Secrets & Spies
January 4th, 1980
Regulus had returned back to his parent’s house the same night as the last meeting. They didn't often question him now when he’d return back hours later, just assuming it had something to do with the Dark Lord.
His parents didn't often attend the meetings anymore, but were kept in the loop by Regulus or Bellatrix who would inform them of what had happened.
Walburga had grown ill recently from the amount of stress she had put herself under all those years. It was no surprise that she had fallen ill, the Black family had a history (or rather a curse as Sirius put it) of family members never living past the age of 50. She’d often be bed ridden while Orion and a private healer looked after her since they no longer had their house elf.
Kreacher had stayed hidden at Sirius and Remus’ flat under strict orders from Regulus that he was to not leave unless Regulus or Sirius called him. While the house elf was not thrilled by the idea of staying with Sirius and Remus in their small, London flat, he would do it for Regulus.
Now with his parents out of commission, Regulus was officially the head of the Black family for the Dark Lord and being his most trusted Death Eater, meant that he had a hell of a lot to lose if he screwed anything up. Fuck, maybe he was in over his head… But even if he was, it was too late to back out now.
There had only been one more meeting right at the end of December after the one where Regulus was made his most trusted. It was a relatively short meeting with very little information that would have had any importance. But Regulus did have one meeting coming up that was far more important. He and Sirius were privately meeting with Dumbledore.
Sirius had taken the liberty to write a very vague letter to Dumbledore that only said he urgently needed to meet with him in private. He didn't mention Regulus at all or what the nature of the meeting was because they couldn't risk any information getting out if the letter was intercepted.
That evening, Sirius and Regulus were to meet Dumbledore at the current Order’s headquarters, the Potter residence. Sirius had insured Regulus that not a single person but him, Remus, and Dumbledore would know he was there. James was supposed to be out on another mission for the Order with Lily and Euphemia and Fleamont Potter, James’ parents, only knew Sirius needed a private place to speak with Dumbledore and not to interrupt whatsoever. He was just going to have to trust that Sirius had it all planned and nothing would go wrong.
Walburga had already gone to sleep for the night and Orion had locked himself away in his office so Regulus knew if he left, neither would even notice. So, as he always did, he grabbed his cloak, left the house and apparated away without a goodbye. He landed just outside Sirius’ building and as if on queue, Sirius stepped outside, letting the door slam behind him.
Sirius was dressed a little nicer than the last few times Regulus had seen him, but he still seemed inclined to wearing muggle clothes with his old, leather jacket and sturdy, black boots. It still wasn't the proper wizard attire they had been raised to wear which didn't surprise Regulus in the slightest, but something about the outfit was a little cool - though he would never admit that.
“Ready to go then?” Sirius asked.
Regulus nodded.
“Well then, to the Potter’s.”
Doing a quick look around that no one was watching, they both apparated together, feeling the familiar yank as they left London and landed on the path just outside of the large, brown-bricked, English home that was covered in vines on the right side.
Regulus had only ever been to the Potter residence one time before when he was 12 - the first time Sirius had run away. Walburga had been furious and dragged Regulus along with her to bring him home. He was sure she had only brought him to use as a weapon and it had unfortunately worked, forcing Sirius to go back to the Black residence. During that time, Regulus hadn't actually gone inside, everything happened so fast that Walburga was already dragging Sirius by the ear by the time he even thought to go in.
“Right,” Sirius said, brushing his black jeans. “None of the Potter’s should be home, but they know I’m coming so we should just be able to go right in.”
Sirius led the way, opening the little gate in between the low, stone walls that lined the property and followed the pathway up to the front door. When they reached the front door, Sirius walked right in as if it were his own home, though it had been his home for a few years, Regulus supposed.
Regulus trailed behind him and shut the door quietly as he entered then followed Sirius up a set of large, oak stairs and down a hallway. He entered the office that was empty and closed the door when Regulus came through. Regulus sat himself down in a brown, leather armchair in the corner and Sirius took it upon himself to sit in the office chair behind the desk, swiveling back and forth as they waited. Then, they heard the sound of flames whooshing from downstairs and Sirius immediately stopped and stood up.
“That must be him.” Sirius said as he walked back to the door. “I’ll go check. Wait here.”
Regulus nodded again and watched as his brother left the office, closing Regulus into the room. He waited a little while and felt his heart begin to pound as he heard the creeks of two sets of footsteps climbing the stairs. The door opened again and Regulus immediately shot up, standing himself as tall as he could. Sirius held the door open for Dumbledore as he strode in in his bright purple robes and half-moon spectacles he always wore. He looked about the same as when he was Regulus’ headmaster, but a little more tired. He probably felt just as similar as Regulus did.
“Ah Regulus,” Dumbledore said, holding out a hand to him. Regulus looked at his hand for a second, realizing he wanted to shake it and firmly grasped his hand back. “It’s good to see you again, my dear boy.”
“Yes… it’s good to see you too, Professor.” Regulus nodded awkwardly.
“Well, your brother remained rather vague in his letter to me but I think I see now why it was so urgent.” Dumbledore said as he made his way around the desk and sat in the chair Sirius had been in just moments earlier. “So, please explain to me why you’ve asked me here so I can fill in the holes.”
Regulus gave Sirius an unsure look. He was still nervous about this entire thing, but he was here now and if he really wanted to prove he was on their side, then now was his one chance.
Sirius looked back to Dumbledore as he sat down in the second armchair next to Regulus. Regulus felt like he was back at Hogwarts, waiting to be given detention and he was sure Sirius felt about the same. Sirius only sat on the edge of his seat, leaning forward with his arms propped on his knees as he searched for the words to explain their situation.
“So… I’m sure you know, my family history is… for lack of a better word… horrific and my brother here hasn't had much more luck than me.” Sirius started.
Regulus sighed and rolled his eyes, falling back into his seat. Great start, Sirius…
“And unlike myself, he never really had the opportunity to separate himself from them.” Sirius continued, ignoring his brother who looked slightly mortified. “BUT he’s been given that opportunity now.”
“Why are you talking to him like this is a business proposal?” Regulus retorted.
“He needs to know the background so he knows why we’re here!” Sirius defended, glancing over to his brother.
“What? No, just tell him why we're here! We don't have all the time in the world-”
“Gentlemen,” Dumbledore cut in, “if I may interject here. You both make valid arguments, but Regulus has a point. Let’s not waste time.”
“Right…” Sirius nodded, shooting a glare at Regulus before turning back to Dumbledore.
“The reason we're here,” Regulus started, “is because I want to be on your side. I always have, but as Sirius said, I’ve never had the opportunity. And while you have no reason to trust me, I would like to think that I have valuable information to share. And I may be able to get you even more, but I’ll start with this.”
Regulus reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the locket wrapped in a silk, green cloth. Dumbledore held out a hand and Regulus stood up, walking it over to him and placing it in his hand. He unwrapped the silk cloth as Regulus watched. Dumbledore brought the locket closer to his face and carefully examined it, flipping it over and over and looking at every inch.
“Slytherin’s locket…” Dumbledore said, curiously.
Regulus nodded.
“How on Earth have you managed to obtain this?” He asked, finally looking up to Regulus.
Regulus swallowed hard.
“The Dark Lord had it and I risked my life to steal it.” Regulus explained. “But that’s not all. It’s a h-”
“A Horcrux.” Dumbledore interrupted. “Yes… I can tell. I can feel the darkness within it… And this was Tom’s, you say?”
Regulus had never heard anyone refer to the Dark Lord as Tom before. It took him a little by surprise, but he nodded again.
“I believe that if we can destroy this, then we can defeat him, once and for all.” Regulus said.
Dumbledore stared at the locket a little longer as he dangled it in front of his face before he finally placed it back down on the silk cloth on the desk.
“Regulus, I do believe you have found something exceedingly valuable here, but I do have some questions.” Dumbledore said.
There was nothing behind his voice that indicated to Regulus that he had malicious intent, though something about his overly calm demeanour sent a shiver down Regulus’ spine. Maybe it just reminded him far too much of all the other figureheads in his life.
“Of course, Professor. Ask me anything.” Regulus agreed.
“First of all, why?” He asked.
“Why… what?” Regulus asked back.
“Why have you decided to turn your back on Tom and his followers?”
Regulus thought about his answer for a moment. He knew what his reason was and while yes, he thought it might be embarrassing to say in front of his older brother, he also knew just how important this was. He knew how badly he needed Dumbledore to trust him.
“Because my allegiance was never with him in the first place. After Sirius left and I was made the next family heir… I felt like I had no other choice. My mother made it quite clear that it was either join them or- or we’ll beat you until you do.” For once, Regulus finally lowered his head. “It was either join him or die. But- but I never wanted that. My allegiance was never to him and I know it wasn't. It was always to…” He took a deep breath, trying to fight back tears from forming. “It was to my- my brother. It was always to him. Even if he couldn't see it. Even if he couldn't see how badly I was hurting… how badly I am hurting.”
Regulus glanced over to Sirius for just a second. Sirius’ eyes were burning into him. He looked more apologetic than Regulus had ever seen him - like he too was fighting back tears.
“I see…” Dumbledore said softly. “My next question for you is, do you know if there are any more horcruxes Tom may have made?”
Regulus glanced up at Dumbledore, a little caught off guard by the question. He hadn't even remotely thought of what he would do if it turned out there were more horcruxes. Oh Merlin, how could he have overlooked a flaw that big?
“No sir… I don't.” Regulus replied.
“Hm.” Dumbledore nodded. “Who knows of all of this? Everything that you’ve done?”
“Um…” Regulus had to think of everyone who would know about the locket. “Well, obviously Sirius and Remus know… um… oh Pandora Martou, she somewhat knows, but vaguely and my house elf, Kreacher. He’s currently hiding at Sirius’ flat because the Dark Lord thinks he’s dead.”
Dumbledore slowly nodded his head as Regulus finished his list of people.
“And you’re sure no one else knows?” He asked. Regulus nodded again. “Good. I would like for you to keep it that way. I think it would be most useful if everyone thinks you’re still on Tom’s side.”
“So what? He’ll be like a spy or something?” Sirius interjected.
“Precisely.” Dumbledore nodded once. “And it will work the best having less people know.”
A spy… for the Order…Well he had become rather good at putting up a front and it seemed that no one had suspected anything. He had been able to fool them all for this long and he was in the best position possible to get the most valuable information. It only made sense that this would be his new role.
Regulus Black, the Dark Lord’s most trusted ally and the Order’s perfect spy that they didn't know they had.
“I’ll do it.” Regulus agreed without another thought.
“Reg, are you sure?” Sirius asked. “You can hide with Remus and I if you want to. You don't have to do any of this. We- we can fake your death and hide you and-”
“Sirius.” Regulus said, looking him directly in the eye. “I want to do this. If you were in my position, I know you wouldn't even hesitate to agree to this. It’s my turn to do something good.”
Sirius paused.
“Okay.” Sirius nodded as he looked back to Dumbledore and sat back in his seat.
“Now that that is settled,” Dumbledore continued, “I would like to hold onto this locket for now and I will see if I can figure out if there are any more. For now, I need for both of you to act as if nothing has changed. Regulus is still with the Death Eaters and Sirius,” he turned to solely address Sirius, “you and Remus are to continue hiding Kreacher and to act as if you still have not seen Regulus at all. We cannot let anything we’ve discussed here slip. I don’t want you telling anyone, not even James or Peter. I expect you’ll relay this information to Remus as well?”
Sirius nodded.
“Right, then Regulus,” he turned to address Regulus directly now, “I need you to keep attending meetings and do whatever it takes to remain in Tom’s good graces. You will report whatever information you have back to me and I’ll relay it to the Order without revealing you.”
Dumbledore stood from the office chair, carefully pocketing the locket in the silk cloth and Sirius and Regulus stood as well.
“Now, will that be all, gentlemen?” He asked.
“Oh um… how can I contact you if I have information to share?” Regulus asked.
“Are you able to cast a patronus?” Dumbledore asked back.
Regulus furrowed his brow and looked down a little.
“I haven't before.” He answered in a low voice.
Dumbledore’s face didn't change though Regulus still felt slightly ashamed that there was any sort of magic he hadn't been able to produce.
“I see… well then a letter sent preferably by an owl you don't own would work. Just sign it from R and I’ll know to meet with you.” He said as he began to open the office door and peek his head out. “Thank you for this enlightening meeting, gentlemen. Now, I would suggest you leave soon, it seems Mr. Potter and Ms. Evans may be arriving home shortly.”
Dumbledore closed the door behind him as he left and Regulus quickly glanced over at Sirius, a little alarmed. Then, he heard what sounded like voices speaking with Dumbledore downstairs and he knew he would be caught if they didn't think of something soon.
“Hey Padfoot!” James called from the bottom of the stairs. “You still up there?”
“Shit, he can't know I’m here!” Regulus said quietly to Sirius, alarmed at the sudden footsteps coming up the stairs.
“Okay! Okay! Um… stay here. I’m gonna go distract them and get them into the kitchen, when I do, sneak back downstairs and out the front door and get out of here. We can talk again later.” Sirius commanded quickly.
Sirius darted out the office door, closing it behind him and stopping James just as he reached the top step. Regulus stood just behind the door, his ear pressed up to it as he waited for the sound of them leaving.
“Hey Prongs!” Sirius greeted him happily. “Yeah, just finished with Dumbledore now and I’m starving! How about something to eat?”
“Yeah sure, Lily’s just in the kitchen now looking for something to eat. I was just gonna go change my sweater and-”
“What for? You look dashing as ever, Prongsie!” Sirius cut him off. “Let’s eat first and worry about clothes later!”
“Are you feeling alright, Pads?” James asked.
“Just starving is all! Come on!”
Regulus could hear the sound of Sirius basically dragging James back down the stairs. He waited a moment before he peeked his head out to make sure the coast was clear. When he couldn't see anyone, he quietly crept out and shut the door, sneaking back down the hallway. He slowly tiptoed down the stairs and he could hear James and Sirius laughing in the kitchen near the back of the house. Then, as he reached the bottom step, he saw James starting to back out of the kitchen doorway. Regulus quickly ducked into the first room next to him and hid just out of view.
“I just want to change my sweater, Pads!” James yelled back to the kitchen as he walked back out. “I’ll be back down before the food’s even ready! Why don't you see if Moony and Wormtail wanna join us?”
James turned to climb up the stairs, seemingly unaware of the person hiding just around the corner from him. Regulus waited and listened, holding his breath until the sound of James’ footsteps disappeared upstairs. When he thought it was safe, he swiftly ran out to the front door and let himself outside and back down the stone path until he was off the property. He apparated again, landing back outside his house on Grimmauld Place and quickly went inside to get out of the cold.
When he went inside, he was once again greeted by no one but the disgusting, shriveled heads of previous house elves. He really hated that wall.
The rest of the night he spent in his room, laying in his bed above the covers and staring at the canopy over his bed.
What the hell did he get himself into?
~~~
January 11th, 1980
Regulus still hadn't written that letter to Lucius and his father hadn’t let up on it either. It had been nearly a month now since he agreed to ask Lucius about getting him a job, but it had quickly become the least of his worries. Though his father didn't seem to let it go, he wasn't pushing it as hard as he used to ever since Regulus became the Dark Lord’s most trusted.
Walburga still hadn't looked much better, in fact she was starting to look worse. He never would have said it out loud, but he wasn't all that concerned about her health. It’s not like she would have cared very much if the roles were reversed. She’d only want him to live because he was their only heir in her eyes.
Only a week had gone by since meeting with Dumbledore at the Potter’s, but Regulus had nothing to report yet. There still hadn't been another meeting yet and at this point, Regulus was actually anxious to go to the next one.
He still hadn't heard from or spoken to Sirius either since the meeting. He half thought that maybe he ought to go check in with him at his flat, but he didn't want to show up unannounced and accidentally reveal himself to anyone who could be visiting. So instead, he found himself often lounging around the house (most often the library or his room) just waiting for someone to contact him - whoever may come first.
It was that night, when he was just thinking that he should go to bed when his left arm began to sting again. Of course it would be the Dark Lord that called on him first…
He left for the meeting, not seeing either of his parents as he went out the door, and apparated to the meeting.
As per usual, most people were already there, chatting with each other or quietly waiting for the Dark Lord to arrive. Regulus took his new found position next to the Dark Lord’s seat and quietly waited, masking his face with a demeanour he could have only compared to his own mother’s. Severus took his seat, making sure to glare at Regulus just long enough for him to notice, but Regulus paid him no mind.
“Hello, your highness.” A voice said just over Regulus’ shoulder. He twisted himself around to see Evan who was just hovering over his left shoulder. Barty was just behind him, smirking at Regulus.
“May I help you two?” Regulus smirked.
“What? We can't say hi to our friend anymore? Too much of a big shot now, are you?” Evan teased, giving Regulus a rather hard slap on his shoulder.
“I was always too much of a big shot for you two.” Regulus teased back.
“Ah Reggie, don't let your head get too much bigger or it’ll snap right off your neck!” Barty laughed.
“One can only hope…” Severus muttered next to him.
Regulus rolled his eyes and turned back to Severus.
“I see someone’s got his panties in a twist.” Barty teased Severus. “Upset Reggie took your place?”
Severus rolled his eyes at Barty and Evan before he turned away again and fell back in his seat with his arms crossed.
“Oh come on, Sev,” Evan said, moving behind Severus now and slapping a hand down on his shoulder, “we’re all in this together, aren't we? We’re all here for the same thing. No need to turn on each other!”
Severus let out a heavy breath as he continued to sulk in his seat. Just as Evan was about to open his mouth again, Voldemort strode into the room with Nagini and Evan and Barty hurried into their seats. Regulus sat up a little straighter, as did Severus and everyone went silent.
“Good evening my loyal followers…” He greeted calmly as he took his seat. “It has truly been an excellent few weeks.”
As he sat himself down in his seat, his face fell out of the shadows and the lights along the walls casted a dim light over it. He looked very different from how he used to look. He had always had a snake-like quality about him, one that always unsettled Regulus, but it had somehow grown stronger, in a way that Regulus didn't understand at first. It was almost as if his face were losing its humanity entirely. Like he was slowly becoming some absurd version of a serpent. His eyes had always had a redness to them, but now they were far worse as if anger had become the colour of his eyes. Yet, he didn't seem angry.
“Now, this meeting shall be short and simple,” he continued, “I just need to notify you of a few things.”
Regulus stared at the table in front of him as Voldemort spoke, trying his best to retain every word.
“First of all, I would like to thank Mrs. Lestrange for lending me her help and Mr. Malfoy as well.”
A wide smile formed on Bellatrix’s face, showing off just how proud she was of whatever it was that she had helped with. Lucius did not so much as move his face, but bowed his head towards the Dark Lord for a moment.
“Second, there has apparently been some stir up within the Order of the Phoenix recently…”
Regulus felt his heart begin to pound. Surely, he hadn't already discovered Regulus’ plan? There was no way he could have possibly found out… right?
“I do not believe it is of much significance to us, especially with our rather unfair advantage, however, I warn you now that if I find any one of you conspiring with them,” Voldemort looked around at each of them. Had he lingered on Regulus longer than everyone else? “There will be… lethal consequences for your actions.”
Regulus looked around at everyone. Most people had the usual bit of fear in their eyes, but Bella was still smiling. Psychotically grinning up at the Dark Lord as if this was the greatest news she’d ever heard.
“And finally, while our numbers may be growing by the day and we are seeing great progress, I would like to inform you that we seem to now have Fenrir Greyback and his pack’s full loyalty to us now.”
Fuck. Werewolves now? How much power did he need?
When the meeting finished and the Dark Lord quickly disappeared again. Everyone began to dissipate and Regulus began to follow the rest of them out. However, he found himself stopping and moving away from the people trying to leave when he thought he noticed Bella and Narcissa heading in the opposite direction.
He began to follow them at a distance, but found that his path was blocked, this time by Lucius Malfoy who stuck out his cane in front of him and pushed him back.
“Regulus,” he said, “may I have a word?”
“As long as it’s just one.” Regulus shot back.
“Very funny.” Lucius said flatly. “Your father tells me that you’ve changed your mind about my offer at the ministry?”
Regulus glanced over Lucius’ shoulder, trying to get an idea of where his cousins had gone.
“Oh uh yeah… yeah I did.” Regulus stuttered, finally looking back to Lucius. “I was going to ask you about that…”
“Hm… I’m sure you were… Well if you’re still interested, then I can see about finding you a position.” Lucius droned on.
Regulus was fighting every urge to tell him to shove it as he desperately tried to keep Bella and Narcissa in his eyesight, but they slipped from his view.
“That would be great, Lucius. Now if you’ll please excuse me. I need to speak with my cousins.”
“What’s the rush, Regulus?” Lucius slightly squinted his eyes at him.
“Nothing, I just wanted to catch Bella before she left.” Regulus shook his head.
Lucius stared at him as if he only half believed what he was saying. There were few people that really did intimidate Regulus - the Dark Lord, his mother, and unfortunately, Narcissa’s husband, Lucius. Something about his attitude and the way he carried himself like he was untouchable, made Regulus feel like whenever they were together, he didn't have even a bit of control. It was like having a quieter and blonder version of his mother around.
“But what for? She’s busy speaking with Narcissa at the moment.” Lucius said as if Regulus wasn’t aware.
“Yes, well seeing as how she is family, I don’t think she’ll be too bothered by it. Now, will you please excuse me.” Regulus said sharply as he pushed past Lucius.
Lucius turned up his nose at Regulus as he walked past him mumbling something about ungrateful kids that Regulus only half heard and decided to look past. Leaving in the direction that he last saw the girls, he turned the corner, out of Lucius’ view and continued on, hoping he’d find them soon. Then, he heard their voices quietly echoing from a room just down the grey, stone brick corridor. He crept his way forward, hoping no one else was around and leaned as close as he could towards the door.
“Are you sure it’ll be safe in the vault though?” He heard Narcissa whisper. “We have plenty of places to hide it at the manor. I’m sure Lucius won’t mind.”
“Cissy, you know what the Dark Lord has requested!” Bellatrix hissed back. “If we keep them too close together, it could be dangerous! These are valuable pieces of his property that we cannot risk!”
“How do we even know they’re valuable? We don’t know what they’re even for! I mean a cup? A diary? What value could they possibly have?”
“Are you questioning the Dark Lord?” Bellatrix asked in shock.
“No! Of course not! I just think the vault may not be secure!” Narcissa tried to reason.
“What could possibly be more secure than Gringotts? Cissy, trust me! It will be fine.”
A cup and a diary? Both being hidden by two of the Dark Lord’s favourites? It couldn’t be. Could it really be that easy? There was no way, but it had to be. They had to be talking about two more horcruxes and they didn’t even realize the immense value.
He made sure to make a mental note of everything he heard as he heard the unmistakable footsteps of Bellatrix’s heels begin to leave the room. Having nowhere to hide, he did his best to make it seem like he had only just walked down the corridor.
“Reggie!” Bellatrix called, looking a little startled for a moment before she pulled on her insincere smile again. “How long have you been here?”
“Oh, I only just got here. I was just coming to find you and Narcissa.” Regulus lied as Narcissa left the room behind Bellatrix.
“Us? What for?” Narcissa asked, standing next to her sister.
Shit. What was it for? In a split second he had to think of an excuse. Dinner… Dinner, they were supposed to be coming for dinner tomorrow night.
“My mother just asked that I confirm you’ll both be coming over tomorrow for dinner with your husbands.” He said.
“Yes, Lucius and I will both be attending.” Narcissa nodded with a kinder smile.
“As will Rodolphus and I.” Bellatrix added.
“Good, good,” Regulus said awkwardly. “Well… that was all, so I’ll be off now.”
Regulus awkwardly turned around and walked away again at a rather fast pace. He didn’t stop to speak to anyone else though most people had left already and he did as well. He needed to speak to Sirius and Remus again, so that was where he went, back to the little London flat hoping that they’d both be there.
He popped into the little alleyway and went inside, climbing all of those stairs again to their front door. He rapidly knocked and waited a minute. No answer. He knocked again. No answer. He knocked one more time. The lock clicked open and the door opened just a crack. He saw no one until he looked down and saw Kreacher’s face peeking out from behind the door. He looked a little scared at first, but smiled when he realized it was just Regulus.
“Oh Master Regulus! It is you! Come in, come in!” The house elf said, pulling the door open a little wider.
“Are Sirius and Remus here?” Regulus asked as he quickly entered the flat.
“No, they are out at an Order meeting, sir.” Kreacher shook his head. “Sirius said they would be back soon, sir.”
Regulus paced back and forth in the entrance a couple of times, thinking back to everything he had heard tonight. He wanted to write it all down, but that was probably a bad idea, so he just went over it again and again as he muttered to himself.
“Would Master Regulus like for Kreacher to take his cloak?” Kreacher asked, watching him pace.
Regulus stopped, as if he had just been brought back to reality and was now processing what the house elf had said.
“Oh, um, sure.” He said, pulling the cloak off and handing it to Kreacher.
Just then, the door opened and in walked Remus followed by Sirius who both looked rather tired and a little surprised by Regulus’ appearance.
“Regulus! What are you doing here?” Sirius asked, a little surprised and quickly closing the door. “You have to tell me when you’re going to be here! We could have had anyone with us!”
“I know, I know! But I may have just found two more horcruxes!” Regulus quickly blurted out.
“What? Really? How?” Sirius quickly kicked off his boots and threw his coat aside as Kreacher muttered to himself, picking up the jacket.
Regulus led him into their little living room and Remus followed behind them a little slower, hanging his coat up on their little coat rack. They all spread themselves out in the living room, Regulus and Sirius on the couch and Remus on the armchair just next to them. Remus leaned forward, intently waiting as Regulus went over everything he knew again and Sirius pulled himself up onto the couch, stretching out one leg over the coffee table.
“So? What did you find out?” Sirius asked eagerly.
“The Dark Lord asked Bella and Lucius to each hide something for him and I overheard Bella and Narcissa arguing about it.” Regulus explained.
Sirius kicked his other leg up onto the coffee table which Remus frowned at, but didn’t say anything.
“Of course, it would be our loving family You Know Who would ask to hide horcruxes.” Sirius rolled his eyes.
“It sounds like Bella’s got one in the family vault and Lucius has one at Malfoy Manor.” Regulus continued. “One’s a cup of some sort and the other’s a diary. That’s as much as I know.”
“I assume you haven’t told Dumbledore yet?” Remus asked.
“No. We still don’t even know how to destroy the locket yet.” Regulus said.
Remus sat back in his chair and began digging around in the breast pocket of his shirt, pulling out the little tin where he kept his cigarettes. He stood up, walking back to his little perch by the window and opening it up.
“Well, I’d let him know.” Remus said as he placed a cigarette in his mouth and snapped his finger, lighting it. “He’ll want to know that there are definitely more now.”
Regulus nodded.
“And do it soon,” Sirius added, “things with the Order haven’t been great recently. Anything we can get is better than where things currently are.”
How bad could things really be with the Order? He knew they didn’t have nearly the amount of people behind them that the Dark Lord had, but were things really that bad for them? Then, he remembered one other detail that had been shared at the meeting.
“Oh, there’s one other thing the Dark Lord mentioned at the meeting, something I think might be important to know and I’ll let Dumbledore know.” Regulus explained. “He’s got Fenrir Greyback and his wolf pack backing him with full support now.”
Remus immediately went rigid at the window, frozen in place and Sirius’ eyes immediately shot over to him. Remus just stared out the window for a moment as the fire slowly crept up his cigarette without an inhale.
“Remus? Are you okay?” Regulus asked.
Remus pulled the cigarette from his mouth, stubbing it out and closing the window.
“Just write to Dumbledore, now.” He said as he walked away to the bedroom and slammed the door shut.
Had he said something wrong?
Sirius stared at the closed door for a moment before he finally turned back to Regulus. His face looked heavy with worry as he struggled to figure out what he could possibly say to Regulus to explain any of that.
“I’ll talk to him.” Sirius finally said. “It’s nothing you did, just a bit of a touchy subject for him. Just go write that note to Dumbledore.” Sirius stood up from the couch and began to leave towards the bedroom door before he turned back again. “And don’t forget to use a different owl.” Sirius slowly opened the door and slipped into the bedroom, closing it again behind him.
He needed to write that letter now.