Chapter 15
Few weeks later at breakfast table
Marvolo was reading the prophet and Regulus was eating his breakfast, when two owls flew in and dropped letters in front of Regulus. They flew out right after, much to his relief as it wouldn’t be expected of him to write a response as he had been planning to spend the day planning his and Marvolo’s bonding ceremony.
Eyeing the letters curiously Marvolo raised his gaze to observe Regulus, who was reaching for the first letter, obviously after casting multiple diagnostic charms on the letters beforehand. After reading who the first letter was from, Regulus announced “Pandora has responded to our offer”.
Regulus and Marvolo had visited her a week prior in the Lovegood-LeStrange cottage, explaining her situation and the blood oath. She had been rather repulsed by her ancestors' actions and the thought of her being owned by someone but came around when Regulus explained some things. They spent hours explaining their plan to her and in the end she agreed to be their surrogate as that would be her technically carrying the next heir Black but also because Regulus has been one of her closest friends since childhood.
With all the other things discussed Pandora had also asked about what Regulus owning her would mean for her. But as for everything the pair had thought of everything and had told her that they would require only her help when needed and nothing more as she would be giving them the greatest gift one could receive already…a child. In the end Pandora had said that she would have to discuss their situation with her brothers and her soulmate, promising to write to them as soon as possible.
“She wrote that her family and partner find our terms agreeable and to owl the date when we would begin the process.” Huffing out a laugh Regulus continued “She also demands that we make her the child’s godmother as and I quote ‘It can’t be good for a child to grow up surrounded by dark lords and the Black family only’, she also strongly suggests that I make let her help organise our bonding as it is her right as one of my closest friends” Regulus said with amusement dancing in his eyes. “I must say that by looking at her home and thinking of Narcissa’s taste, they would make excellent planners” Added Marvolo just as amused as his lover.
“We would have to tell them some theme colours and give our opinions on most things but I think appointing them to organise our bonding would be an excellent idea” Said Regulus after thinking about it. “But we would also have to tell them not to go overboard with flowers” He mentioned with a small smile on his lips, thinking about the women’s tendency to use flowers everywhere possible. “Ah yes, I quite agree, while Narcissa and Lucius’ bonding was beautiful, I would not want that many flowers at our bonding” Agreed Marvolo while thinking about the Malfoy bonding that took place the previous year, it was the society event of the year but everyone remembers the flowers that were everywhere.
Humming in agreement, Regulus went on to open the rest of the letters. One was from Narcissa informing her that she was expecting a boy, an invitation to her babyshower in two month’s time and… a formal request to be the child’s godfather when the time comes. It made Regulus’s eyes a little wet while thinking about how they trust him enough to take care of their child if needed.
The one after that was a joint letter from Evan Rosier and Barty Crouch Jr, informing him of their plans to visit him soon and their well wishes on his engagement.
The next letter was from the LeStrange’s (Rodolphus) announcing his approval of the contract Pandora made with them and that he hopes that their future heirs would get along. Inside was also a congratulatory note about their engagement, while it was signed as the LeStranges Regulus seriously doubts that Bellatrix was involved in writing this letter and wishes the well. Marvolo agreed with him.
But the last letter on the table intrigued both of them the most, as Gringotts didn’t just write without a reason. Opening the letter, Regulus quickly read it over before dropping it from shock. Worried Marvolo reached for the letter to see what shocked his soulmate that much, when he reached the end of the letter he was just as shocked as Regulus.
The letter read:
‘Dear lord Black,
We at Gringotts have been actively looking for your brother Antares Vega Black as you asked. Our searches have been fruitful and we know what name he goes by now. Sadly we have to inform you that we do not know as of yet, how he got where he is now but fear not we will continue our search for answers.
We have identified Antares Black as Zephaniah Perdita McKinnon-Snape. The information reached as when his bonding documents signed in blood were brought to us for safe keeping.
We have yet to inform him of his true identity and have sent you this letter as his head of house. We await further instructions on how to proceed from here.
May your gold prosper and your enemies fail against your blade
House of Black account manager Ironclaw of Gringotts’
“They actually found him” Said Regulus, overcoming his shock. “And he is also apparently married to Severus” Added Marvolo, amusement dripping off of him. That made Regulus laugh a little. Severus Snape, a man who hates Sirius Black and Bellatrix from the bottom of his battish heart and barely tolerates the other ones, is married to one. “Imagine him finding out his soulmate is a Black, a member of the family he hates” Said Regulus, that was all it took for both of them to start fully laughing.
After calming down Regulus finished his breakfast and headed off to his study to write to Gringotts telling them to not inform Antares and that he will do it himself. Then he sent a thank you note to LeStranges and his friends. Lastly he sent a letter to Pandora informing her that she along with Narcissa will be planning his bonding with his and Marvolo’s input. He also added that the dates of surrogacy procedure would be owled to her soon.
Thinking of all the good news he got, Regulus considers that morning was the happiest one he has had in his whole life…maybe excluding the one after his engagement. Regulus spent the rest of his day thinking of how to tell Antares or Zephaniah? of his true heritage and if or how he should inform Sirius.