’ neighbors. Greyback had been working with young Cedric for years. Little wild, crazy Luna Lovegood also lives near there and is a wildly powerful little thing. Actually, you’d best go, Sirius. You can’t hold me.”
“Like Hell I can’t…”
“Little Luna likes to wander into the Forbidden Forest,” Pete said sickly. “She’s a great fan of thestrals and unicorns. Would be a real shame if she’s gone strolling, now. There’s a lovely pack of werewolves waiting.”
“Grandad…” Sirius asked, and Grandad stepped over to a wall and began silently communing with the wards. “What pack of werewolves? You haven’t named anyone but Greyback.”
“Haven’t I?” Pettigrew gave a ghastly smile. “I certainly mentioned handsome sweet Cedric Diggory?”
Sirius’s dark tendrils jerked at Pettigrews’ wrists and ankles. “How dare you speak his name. You killed the kid.”
“Did I?” Pettigrew laughed, even with tears streaming down his face. “I was ordered to, certainly. But you know me, Siri. You know my cowardly soul. Have you ever seen me look someone in the face and take their life? I’m a coward. I know it well. You think I have the conviction to murder a child just because a homunculus baby ordered me to?”
“Harry dragged his body out of that graveyard. You cast Avada Kedavra.”
“And if one casts a crucio without real intent, you arrive at some slight pain, less than torture, do you not?” Peter hissed. “If one casts imperio without enough conviction, then the spell will not have the desired effect. Have you never tried the Unforgivables, Sirius? For experimentation, of course? Of course you wouldn’t, I suppose. Too noble, even with your dark soul. I first tried them my first year. On the animals, of course. More and more, year by year, until now I have them down to an exact science. Cedric was not dead, Sirius. Hell, he is not dead. Think of Snow White from the Muggle Children’s tale. He appeared to be dead and was laid to rest in his family mausoleum. Or so appeared. Because I am a coward, but I am not stupid. I was already working with Greyback even then. I’ve always known to keep my options open. And I knew I would lose his favor forever if I killed the pretty boy. So, I put him under a near-Avada, which behaves much like Draught of the Living Death. I transfigured another corpse with his likeness and that is the body lying in his parents’ crypt. Diggory is no more dead than I am. In fact, he lingers in the forest, half-shifted, about to turn Little Lovegood on Greyback’s orders. Kill me, and you’ll never know where. The Forest goes on for miles. There is no possible way…”
“I’ve found her, Sirius.” Grandad said, because he was a prince like that.
“Wh-what?” Peter asked, bravado failing him. “No, you can’t…”
“Okay, enough of you,” Sirius said, and gagged the man with dark magic. “You know what?” Sirius turned the man into a rat, immobilized him, and wrapped him in dark magic. He drew in a deep shuddering breath. “Grandad, is there any reason I should keep the bastard alive?”
“For your complete exoneration in public opinion.” Grandad Black reminded him.
“Fuck.” Harry and Remus would be into that.
There was pounding on the outer walls and Sirius wandlessly, almost thoughtlessly, opened the doors. Morgana, Tom, and Regulus ran into the room, wands ready, in full battle mode.
“You guys look very cool,” Sirius told them appreciatively. “But we’re all good here.” He waved his wand over the spread-eagled rat. “Pop this guy over to the ministry, if you please? He’ll be a guy again in about twenty minutes.”
“I am not leaving Orion ever again,” Morgana bit out wrapping the man in the tightest of hugs.
“Okay, Reg and Tom, do you mind, hell, kid, what’s wrong with you?” Sirius said, catching his brother as he staggered into him and holding the very cold Regulus tight.
“We got lost in the wards, didn’t you?” Reg breathed out.
Sirius’ brain spun as he clung to his brother. “Tom, can you, Sev, and Reg take the rat to the Ministry? Me, Grandad, and Morgana need to go look after Luna and Cedric.”
“Cedric?” Tom demanded, suddenly looking as pale as Regulus.
“Oh, right. Damn. We don’t have time to…”
Grandfather was warming Morgana with his hands, sending a gust of heat Regulus’ way. “Let Tom, Morgana, and I take the forest, Sirius. You should handle this with Pettigrew.”
Sirius nearly growled. “Okay. But go now. Reg, you’re with me.”
“No more wards for Reg,” Tom growled at him. “You’re a Founder’s Heir, I bet you can apparate right outta here. Or you can run up to Sev’s office and floo. Do not take him through the wards. I just got him outta there and he is not going back, do you undastand?”
Sirius held up his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay, sure. Just…you might need to travel the wards. With Grandad. You okay with that?”
“Is it fuckin’ safe?” Tom said, hand gripping the back of Regulus’ neck. “Double check, cause I don’t aim to lose myself in those fuckin’ things, either.”
“Grandad Wards?” Sirius called out.
All Is Well. I Am Ashamed To Say Godric Took Control For A Few Moments. But All Is Mine, Now. Our Blood Prevails. We Will Make It Easily To The Forest Wards.
“Alright well, Lord Grandad, Lady Morgs, you stick tight with me. I’m puttin’ Celeste and Reg on alert to pull us out if necessary.”
“Damn, what happened?” Sirius muttered as Tom tugged Regulus from Sirius’ arms and kissed him soundly and holding him for a long moment.
“We do not have time,” Grandfather said, magically binding Morgana and Tom to himself. “We must go.”
“Be safe. I love you all.” Sirius said, loathing this, as he added another layer of spells to Petigrew’s containment.
“We love you, too, Boss,” Tom said, with a small but genuine smile and Sirius felt better. “Here we go to…what, exactly?”
“Save kids, fight werewolves. Save werewolf kids.” Sirius muttered. Tom, for his part, sighed and linked arms with Grandad.
“Goin’ off with a dragon lord and a fae queen to fight some werewolves. Because that’s fuckin’ normal. Love you, Reg.”
“I love you-”
The three became fog and flowed into the wards.
“Tom,” Reg said, a little weakly, and Sirius wrapped his brother in his arms again.
“Come on, brother mine,” Sirius said, trying to feel cheerful. “Let’s go rat on a rat.”
Tom Reg’s voice came through the mate bond as they shot through the wards at wild speeds.
Hey, Honey. How you doin’? Tom asked, relaxing at the sound of Reg’s voice.
Okay. I’m waiting for Siri in an office at the Ministry. Turns out, Siri can apparate in and out of Hogwarts.
I fucking knew it. Tom thought smugly. Everything’s going okay, here. Grandad’s shootin’ us along real nice and direct. No crazy tumblin’ and ping pongin’ so far.
Good, Regulus’ relief was palpable.
I’m just fine, honey. Were you just checkin’ on me? Cause that’s fuckin’ sweet.
I am very sweet and I feel like I should add something seductive, but I’m too worried right now, Tom. And Siri said I should probably give you a little information before you just drop in on the situation. Cedric, according to Pettigrew, was not killed in the graveyard. Greyback was in the process of recruiting him, and Peter was in the process of keeping all his options open, so he was double agenting for Voldemort and Greyback. Voldemort told him to kill Cedric, but in order to stay in the werewolf’s good graces, Peter faked the Avada and put the kid in a deep coma.
There may be more werewolves, but Pettigrew said that you’ll be facing a half-turned Cedric Diggory who is trying to turn a little girl called Luna Lovegood. Just be careful, Tom. This may be really hard for you.
I’ve pretty much decided that I can’t hold myself responsible for the things soulless me did. My morals, my emotions, hell, my spirit wasn’t present. And then, Soulless Me gave his essence, but it was all broken down. Hell, this ain’t even that body, really. Just the elements necessary to rebuild me. So I’m trying not to feel guilty.
Don’t. I need you focused and sharp. Don’t let anybody manipulate you. Use that beautiful clear light brain of yours and protect yourself and Grandad and Morgana. If you need to fall apart, do it later. Hell, that’s what Celeste and I are here for. We’ll hold you and help you and pick up your pieces. But you keep it together. I need you to be able to look at Cedric Diggory, if he’s there, keep utterly calm, and say you never saw him before. Because you haven’t. You, my Tom, were trapped with me when Cedric died.
I…I was, wasn't I? Tom felt like he might cry if he currently possessed eyeballs.
You were in the diary for a long time. I was in there with you for over a decade, my sweet Tom. I’m your alibi. Regulus sounded on the edge of laughter.
You’re my everything. Tom said, still overflowing with a wash of gratitude and love. God, I love you, Reg.
And I love you, handsome. Now focus up, love. Protect the girl. Contain the poor werewolf kid. Take them to Grimmauld. Remus is expecting them.
Tom calmed his emotions and narrowed his focus to the light they were rapidly approaching. Thanks, Coach. Love you.
Love you, too.
Celeste, baby, Tom spoke down the mate bond. Will you catch up with Reg? I’ve got to do a thing. I love you so much, Honey.
You’re scaring me, love. Celeste indeed sounded fearful.
I don’t mean to. I’m just about to do something potentially dangerous and I wanted to let you know and tell you I love you before I jumped in.
Tom…
Morgana and your father are with me. It’s gonna be fine. I just wanted you to know what was happening before I went into it.
But you have not told me anything.
That’s where Reg comes in. Gotta go. Love ya, Honey.
I love you too, Tom. So much. Regulus, what is he…
Tom gently closed the mate bond to the smallest of cracks as he, Morgana, and Lord Grandad were thrown out the wards and into the light of day. He solidified into a very cold human in time to stare down the loveliest wisp of girlhood he’d ever seen.
“Hello,” the little blond girl said. “Best look behind you.”
Tom instinctively shoved Morgana and Grandad one way and jumped the other. A curse struck the ground between them and Tom threw up a shield between them…and a boy he honestly could not say he remembered.
The tall good-looking kid stared at them, openmouthed, from behind Tom’s transparent crackling shield. And then tried to apparate. And bounced off nothing that Tom could see and lay flat on the ground, unconscious.
Tom glanced at Grandad, who gave a small bow and moved toward the boy, binding him carefully with magic, Morgana on his heels.
Tom turned to the little girl and cast a quick diagnostic on her. “Hiya, honey, I’m Tom. You alright?”
“Fine,” she said with utter serenity. “Will Cedric be alright?”
“Yeah, we’re gonna look after him. Will you come with us, please? Might need to check you over good. Did he bite you?”
“Bite me?” Luna repeated, her tone a little dreamy. “Was that what he was planning? I did notice his eyes were very shiny and his canine’s extra-long and sharp. Especially for a ghost.”
“He’s no ghost, little one.” Grandfather Black called. “He’s safely contained, Tom. Shall we go?”
“Listen, honey,” Tom turned to the little girl. “It’s Luna, right?”
“That’s me.” Luna said, offering her hand.
“I’ve seen you around. I teach Muggle Studies. Nice to meet ya, honey.” Tom shook her hand. “Grandad, I’m gonna apparate her home to Grimmauld if that’s okay with you. You good to bring Cedric and Morgana?”
“Yes.”
“Luna, honey, any chance you know how to cast a patronus?” Tom asked.
“I never have, but I’m certain I could with a bit of practice.” Luna said with a smile.
Tom shook his head, enchanted by this child. “Alright, look,” he cast his patronus. “Professor Snape, we’re taking Luna home to Remus. She’s safe but could stand some lookin’ aftah. Will fill you in later.”
“Do you mean Professor Lupin?” Luna asked, bright-eyed. “He’s the best Defense teacher we ever had, besides this year with Miss Delacour, of course.”
“Yeah, that’s who I’m talkin’ about. Now, can I take ya hand? I need to apparate you outta here before somethin’ else…”
A strange, wild howl filled the air.
Tom stared around them.
“The children are most important,” Lord Grandfather said. “I’ll drop off Cedric and immediately return to reinforce the Hogwarts wards. We can’t linger.”
“Okay,” Tom, unwilling to take half measures, gathered up Luna in his arms and apparated.
They appeared at Grimmauld’s front door. Grandfather immediately put Cedric in the arms of Remus Lupin and Neville Longbottom ran out to pull Luna into a hug.
“You okay, Luna?” He asked.
“Neville, are we kidnapped? By our old teacher?” Luna asked a kind of quiet, delighted curiosity.
“No, dear, you’re not kidnapped.” Remus said over his shoulder, carrying Cedric inside. “I’m putting Cedric in the basement. Narcissa is ready for diagnostics or surgery or both.”
“I’m heading back to Hogwarts to make certain the wards are up to par.” Grandfather Black kissed Morgana goodbye, but she simply raised an eyebrow and threaded her arm through his. He laughed and they vanished.
“Luna, are you sure you aren’t bitten?” Harry Potter called from the doorway, staring wide-eyed as Remus carried an unconscious Cedric Diggory past.
“I’m not bitten, Harry Potter.” Luna said calmly, one arm around Neville as Tom guided them both inside. “And I’m at your home! You look very good. Better fed. I’m so glad.”
“I…thanks, Luna. Should I…Tom, can I take she and Neville upstairs or what do you need?” Harry asked like the ever-maturing sweetheart that he was.
Tom took a second to look at the diagnostics running over Luna’s head. “No bite, no venom, no obvious mind magics on her. I’m sure Narcissa’ll want a look at her after she gets done with Cedric.”
“Cedric,” Harry repeated, a haunted, bewildered look on his face.
Tom got the children inside and knelt in front of Harry. “I know, kid. I’m so fuckin’ sorry.”
“It wasn’t you,” Harry told him in that sincere way that Tom struggled to feel that he deserved. “Don’t worry about it, Tom. And hey, he’s alive! That’s amazing!”
“Luna, honey, I’m gonna wrap you in a protective protego of a kind, okay?” Tom said, giving Harry’s shoulders a squeeze. “No offense to you, but it’ll keep you from doing any significant magic or hurtin’ anybody.”
“I wasn’t planning to hurt anyone.” Luna said thoughtfully. “Was Cedric trying to hurt me?”
“I think he was ordered to turn you into a werewolf, Luna.” Tom said soberly. “And there’s been an awful lotta hinky mind magic lately. I’d feel better if I knew you couldn’t hurt anybody until you’re all checked out. This way, I can let you go up with Harry and Neville and Dudley and see his room.”
“Alright then,” Luna said quietly. “If Neville thinks so…”
“It’s probably smart, Luna. We have to just roll with the crazy around here.” Neville said sagely and hell if that wasn’t the truth.
“Go ahead, Mr. Tom.” Luna sighed.
Tom put a special shielding spell around Luna, who sighed deeply and closed her eyes as if utterly content.
“That feels nice, Mr. Tom. You must be a very light wizard.”
“I…so I’ve been told, Luna, honey.” Tom laughed a little. He glanced at the diagnostic. “Now, this is showin’ you’re a little dehydrated. Harry, hon, take yer friends upstairs and make sure Luna gets somethin’ nice to eat and drink, okay? Where’s Celeste?”
“Here,” his gorgeous mate said, and he couldn’t help the relief and peace that filled his bones.
“Head on up, kids, we’ll be right behind you.” Tom said. Harry led the others to the left and Celeste shoved him against a wall and was kissing him madly.
“Not allowed to do that,” she was muttering fiercely between intoxicating kisses. “Not allowed, do you understand?”
“I’m sorry if I scared you, honey, but…but everything’s okay.” Tom gasped out between kisses. “Nothing happened…”
“My Regulus was nearly eaten by blood wards. My Tom faced an immortal Founder and a werewolf. What must I do? Find a way to make myself small and portable and smuggle myself along with you wherever you go?”
“Hell, I’d like that,” Tom muttered, hands skimming over Celeste’s gorgeous body. “But have mercy on me, darlin’. I’ll apologize and grovel and make it up to you however you want. For now, will you go watch over Luna and the otha kids? I need to check in with Mr. Boss.”
Celeste exhaled, seething. “I will be talking to you later,” she hissed near his mouth. “And reminding you whose you are.”
Tom released his breath in a laugh. “Honey, I honestly don’t know whether to be terrified or excited.”
Celeste narrowed her eyes at him. “Both will do.” She hissed again and kissed him with utter ferocity before pulling away. “I’ll go tend to the hatchlings. I had best set eyes on you before you leave again.”
“I’ll do my best, hon, I swear.” He kissed her hand and headed for the basement.