I Think Your House Is Haunted
Barty Crouch Jr.‘s manor is, in a word, opulent. Everything about it is so astonishingly opposite from Regulus’ dark and glaringly haunted home that even standing before it makes Regulus feel out of place. Regulus is 45 minutes late to Snake’s Night, the snake's night that he’d planned in a state of panic over his new responsibilities. He’d left Draco with Kreacher, feeling remarkably guilty, and apparated to Barty’s. After quite a bit of lecturing from Kreacher that he needed to do this for himself (“you need friends, Master, you’re so lonely”) and that Draco would be well taken care of (didn’t Regulus trust him at all!?), he begrudgingly left Grimmauld. He hasn’t seen any of his friends other than Dorcas (and Marlene) in years. Could they reject him now for his abandonment of them? In reality, he really wasn’t a great friend. He took from all of them when he needed it, but didn’t have much to give in return after he’d spent so much time fighting for his life. He’d survived the war, but at what cost? He’d hidden himself away, but also hidden from his friends.
He apparated directly in front of Barty’s manor, the wards allowing him to pass easily. The manor looms over him, but it’s not uninviting like his own. The outer walls are clean white painted brick. The windows at the front of the house stretch from the ground to the roof, light glows from them warmly casting dancing shadows around the yard. Enchanted candles glisten, lighting the path to the large red front door. Regulus peers around the yard. He smirks at the rows and rows of hedges shaped like animals, the plethora of statues lining the yard, and the huge marble fountain that stands as the centerpiece. Purebloods and their ornaments, he thinks.
Entering the manor slowly, he’s greeted by Barty’s elf, Winky. She takes his coat and bows, gesturing to the drawing room on the right. He can hear laughter coming from it and takes a deep breath as he steels himself to enter. He no sooner crosses the threshold before he’s enveloped in a breathtaking hug.
“You came,” Dorcas breathes into Regulus’ neck as she hugs him. “I’m so glad you came; I was worried you wouldn’t show.”
“My idea, right?” Regulus says, though he still isn’t sure whether he should stay. Dorcas releases him, and he looks around the room. His friends, the old crew. They are there, all smiling, all waiting for him. Barty is at the head of the table, Firewhiskey in one hand, Evan Rosier’s thigh in the other. Evan, clearly already many drinks in, sits next to Barty, cheeks pink. Dorcas moves back to her spot next to Marlene and puts her arm on the back of her chair as she sits. Marlene gives Regulus a nod and a wink. With their backs to Regulus, Pandora and Xenophilius Lovegood sit, carrying on as if they hadn’t noticed the intrusion. A small child with white blonde hair and wide eyes sits on Xeno’s lap. The girl stands on her fathers legs and leans over his shoulder waving to Regulus, and smiling. Pandora notices her daughter’s attention has shifted and she turns. She takes the girl into her arms and rises to walk towards Regulus.
“It’s been too long Reggie,” she says, holding a hand gently to his cheek. “I’ve really missed you.”
Regulus melts into her hand, feeling the love radiating from his starry-eyed friend. He looks into her bright eyes, the same look on her face as she always held for him - love. She’d always been one of Regulus’ most beloved friends. Pandora, ever the empath, used her gifts to calm and care for those around her, always rescuing Reg from the darkest thoughts and places his mind went to. When he’d gotten involved with Voldemort he was a mess and darkness almost engulfed him fully, but Pandora was there. She’d always known the right thing to say and do to help him out of the deepest recesses of his mind. When he’d made it a point to disappear from the wizarding world and hide away in shame, licking his wounds and grieving his losses, she’d written him letters every day. The conversation remained one-sided; Regulus never wrote back. Eventually the letters stopped.
The small girl (younger than Draco by at least a year) laughs and touches Regulus’ other cheek. He can feel his fear lifting instantly and calm wash over him. He smiles, genuinely for the first time that evening, as Pandora uses her gift to calm him.
“This is Luna,” Pandora says, smiling at her child. She gestures for Regulus to come to the table, and they make their way to sit - Pandora back in the chair next to her husband and Regulus in the chair between Evan and Dorcas. He sits, looking around the table at the group assembled before him, all of which came at his request for a night together. Even after all this time, they came.
“Fatherhood suits you, Reggie,” huffs Barty, breaking the tension. “Does he call you father, or pops?” Barty passes Regulus a glass of Firewhiskey, he nods his thanks.
The table erupts in laughter as the group eases back into old habits. Quickly, and without hesitation they talk about their lives, enjoying each other's company. Each member of the group gives Regulus sound advice for child rearing.
Barty, with all his wisdom, states, “If those bad dreams keep happening say, ‘hey it can't get worse than real life - that shit’s pretty bad’.”
"Wine...or fire whiskey, you can choose, but either way it’ll definitely help,” Marlene chimes in, tipping her glass to Regulus.
Evan, looking off into the distance, says, "If they say they are going to be sick get ready. You don't want to play chicken with that one.” He shudders dramatically. Pandora clicks her tongue from across the table, “It happened one time, Ev.”
“Really, though,” she says, fixing Regulus with a deep stare, looking straight into his gray eyes. “Kids just need to know you can relate to them, and understand where they’re coming from. They need to know you’ve got their back, and won’t leave if things get tough. Draco just needs a safe place to land. I know you can be that for him.”
“Gonna make us all cry, there Pan,” Barty fakes at wiping his eyes.
“Yeah and you’re about as emotional as a wet rag,” Marlene rolls her eyes.
“He is with Evan! I can’t believe you proposed on top of a mountain!” Dorcas laughs, coming up behind Barty and slapping him on the back. She grabs another bottle of Firewhiskey out of the cabinet behind him.
“What!” He smirks. “It was romantic.”
“It really was,” Evan coos, looking at Barty like he’s never seen anything more beautiful in his entire life. “How could I say no with a gesture like that.”
Conversation dips in and out of jobs and lives, each catching up little by little. Marlene is enjoying her time writing sports articles for the Prophet. Xenophilus can’t help but share his thoughts on the pixie colonies overtaking the forests in America, or so he’s heard from his sources. Pandora looks on at him dreamily as he talks of magical creatures. Luna plays on the floor silently, and barely notices the conversation around her.
“How’s the job, Regulus?” Asks Xenophilius. “You're with the DoM now, is that right?”
“Yeah,” Regulus replies a bit quietly. He’d been so happy to hear about everyone else’s lives, thankful to avoid talking about his own. He sets down his drink. “Can’t speak much about it though -“
“Bloody hell, are YOU an Unspeakable!?” Barty stands and points at Regulus.
Cheeks burning, Regulus says, “Well, as I said I can’t really speak about my work.”
“Holy shit, you are-“ Barty stops when Evan smacks him hard on the chest. “What? It’s cool.”
“I agree,” says Marlene. “I heard the department is hiding something big! Like a massive project that could change the way we live here in the wizarding world.”
“That enough everyone,” Dorcas says looking over to Regulus who mouths thank you to her. “He can’t talk about it, so let’s not push it.”
“Oh you’re no fun,” Marlene rolls her eyes. Dorcas sticks her tongue out.
“Do you have wrackspurts stuck in your head?” Asks a small voice from the floor. The group turns to look at Luna, who’s staring back at them. “They ruin my fun too.”
Tension break’s immediately as the group falls into hysterical laughter at Luna's adorable insight.
Regulus tugs at the back of his neck and looks up at his friend group. “I really appreciate you all being here,” says Regulus looking down at his lap. “I’ve been struggling, and I didn’t know if I could have this back. If you’d take me back. I’m sorry for-.”
“You can always come home, Regulus,” Evan interrupts his apology, squeezing his shoulder.
Before Regulus can respond, Winky pops into the drawing room and squeaks, “a message for Master Regulus!” Regulus turns at the sudden intrusion. “You’re needed back urgently! Kreacher needs your help!” The elf bows and steps back out of the room. Regulus feels dizzy as his worry grows for what could possibly be waiting for him at home. “I’ve got to go,” he says.
“We’re coming with you,” says Barty, immediately standing and gathering up a few items.
“All of us,” Pandora calmly steps in front of Regulus and makes for the floo.
One by one each of the snake's night members step through Barty’s floo and into Grimmauld. Regulus hasn’t had a guest at his home in years, but he doesn’t have time to think much more about it as the site in front of them is complete chaos. They’d floo’d directly into the kitchen which is in shambles. Dishes, cups, towels, and cutlery are splayed all over the floors. Food is splattered and stuck to both the walls and ceiling making it look like a bomb went off.
“Shit,” mutters Regulus.
“What the hell happened here?” Barty questions, eyes wide.
“Mate,” Evan steps in behind Regulus. “I think your house is haunted.”
The hall is cluttered with shards of fabric, as if the rugs were shredded to pieces by some sort of animal. Vases, statues and various trinkets lay shattered around them. The portraits on the walls are blank, the subjects having run off. Dobby is sitting in the middle of the hall squeezing his ears. “Oh no no no” he repeats to himself over and over.
“Dobby?” Regulus kneels next to the elf. “What’s happened?” He gently reaches out for the elf, who jumps back in surprise.
“Oh! It was awful, sirs,” he squeaks covering his eyes. “She started yelling at Draco, telling him he was bad. And then everything just exploded!”
“Who?”
“Walburga,” growls Kreacher, coming out from a living room on the right. “She was saying some horrible things to the boy about his parents and I think he just snapped. His magic rebounded. But that’s not all-.”
“Where is he?” Asks Regulus, standing.
“In there, Sir, but-“ Kreacher gestures to the room he’d just come out as Regulus runs to the room.
Draco stands in the middle of the living room objects flying around him, swirling past him in a blur. His hands cover his ears, tears streaming down his reddened cheeks. Regulus holds up his hands and the objects still, then, gently fall to the floor with a muffled flop. Draco looks up at Regulus standing in the doorway and runs to him. He embraces him, shaking and sobbing into Regulus’ stomach. Regulus holds him until he’s breathing slows, “you’re ok, you’re ok,” he whispers. “I’m here now.” He holds him tightly, reassuringly as the tears eventually slow. Regulus holds him like his life depends on it, hoping that Draco can tell he’s the most important person in his world, that he just wants him to be safe.
“She’s floo’d Master!” Kreacher comes to stand in front of Regulus. “That wretched ministry woman wants to speak with you immediately. She’s waiting for you in the drawing room in the front entry.”
“Who?” Regulus asks, confused. He watches Kreacher wringing his hands, and his breath hitches. “Not Draco’s solicitor? Martha?”
“Oh, yes, Master,” Kreacher panics and runs around the room frantically trying to pick up the mess.
“Shit,” Regulus says again. He looks to his friends desperate for help. “She can’t see him like this.”
“Alright mates, we’ve got some work to do,” Barty is matter-of-fact as he scoops up Draco in his arms, “We will get the small rascals out and off to bed.”
Draco looks up at the man carrying him and scowls, “Bartemus.” Draco sneers at Barty, who he’s seen before briefly, but doesn’t appear to care for.
“That’s Uncle Barty to you, blondie!” Carrying Draco like a football he makes his way to the stairs, Draco thrashing at him as they go. Evan follows, not far behind, and gestures at Luna, “come on Loons!”
“You’ll be okay, Draco,” calls Regulus as they disappear up the stairs. “I’ll be up to check on you in a second.”
“They’re the best uncles,” says Pandora dreamily, watching their backs disappear on the stairs. “I’m sure Draco will love them just as much as Luna does.” Regulus sighs, not so sure.
Marlene, Dorcas and Xeno begin to tidy the shambles around them and make quick work of the mess. Pandora follows Regulus out and into the drawing room to speak with Martha. “For moral support,” she says sweetly.
“Certainly took the elf long enough to summon you,” Martha says. She looks rather disgruntled, her brow creasing in a clear annoyance at the inconvenience.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Regulus kneels before the fireplace. “I was just making sure Draco was comfortable getting to bed.” Thinking of a million excuses and reasons for questions she might ask, he takes a deep breath and asks, “Is there a reason for such a late call tonight? Is there something urgent that needs my attention?”
“Just checking in,” Martha says, eyes moving questioningly to Pandora in the background.
“Oh, hello!” She calls. “I’m Regulus’ good friend. I have a child Draco’s age and we thought it would be wonderful for them to meet.”
“Hmm,” replies Martha, unconvinced. “Can you explain the loud noises I heard before you came in?”
Regulus’ pulse quickens and he gulps. Before he has a chance to speak, Pandora’s there with a hand on his shoulder and cal washes over him. In that moment he knows exactly what to say. “We were just playing a game with the children.”
Pandora looks at Martha, tilts her head, and smiles. The woman, as if entranced by her aura, smiles back. “Yes,” she says, “very well.” She shakes her head, confusion clear on her face. Clearing her throat she adds, “I will be in touch soon, I’d like to hear from Draco how he feels that he’s adjusting to his new home.” With a curt nod, Martha is gone.
Regulus hangs his head and lets out a breath. He looks up at Pandora, both of whom dissolve into a fit of laughter. “Your gift, Pandora, never ceases to amaze me.”
“It’s the least I could do,” she says waving him off. “That woman is a nightmare.”
The pair makes their way up to Draco’s room, Regulus ready to give the boy a stern talking to, but when he enters his anger shifts. Draco and Luna are sleeping, peaceful and sweet, Luna's hand gently cupping Draco’s cheek. Pandora steps in behind them and scoops up Luna in her arms.
“We’d better be going,” she whispers. “I’ll go grab Xeno and see the girls out. We’ll see you soon, Reg. Please come over with Draco, I’d love to meet him under less chaotic circumstances.”
She leaves and Regulus turns to Barty and Evan, “What happened?”
The pair are sitting in the arm chairs in front the window, Evan looking out into the yard, Barty watching Draco as he sleeps. Barty speaks first, “We came up to try and settle him. We tried everything, games and toys but he just wouldn’t stop raging around the room. He doesn’t like me much I don’t think - Cissa never did, really. Then Luna just grabbed Draco and hugged him. She wouldn’t let go, and I thought he was going to lose it. But, then he just stopped. It’s like anger melted right out of him.”
“She’s an empath too,” Evan says, still looking out the window. “Just like Pan. It runs in our family.”
“Well,” Barty slaps his knees and moves to stand. “we’d best be getting on too. Anytime mate, really. We’re here for you. I like the kid -.” He gestures to a sleeping Draco. “He’s got spunk.”
Regulus nods at the men as they leave. He sits on the edge of Draco’s bed watching his chest rise and fall. He sees his brother in the boy, his small frame snuggled up tight in the large bed. Accidental magic is hard to control in a place like this, it was for Sirius, too. Without the support of an adult that he could really trust, Sirius had a hard time controlling his emotions as a child. Regulus tried to hide Sirius’ outbursts and help. He always tried to save his brother, but sometimes the house was too much. He won’t let that happen to Draco. He won’t let the cycle continue. He moves to place a hand on Draco’s chest, feeling his heartbeat, looking down at him with a love he didn’t know he could still even feel.
“We can do this little guy,” he says. “We have to survive this together.” Regulus turns out the light.