Regulus’ days spent playing the perfect Black heir were made exponentially easier by knowing he could return to the cottage he shared with Wendy. They settled into a steady routine. Each day, he woke with her in his arms, and she greeted him home after his security routine of apparating several times.

He didn’t think anyone suspected him, but he was taking no chances with her.

Wendy spent her days cultivating a garden full of magical plants, brewing potions for the Order, and studying advanced healing techniques. On the odd occasion she left the cottage while he was out, it was to see Sirius and Lupin, the Potters, or the McKinnon girl, an apprentice healer at St Mungos. Even though the hospital had rejected her from the program because of nothing more than blood status, Wendy still wanted to learn to heal people.

She was his wonderful, kindhearted girl. He savoured their evenings and weekends together. They cooked and ate and talked and laughed and made love. He longed for those nights to last forever.

***

‘What exactly is the point of me risking myself like this if you aren’t even going to listen to me?’ Regulus stormed, his brother lying on the sofa as if he lived there. 

A week earlier, Regulus had passed on critical information that the Dark Lord knew about the supply exchange. The Order still went ahead and lost valuable supplies because of their inaction.

‘I know, Reggie,’ Sirius sighed. The nickname now felt almost affectionate, not scornful. ‘Dumbledore said to trust him. Moony thinks he’s waiting for something more important before we risk them finding out they have a leak. Don’t you, Moony?’

Lupin nodded, not moving from his spot by the bookshelf.

‘Trust Dumbledore?’ Regulus scoffed. ‘I trust him as much as the man who gave me this.’ He waved his left arm about in a huff. Sirius hoisted himself off the sofa and held Regulus by his upper arms. It was so brotherly that Regulus felt a lump rise in his throat.

‘We need him to get that thing off you. You still want that, right?’ Sirius said more softly. 

Regulus nodded and sighed.‘When will Wendy be back?’

‘She won’t be long. Lils and her are discussing wedding stuff. She and Prongs are getting married.’

‘Pardon?’ Regulus frowned. ‘Why are they doing that? It’s hardly the time.’

‘I know. I know. I’ve already been through it all with them. They’re set on it.’ Sirius said, rolling his eyes and letting him go. ‘They said you were welcome, you know. But I suppose you want to keep your cover a bit longer.’

‘They know about me?’ Regulus said, alarmed. ‘Who else knows?’

‘Just them and Moony and me,’ Sirius said, looking at Regulus’ frown warily. ‘Oh, don’t worry so much! You can trust Prongs and Lils!’

‘Just don’t tell anyone else,’ Regulus said sternly. ‘Especially not that friend of yours, Pettigrew.’

Sirius’ brows shot up as he looked over at Lupin, who was looking at Regulus.

‘What do you mean?’ Sirius said slowly, brow furrowing.

‘I mean,’ huffed Regulus. ‘Pettigrew used to come to Chess Club at school. Snape cosied up to him, wanting to get information on you lot. I’m pretty certain they are still in contact.’

‘That’s not possible. Snivellus? Peter would never…’ Lupin huffed. Sirius took Regulus by the arms again, an intense look on his face.

‘Snape and Peter? You’re sure, Reggie?’

‘Not one hundred percent, but I can find out. Just don’t tell him about me.’

Sirius and Lupin shared a long glance that Regulus didn’t really understand. It looked like a reluctant realisation and something else.

‘We won’t.’

***

The Dark Lord was travelling, so Regulus had been summoned “home” for a nauseating celebration. He had only just carved out a bit of peace at Neverland with Wendy; barely a month of bliss with her had not been enough. He had been at Grimmauld Place a week, and each day made him more desperate to leave.

Alone in his old bed at night in the dark, cold house, he wondered if he had made her up. Maybe he had never really experienced her tender softness. Maybe he was still writhing on the dining room floor, slowly dying.

His days were filled with his duty at the Ministry job his father had secured for him, and his evenings were spent around the dining table with his extended family. So far, he had avoided being alone with his mother, mostly because of his father’s surprising intervention. He had stepped in to haul Regulus away under the pretence of making plans whenever Walburga circled. None of it made up for the years he had stood quietly in the background as Walburga made every effort to sculpt her sons into perfect, mindless followers.

Orion Black had always been an elusive figure in Regulus’ life. But now that Regulus was older, he saw it clearly: his father was driven by status, never love of anything but power. Definitely not love for his sons. He would take even the scraps a maniac offered if it meant his standing in the world was even infinitesimally greater.

Regulus looked upon the man now across the dining table, flushed with wine and smug, with hidden disdain. Orion was clinking the ring Voldemort had given him against his glass as he blustered about the Black family legacy. Regulus wanted to scream, but he kept it buried behind his indifferent expression.

‘You really should visit,’ Narcissa said quietly from his left. ‘Malfoy Manor is something to see.’

‘I am very busy, Cissy,’ Regulus said tiredly. It was the truth.

‘Oh, I know. Lucius says you’re working very hard. But you deserve a break. Just come. Please?’ Narcissa said. Regulus looked toward his Mother, who reluctantly inclined her head. Regulus sighed and nodded, grateful for the excuse to escape. At least it would give him a break from Grimmauld Place. ‘Wonderful! Come tomorrow!’

***

Over the week he’d been staying with his parents, Regulus had taken every opportunity to study the ring on his father’s finger. Then he had set about creating a convincing duplicate. He did not know what kind of object the Dark Lord had given his father, but he wanted a better look at it.

After dinner that night, he felt it was finally ready.

‘Kreacher!’

The elf popped into his bedroom.

‘What can I be doing for Master Regulus?’ Kreacher croaked.

‘I want you to take this and wait for my father to fall asleep,’ Regulus said, handing the elf the fake ring. Kreacher held it in his spindly fingers. ‘And swap the ring on his finger with it. Bring me the ring the Dark Lord gave him. Say nothing of this to anyone.’

‘Yes, Master Regulus,’ Kreacher said, bowing low and disappearing with a crack.

***

After another tedious day of paperwork and following Lucius Malfoy around the Ministry, Regulus apparated with him to a grand estate in Wiltshire. Beyond the obscenely large house and gardens were rolling fields that made Regulus’ heart yearn for his sanctuary.

He supposed Lucius wasn’t the worst person to have to spend so much time with. He wasn’t a fan of small talk, which Regulus appreciated greatly. It was easy to agree with whatever purist rhetoric Lucius spouted day to day while they walked around garnering favour from important people. He didn’t draw attention to himself.

Today, the ring wrapped in a handkerchief was a weight in his pocket and on his mind. In the early morning hours, Kreacher had handed it to him, and Regulus had felt a heavy, oily magic from it. He was impatient to investigate it.

Narcissa greeted them in the entrance hall. She was resplendent in powder-blue robes, beaming from ear to ear. Lucius greeted her with a kiss that bordered on improper. Narcissa tittered and blushed, smacking his chest lightly.

‘Darling, we have a guest!’ she said, still smiling.

‘Quite right, love.’ Lucius said, straightening. ‘I have some correspondence to deal with. Enjoy your tour.’

He left them to it, sweeping away and disappearing up the staircase.

Malfoy Manor seemed endless. Narcissa babbled about the art, the tapestries, the different wings as she floated beside Regulus. He kept pace with her, nodding as if he was interested.

In the library, he was a bit more alert. It was even bigger than the Hogwarts library. Something here might help him remove his mark.

‘I knew you’d like this room,’ Narcissa said happily. He looked over at her. ‘How are you really, Regulus? I worry about you.’

‘Don’t worry about me.’ He sniffed, continuing to peruse the books.

‘But I do, Reg. I hate thinking of you in that house.’ She said softly.

‘I have a place near the Ministry now. Father got it for me. I’m not living there anymore,’ he said, pausing at a display cabinet housing what looked like first editions.

‘I know. But you’ve been there all week… has she…’ she said falteringly. His insides chilled. They never discussed this kind of thing openly. It wasn’t as if it was some great secret. Narcissa and her sisters endured an upbringing similar to his.

‘No. Nothing like that,’ he said curtly. He heard her exhale, but his eyes were caught on a small, unadorned volume between two tomes. ‘What is this one?’ He pointed to it. She stepped up beside him and lowered her voice.

‘That’s something the Dark Lord gave to Lucius,’ she whispered. ‘It’s blank, so I’m not really sure what it’s for. Lucius said not to touch it.’

‘I’m surprised he didn’t mention it,’ Regulus said, glancing over at her. She looked pale, and her eyes darted to the door a few times.

‘I asked him not to. I didn’t want to spoil Uncle Orion’s success.’

‘You’re too kind for this family, Cissy.’

‘Oh, nonsense! I only wanted you to come out of there unscathed. Now you can have supper here and escape back to your place,’ she said, waving a hand.

‘My point stands,’ he said, a rush of affection for his cousin flooding him. He suspected the job with Lucius and his own flat had been her idea. He thought about thanking her.

They both jumped as a house-elf appeared with a crack.

‘Dobby is sorry for interrupting, Mistress. Only there is being a problem in the kitchen,’ said the trembling elf.

‘Do you mind? I won’t be a minute.’ Narcissa said apologetically.

‘I’ll be fine. Go. I’ll browse.’ Regulus said, waving her off. She took the elf’s hand and disappeared.

Before he could think better of it, he drew his notepad from his inside pocket, vanished the writing in it, quickly transfigured it into a copy of the book in the case, reached beyond the glass, and swapped them.

He deposited the book in his pocket and felt the same strange, oily magic he’d felt from the ring. He knew he’d made the right decision.

***

Regulus left Malfoy Manor after a pleasant supper with an invitation to use the library anytime and another weight in his pocket. He Flooed into his flat, feeling lighter despite it.

The one-bedroom his father had given him had barely been used. It was fully furnished with a stocked kitchen and bar. He kept his robes for the ministry here but little else.

He began his routine here with a shower. He tried to scrub away all the evidence of his double life. He put on a clean, dark shirt and trousers, with plain outer robes, and tucked his stolen goods into a pocket.

Regulus had constructed an elaborate enchantment that would alert him if anyone visited him here, no matter where he was. He checked it over meticulously. It was his safety net.

He then began his journey home. First he Flooed to an empty pub in Wales called The Dragon Egg. From there he apparated several times to random locations. A hillside, a copse of trees, a deserted country lane, until finally he was just outside the wards of Neverland.

He felt a mixture of overwhelming relief and swirling anticipation as he hurried toward the house.

It was dark inside. Quiet. His heart sank.

He ambled upstairs to the room he’d made into a study, removed his outer cloak and laid the ring and book on his desk.

They seemed the most innocuous of objects. Something niggled in his memory. He would have to look over the books he’d taken from the Black family library again.

He hid them in his desk drawer and went to investigate the rest of the house for a clue as to where Wendy was.

Their bedroom was tidy, the bed made, a book on healing herbs on her nightstand. It smelled of her perfume. His stomach ached with longing.

Sighing, he went back downstairs to the kitchen to pour a drink. On the calendar she had pinned beside the window was a note on today’s date that said ‘The Potters’.

He poured a drink and moved to the living room to sit brooding in the dark.

***

Hours later, his head jerked up as the Floo activated, heart banging against his ribs. Out she stepped and screamed. Her wand flew to her hand as he shot upright. He lit the lamps in the room, revealing her terrified expression.

Her whole body relaxed once she saw it was him.

‘Gods, Reggie! You scared me!’ she huffed and pressed a hand to her chest. ‘I wasn’t expecting you for a few more days!’ He was frozen. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered in her knit top and short plaid skirt, hair tumbling over her slender shoulders. His eyes travelled down her perfect curves, and heat pooled low in his belly.

She breathed heavily and stared at him.

‘What did I give you for Christmas in sixth?’ She raised her wand again.

‘A copy of Peter Pan.’ He said, forcing himself into motion. Two steps later, he grabbed her waist. She gasped as he covered her mouth with his, her wand clattering to the floor. Her arms went around him, and his hands traversed her hips to her thighs. He grasped her ass and lifted her against him as he delved his tongue into her mouth. Her legs locked around his hips.

The pure blissful relief of finally having her again near him was overwhelming, especially as he pulled her flush against him. His hardness rubbed against her hot core and he groaned in her mouth as her nails scraped his scalp.

Needing leverage, he pressed her to the wall beside the fireplace to free up a hand to push under her skirt and inside her knickers. He found her slick. She panted into his mouth. He pumped two fingers into her, rubbing her hard nub with his thumb. He kissed down her neck, and her head bumped the wall as she moaned. Her hands scrabbled on his back.

‘I missed you so much,’ he rasped on her neck. One of her hands worked the front of his trousers to free him, and he felt his cock pulse.

‘Me too,’ she panted, her soft hand wrapping around his throbbing length. He couldn’t wait a moment longer. He adjusted her in his grip, moved her hand to his shoulder, pushed her panties fully aside and drove himself into her in one hard thrust. Her fingers dug into his shirt, and she choked, ‘fuck.’

‘That’s it, baby, you feel so good,’ he said lowly. His need for her possessed him. She was hot and tight around him. He set a brutal pace, pounding her into the wall with his fingers kneading the soft skin of her thighs. He bit down on her shoulder to make her gasp and licked away the sting. She tasted delicious; he wanted to consume her.

Her cunt was already fluttering around him, sucking him in deeper with each roll of their hips against each other. She was gasping, crying out his name breathlessly. He felt like he was coming home over and over again with each thrust. Her breathing started to hitch.

‘Yes, Wendy,’ he growled, trying to hold himself back from the edge. ‘Come for me.’

‘Regulus!’ she cried out as her muscles contracted around him. He felt a rush of satisfaction watching her flushed face contort in pleasure. The world narrowed to her and how she squeezed him. He fucked her through it before he spilt inside her with a low groan.

For a few minutes, the only sound in the room was their ragged breaths. He was still holding her up against the wall. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her face into his shoulder.

‘I’m so glad you’re home.’ She whispered. He pressed kisses on her wherever he could reach: her hair, cheek, lips and neck.

He walked them back to the sofa and sat down with her still wrapped around him. He did not want to let her out of his arms. This was where she belonged. He let out a sigh as she began brushing her fingers through his hair.

‘Are you hungry? I can make you something,’ she said softly, pulling back slightly. He pulled her closer and tucked her head back into his shoulder.

‘No. Stay. This is what I need.’ He grumbled, and she laughed gently. ‘I had supper at Malfoy Manor.’

‘Why there?’

‘Cissy gave me an out. I took it.’

‘Bless her then for returning you to me,’ she said, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He melted at the feeling. ‘What did they want anyway?’

‘The Dark Lord gave a ring to my father. They wanted to celebrate their success and discuss their plans while he’s travelling,’ he said scornfully.

‘He’s travelling?’ she said, cocking her head to the side. He reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear.

‘Yes. Tell your group about it.’ He said, and she nodded.

‘Do you know where?’

‘No, he doesn’t share that with us.’

‘And the ring? What was it?’

‘I don’t know,’ he said, internally struggling with himself. He didn’t want to keep things from her, but he didn’t want Dumbledore finding out about the objects just yet. ‘You have to promise this stays between us.’

She pulled back to look at him. Her beautiful brown eyes looked into his. ‘I promise.’

‘I stole it along with a book that he gave to Lucius. I have them in my office. I’m going to figure out what they are, and then I want to use them to make sure Dumbledore gets me out before it’s too late.’ He said, cupping her cheeks and brushing his thumbs over them. ‘But right now, I want to forget about it for a while.’

She smiled softly at him and kissed him again.

‘Let’s get ready for bed then.’

Luckily for Regulus, that meant stripping their clothes off and tangling together in the sheets. Her realness made his relief palpable. He slept better than he had in over a week with her warm body in his arms.

***

Regulus’ day had been particularly unpleasant. Lucius was determined to intimidate Lester McKinley, the junior assistant to the Minister for Magic, into giving them sensitive information about the Minister’s movements. The poor sod practically pissed himself when confronted with both Regulus and Lucius in one of the lifts.

Regulus was dying to get home to Wendy, but he’d had to wait for Lucius to finish whatever he was doing. He scratched his quill against parchment on his desk as Regulus sat watching, a knee bouncing.

‘If you are impatient to join our friends, Regulus, you may go,’ Lucius said boredly, apparently sensing his impatience.

‘Pardon?’

‘I believe they are engaged in some skirmish or another. But I do think our skills and breeding are better suited here. Don’t you agree?’ Lucius said acerbically.

Regulus forced his knee to stop. ‘Yes, of course. We’re best served here.’

Lucius seemed satisfied with this agreement and checked his pocket watch. It was thankfully time to go.

They used separate Floos in the Atrium, and Regulus rushed through his routine to get back to the cottage. Something about what Lucius mentioned had planted a seed of anxiety in Regulus.

The cottage was dark. He called out for her. No answer.

Chopped vegetables sat on the kitchen counter, a knife abandoned.

Nothing on the calendar under today.

She was usually, always here when he was.

He couldn’t breathe.

He was about to go through their fireplace to Sirius’ flat when the front door opened. He skidded into the hall as she shrugged off her coat. Her button-up was covered in blood. She looked exhausted and pale.

‘Wendy,’ he croaked. ‘You’re bleeding.’

He reached for her, and she came to him. Her warmth and wholeness eased the tightness in his chest.

‘I’m okay. It’s not mine,’ she said shakily. Chills broke out on his skin.

‘Who?’ he said urgently, Sirius flashing in his mind.

‘Gid and Fab were injured pretty badly today,’ she said quietly. ‘Marlene and Mrs Potter needed an extra set of hands.’

‘Sirius?’

‘He’s fine. He and James got them out of there. It was an ambush. You didn’t know?’

‘No. Lucius only mentioned it minutes before we left the Ministry. When I came home, and you weren’t here-’ he said, voice breaking. His arms tightened around her.

‘I’m sorry I wasn’t here. I didn’t mean to make you worry,’ she said, pulling back to cup his cheeks.

‘Where were you?’ he said, finally able to breathe.

‘A house of someone in the Order. I don’t always know whose house it is.’

‘That’s hardly safe,’ he said, jaw clenched.

‘That’s how things are.’ She said tiredly.

‘I don’t like that you are risking yourself.’ His vehemence rose as his grip on her tightened.

‘How is it any more of a risk than what you are doing?’ Her tone was irritable, and it sparked something irrational inside of him.

‘I don’t want you leaving anymore.’

‘You can’t ask that of me. It’s not fair.’ She pushed him away, and he settled his hands firmly on her arms.

‘I don’t care about fair! I care about you!’ He wanted to shake her.

‘You’re being ridiculous. I’m going to wash up.’ She pulled away from him and moved toward the stairs. He cut her off.

‘I mean it.’

‘No, Reggie. I mean it. You can’t seriously expect me to hide here while everyone else, including you, puts themselves in danger! It’s not like I’m out there fighting. I’m healing people!’

‘I can’t lose you!’ He was shouting now, unsure as to why. 

‘And I can’t lose you.’ Her tone was calm but cut him down to the bone. ‘But I spend every day wondering, worrying you won’t come back, and I’ll never know why. We barely managed to save them today, and I am tired. So can you please go and make us something to eat while I clean up?’

She brushed past him and up the stairs. Feeling suitably chastised, he did as he was asked.

***

With the argument left mostly unresolved, Regulus started to feel out of control again. Things had not changed, but something had. Wendy wasn’t laughing as much, and it was killing him. She had also been asleep every day when he got home. 

He redoubled his efforts in sabotaging Lucius at the Ministry. He vanished paperwork, sent covert warnings to targets ahead of time, and made it look like it was all Lucius’ fault.

October had brought an autumnal chill to the air, but nothing was colder than finding a letter from his cousin Bellatrix on his desk. It was an order, veiled as a request, to visit her for tea.

Nothing good could follow this. He told Lucius he needed to prepare, and Lucius gave him a pitying look.

Rushing home, he found Wendy sleeping on the sofa. He roused her gently.

‘Oh, is it that late already?’ she said, blinking sleep away and sitting up. He knelt beside her and brushed her hair back over her shoulders.

‘No, it’s not. But I have to go and see Bella. I wanted you to know, and I wanted to do this before I went.’ He didn’t wait for her to answer, pressing his lips to hers desperately. He was trying to breathe her into him. Her fingers raked through his hair comfortingly as he pulled back.

‘Come back to me, okay?’

***

Lestrange Manor was a festering sore on the surrounding countryside. It was as if no one had ever tended the garden, or perhaps they made it grow wild and thorny on purpose.

The House Elf who greeted him was malnourished and trembling. Regulus had to suppress his disgust at how poorly his cousin and her husband must be treating him.

He was shown to the sitting room, where Bella lurked, looking ominously gleeful.

‘Baby cousin!’ she cooed. ‘Finally you’ve come to play with the grownups.’

‘It’s good to see you, Bella.’ He said, trying to remain aloof.

‘You must be terribly bored pushing papers with Luci,’ she purred, taking his hand. Her hand looked like a claw, her wild hair an outward expression of her madness. He had to stifle his grimace. ‘You should join us more. We have such fun squashing out the vermin.’

He focused on his breathing. He only had to get through this meeting without provoking her. He needed to get as much information from her as possible.

‘I was under the impression the Dark Lord was pleased with our progress. Unless you know something I don’t?’ He affected a bored tone, as if he didn’t really care about her answer.

Her grin turned feline.

‘Maybe so,’ she singsonged. ‘But no one else has been given a gift such as mine.’

She swept an arm out dramatically to the sideboard. In the centre was a cushion; atop it was a silver tiara with an inlaid sapphire. Another strange object from Voldemort given to a loyal follower. Regulus feigned being impressed.

‘You have been honoured.’

Bella clapped her hands delightedly. Regulus was disgusted by her obvious need to gloat.

‘He returned last night and came here directly to give it to me,’ she said as if telling him some great secret. Regulus was already calculating a way he could steal it.

He remained fully alert through their tea. He catalogued everything she revealed and reported to her what he’d been doing at the Ministry, all while trying to devise a plan. She was pressuring him to join them on their next Muggle hunt. He promised her he’d come after the holidays. That was still months away, so hopefully he’d be far away by then. She seemed placated by this promise.

She was furious when uninvited guests interrupted them. The elf came to inform her, and she ordered him to show Regulus out before stomping out of the room.

The elf led him through a wall panel and down a narrow servant passage to a door that led into the garden.

‘You may leave me here. I can find my way.’ Regulus told the elf. He looked relieved, bowed, and disappeared with a soft pop.

Regulus cast a disillusionment charm over himself and crept back the way he had come.

The sitting room was still empty. He took a silver teaspoon from the tea service and transfigured it into a copy of the tiara. He hid the one from the cushion in his robes and crept towards the door to look out into the entrance hall. By the front door, Bella looked irate while her husband, his brother, and a tall, mangy man talked to her. The man, unknown to Regulus, sniffed the air, and yellow eyes flashed in his direction. Terror shot down his spine, and he fled.

***

‘You’re sure it was him?’ Lupin almost growled.

Regulus hadn’t gone straight home; instead, he apparated around and came to Sirius and Lupin’s flat to tell them everything he’d learned from Bella.

The living room was cramped, mostly because the bookshelves were crammed full, stacks of Muggle vinyl records sat everywhere, and papers littered every surface.

Sirius was looking at Lupin warily.

‘Who else would it have been? Bella has been trying to get me to join their disgusting hunts. From what I’ve heard, Greyback loves them.’ Regulus said, scrubbing his face.

‘Reg, that was really dangerous. What if they had seen you? Why didn’t you leave when they arrived?’ Sirius said hoarsely. Lupin’s eyes were flashing. They had never discussed Lupin’s obvious monthly issue, but Snape had been quite sure. Regulus guessed the topic of Greyback must be personal to him, but he didn’t want to get into it with them.

‘I had to go back. The Dark Lord gave Bella something, and I need a better look at it.’ Regulus said, patting his cloak to show he had it.

‘You stole from Bella?’ Sirius said, aghast. At the same time, Lupin said, ‘What is it?’

Regulus had been debating telling them about the objects, but now with a third he felt like he was in over his head. He wrapped his hand in his handkerchief and pulled out the jewelled tiara. He set it down on top of a stack of books on the coffee table.

‘He gave her a crown?’ Sirius said incredulously, bending to look at it more closely. Lupin reached for it, but Regulus held out a hand to stop him.

‘I wouldn’t touch it.’

‘You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! This is the lost diadem of Ravenclaw!’ Sirius cried excitedly.

‘What?’ Lupin huffed, a surprised laugh.

‘Pardon?’ Regulus frowned.

‘See. Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure. It’s inscribed here. Where the bloody fuck did he get this?’ Sirius laughed.

‘And why would he turn it into a Horcrux?’ Regulus said without thinking, instantly kicking himself. Sirius’ head shot up, and he gaped at Regulus.

‘What did you say?’ Sirius said, taking a step back.

‘A what?’ Lupin asked, frowning down at the object.

Regulus was panicking. He had not meant to reveal this much. But on the other hand, they could help him figure out how to destroy them.

‘I can’t be certain until I test it, but he’s been giving them to his most loyal followers. I assume for safekeeping.’ Regulus sighed.

‘There are more of them?!’ Sirius said loudly, a terrified expression dawning on his face.

‘More of what?’ Lupin snapped.

‘How do you even know what they are?’ Regulus said, ignoring Lupin.

‘I read something about them years ago in the library at home when I was looking for a way to help…’ Sirius said, his eyes flicking to Lupin, whose scarred brow was furrowed in confusion. ‘Are you certain, Reg?’

‘Yes. Fragments of soul are in the objects he gave Father and Lucius Malfoy. I’d guess there’s one in there too.’

‘Soul?!’ Lupin growled, sniffing as Greyback had earlier. ‘No wonder it smells like that.’

‘You can smell it?’ Regulus asked.

‘Forget about that!’ Sirius shouted, looking panicked. ‘What the fuck are we going to do about this?!’ He pointed at the glittering crown.

***

Regulus had given up rather quickly trying to take the Horcrux with him. Lupin insisted he wanted to research it. The three of them agreed they would find out how many it was possible to make and how to destroy them. He made them promise not to lose it or show it to anyone else. Lupin had been the one to agree that using them to force Dumbledore’s hand was the best course of action. Regulus wondered if perhaps they didn’t completely trust the man. It gave him a little bit of hope he wasn’t in this alone.

When he Flooed to the cottage, Wendy was already in bed, soundly asleep. Regulus stripped off his robes and all of his clothes. Climbing into bed completely naked, she rolled to snuggle into him. Her warm body and sweet perfume caused his cock to rise to attention. It had been since before their argument that he’d had her. He pulled her close and kissed her bare shoulder beside the strap of his camisole.

She hummed sleepily, eyes blinking open slowly and smiled. He kissed the dimple in her cheek.

‘You’re back,’ she whispered.

‘I promised someone I love I would be,’ he whispered, brushing his lips on hers. She hummed again and deepened the kiss. He smoothed his hand down her waist and slid his hand under her top to her warm skin. His hand crept higher, brushing the underside of her breast, as their tongues tangled. She gasped, breaking the kiss.

‘I’m sorry,’ he rasped, thumb swiping across velvety skin. ‘I didn’t mean to be how I was. I panicked. I need you to be here when I come back so that I can feel something again.’

‘I know, Reggie,’ she whispered, fingers delving into his hair. ‘But I need you to trust me the way I trust you when you say you’ll come back.’

‘I do,’ he sighed, eyes fluttering closed as she scratched his scalp. ‘I’m afraid. I love you so much. Sometimes I think I’m losing my mind when I’m not with you.’

‘I love you too,’ she said, a cheeky smile gracing her perfect lips. ‘And you’re with me now…’ She flicked her fingers and her clothing vanished. He groaned loudly in relief and rolled them to slot in between her legs.

He reached between her legs, parting her slit with a finger and circling her clit. She melted under his touch, sinking further into the mattress. He didn’t want to wait, and apparently she didn’t either. She pulled him closer to kiss him, angling her hips so his tip bumped her entrance.

‘Please, I need you,’ she murmured against his lips. His hands went to her waist and hair as he pushed into her. They moaned together. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was glorious—the one good thing in the whole universe.

He dragged his length out and back in, every nerve ending in his body singing at how right it felt.

When she started moving with him, rolling her hips to meet his, he had to bury his face in her neck.

‘Are you trying to kill me?’ he groaned, touching her anywhere he could reach. ‘Because I’ll go willingly if you keep doing that.’

‘That good?’ she said, breath hitching.

‘So good,’ he said, wrapping his hands around her hips and angling deeper. ‘You’re so good. My perfect, beautiful, good girl.’

He basked in the sounds she was making as he pumped into her. He moved one hand to rub her swollen nub. Soon her back arched, and her hips faltered, nails raking down his back. She clamped down on him so hard he saw stars. Her strangled moan was the thing that sent him tumbling over the edge after her.

He crushed his lips to hers, and they clung together. All thoughts of his vile cousin and dark magic were gone as he settled onto his side, gratefully pulling her to him.

***

One Saturday morning toward the end of October, Regulus woke to pale morning light filling the bedroom. He reached for Wendy but found the bed empty. He sat up and heard the water running in the bathroom. He sighed and lay back, waiting.

She emerged a few minutes later, soft footfalls back to the bed. Her eyes were puffy. He reached for her as she climbed back in.

‘What’s wrong, baby?’ he said, tucking her close.

‘There’s something I need to tell you,’ she said softly. He tensed, a million doubtful thoughts rising in his mind.

‘Don’t go.’ He blurted out loudly. She jerked in his arms and pulled back so she could look at him.

‘I’m not going anywhere, silly man,’ she said gently, still looking solemn. He cupped her cheek and brushed his thumb along her smooth cheekbone. She nibbled her lip as he waited. ‘I’m pregnant.’

He stilled. Shock rippled through him. His eyes bounced between hers, looking for the joke.

‘Please say something,’ she whispered, lips quivering.

‘Are you sure? How?’ he asked breathlessly, hardly daring to believe this was real.

‘I’m sure. I think it was when you came back from being away. I was so relieved you were back… I forgot the charm and did it the next afternoon. I’m so sorry.’ She rushed out. His heart thumped painfully. Did she think he would be unhappy?

‘You have nothing to be sorry for.’ He said, wrapping his arms around her. ‘You’re definitely sure?’

She nodded against his neck. ‘Do you want to see?’

‘See?’ he asked stupidly. She pulled away, lay down on her back, picked up her wand from the side table, and murmured a spell over her stomach. Over it, she projected what looked like a wobbly star map with a pulsing light. She pointed to it with her free hand. ‘That pulse is the embryo. If I’m correct about the timing, it’ll be a baby sometime at the end of April.’

He stared at it, mind blank. Then he looked at her; she still looked unsure. He dared not hope she wanted it.

‘What do you want to do?’ he said weakly.

‘I thought we could decide together.’ She said softly. His mind supplied images of her round and happy. A baby, their baby in her arms. He’d never wanted anything as much as he suddenly wanted that.

He reached up to the glowing dot. His heart felt as though it was about to burst from his chest.

‘I want it. If you do.’ His voice trembled, hope and fear warring inside him. He was so undeserving of having her in the first place, but this was something entirely different.

‘Of course I do.’ She sighed, smiled a little, and dropped the spell, returning her wand to the side table.

‘You do?’ He asked in awe of her.

‘Yeah,’ she said, lying back and looking at him. ‘I was worried you wouldn’t.’

He scoffed and bent over her, kissing her lips and down her neck. ‘You’re so beautiful.’ He made his way to her stomach and lifted her top to kiss her there. ‘I love you. Both of you.’

She started to giggle as he continued to kiss her belly. The sound filled his heart with joy. He crawled up and pulled her into his arms.

He smoothed her hair back and held her smiling face in his hands. ‘I’m going to take care of you. I promise.’

***

Regulus didn’t usually accept his brother’s offer of a drink when he came to deliver information, but the past few days he had spent with a growing sense of anxiety, so he said yes today. Sirius’ brows shot up, but he didn’t comment as he fixed them both a drink.

Regulus relayed everything he knew the Death Eaters were aware of regarding the Order's movements, then downed his drink.

‘Anything else?’ Sirius said, sipping his drink slowly with his head tilted.

‘I need to get out. Now.’ Regulus said, getting up to pour himself another.

‘What’s the rush?’ Sirius stood as he said this, watching Regulus pour and down another drink. Regulus closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

‘Wendy is pregnant.’

There was silence. Regulus opened his eyes and watched his brother’s face shift from shock to a delighted grin.

‘I’m going to be an Uncle?’ Sirius asked gleefully, already dancing on the balls of his feet.

‘That’s your takeaway from this?’ Regulus said in exasperation.

‘This is brilliant!’ Sirius said, refilling both their glasses and tilting his to Regulus’.

‘Is it? Or is it a disaster?’ Regulus sighed.

‘Why would it be?’ Sirius frowned, irritating Regulus to his breaking point.

‘Because I still have this thing on my arm!’ Regulus shouted, slamming his glass down. ‘Because I want to marry her, but how can I do that when I’m stuck in all of this? How can I take care of them when I can barely get through the day?!’

‘You want to marry her?’ Sirius asked breathlessly, looking suddenly younger.

‘She’s having my child.’ Regulus said matter-of-factly. He was prepared to hex Sirius into the next century if he even dared to utter the word Muggleborn about this. Sirius’ face softened, and he set down his glass and braced his hands on Regulus’ arms.

‘We’ll get you out, Reg. I promise.’

‘Soon?’

‘Next time I see Dumbledore, I’ll ask.’ Sirius nodded, long hair falling in his face.

‘Good,’ Regulus croaked. ‘Can you also check on her during the day sometimes? When I’m not there.’

‘Course, mate. Anything you need.’

***

Neverland was warm inside against the frigid November air. It was Saturday night. Regulus had spent all day doting on Wendy, making her herbal tea and reading to her. Now he was slowly rolling his hips against hers. He’d been so careful lately; even though she said it was fine, he wasn’t taking any chances.

Just as she threw her head back and clamped down on him, his wand started spinning and emitting a high-pitched noise. He growled and pulled out of her, stumbling to pull his clothes on.

‘What just happened?’ she said dazedly. Her face was flushed and perfect, lips swollen. She sat up, pulling the duvet around her.

‘Someone is at my stupid fucking flat.’ He grumbled, pulling a jumper over his head. ‘Get Sirius to come and wait with you. I’ll come back as soon as I can.’

He pressed a kiss to her hair. She snagged his hand as he pulled away. He turned back to her to find her looking at him with wide brown eyes.

‘I love you, Regulus.’ She said, making his chest tighten. He felt pressure behind his eyes.

‘I love you too. I’ll be back soon.’ He said with a lump in his throat. She squeezed his hand, then let go.

***

He didn’t know who would be there when he arrived, so he made himself dizzy, apparating twice as much as usual, to a seedy pub in Glasgow. He quickly ordered a whiskey, splashed it on his face and clothes, and dashed to the Floo.

He tumbled out into the flat, pretending to stagger. A familiar barking laugh met him.

‘Out on the town without us, Reg?’ Barty said from where he was leaning in the doorway. Snape appeared from the hall, trailed by Peter Pettigrew. Regulus felt an overwhelming urge to kill them all. After he had confirmed to Sirius that Pettigrew was indeed still in contact with Snape, the snivelling young man had apparently been frozen out of the Order’s operations. Barty drew closer and scrunched up his nose. ‘Fuck, you stink. I’m glad you’ve been getting your end away, but bloody hell, Reg. Pepper up!’ Barty stuck out a hand towards Snape and made a grabbing motion.

Regulus had not seen Barty since he’d left school in a rush. The feeling of wanting to beat him senseless because of what he did to Wendy hadn’t faded. Barty looked madder somehow. His hair needed a cut and was sticking up at the back. His eyes were wide and bulging.

‘What’re you doing here?’ Regulus said, faking a slur. He took the potion shoved at him in bewilderment; it was genuine.

‘We’ve been sent to fetch you. Dark Lord wants to see you soon.’ Barty said, motioning for Regulus to drink. He supposed it wouldn’t hurt to have his wits about him for whatever this was going to be. ‘Best get cleaned up, eh? Don’t want to see him reeking of bad whiskey and sex.’ Barty laughed.

Regulus nodded and shuffled off toward the bedroom, calling over his shoulder, ‘Don’t touch anything.’

Barty flopped down on the sofa as Regulus closed the door.

He ran to the bathroom and turned on the shower. He began organising his mind. He pushed everything good into a hidden square on his chessboard, bringing forward all the things the Dark Lord would be pleased with. Lucius and him tormenting people at the Ministry, them laughing about the Muggleborn register, his tea with Bella up until it was cut short. He quickly showered, regretting that he had to wash Wendy away. As he stepped out of the shower, his mark began to burn. He quickly pulled on a set of clean, dark robes and returned to the living room. Barty stood and spread his arms out dramatically.

‘Much better. Let’s go. And invite us next time, would ya?’

Regulus scowled at him and ushered them out.

***

Voldemort was waiting for him in the drawing room at Grimmauld Place. Regulus was prepared, but he still felt a cold terror at the prospect of facing the man alone.

‘Regulus Black,’ Voldemort crooned in a serpentine lilt. ‘I am pleased you have joined me.’

‘How may I serve you, my Lord?’ Regulus intoned, trying to sound deferential. Voldemort’s eyes sparked. He was pleased, or at least Regulus thought so.

‘Ah, come now, I have something for you.’ Voldemort beckoned him closer. Regulus had to force his legs to move. They felt heavy with dread. ‘As you may be aware, I have bestowed gifts on my most loyal followers. Your progress in assisting with my plans has pleased me greatly. I think you will be satisfied to know that you are my last trusted comrade to receive such a gift.’

Regulus could recall a time when this sort of praise or acknowledgement of him would have been his greatest achievement. But that was before he knew better, before he had felt real love and affection from another person. And before he knew what sort of darkness lurked in this soul-shattered man.

He forced himself to act as though he was flattered as Voldemort drew out a small golden goblet from his billowing robes and handed it to him. Regulus couldn’t believe his luck.

‘Thank you, my Lord.’ Regulus said, desperate to put something between him and the cup leaking dark magic.

‘Though I must ask one small favour of you.’ Voldemort’s eyes glittered.

***

Regulus crouched in front of Kreacher in the small pantry where he slept.

‘I’m sorry, Kreacher.’

‘It is all right, Master Regulus. Kreacher will do as ordered.’ The elf patted his shoulder comfortingly. Regulus took a deep breath and steadied himself.

‘You must go with the Dark Lord and do whatever he asks of you. When you are done, you are to come right to my flat. Do not tell anyone else or go anywhere else. Understand?’

‘Yes, Master Regulus.’

Regulus hugged the elf, his only comfort in this house since the day Sirius first went to Hogwarts.

‘You must come back. That is an order.’

***

Regulus had rushed home to Neverland to tell Wendy what had happened. To his relief, he found both Sirius and Lupin there with her. He stashed the cup with the ring and notebook, gathered one of the healing kits Wendy had made and went to leave again. They had all wanted to come with him. But he didn’t know what was going on, so he made them stay behind.

Back in his flat, alone, he paced for hours. Trepidation bubbled over.

As dawn peeked through the windows, a horrible squelching crack sounded. Kreacher appeared and slumped to the living room floor. Regulus’ heart felt on the verge of exploding.

Dropping to his knees beside the elf, he turned Kreacher over. Kreacher wheezed. Regulus summoned a cup and filled it with water. He helped the elf to drink, spindly hands covering his.

‘Kreacher is coming back.’ The elf croaked.

‘Yes. You are a good elf.’ Regulus rasped, unsure of how else to help him. ‘What do you need?’

‘Kreacher is needing r-rest, M-Master Regulus. The D-Dark Lord is making h-him drink s-something terr-ible.’ Kreacher struggled through speaking.

Regulus summoned the calming draught from the healing kit and put a few drops into the water.

Kreacher fell asleep soon after. Regulus moved him to the bed, bundled him up and sat with him all day.

***

‘And you think this is the last one?’ Lupin said from his armchair. Sirius was pacing in front of the fireplace. Wendy was leaning into Regulus’ side on the sofa. He adjusted his grip so she was closer.

‘When I met with the Dark Lord, he told me that I was his last follower to receive a gift. It would make sense that he would hide one somewhere. Kreacher mentioned a locket. What else could it be?’

‘It’s monstrous.’ Sirius muttered, still pacing.

‘I’m going to retrieve it. So you’d better contact Dumbledore, because this is it. I’m out after I do this.’ Regulus said with conviction. Wendy turned in his arms.

‘I’ll come with you.’ She said, moving to get up.

‘Absolutely not!’ ‘No way.’ ‘Wendy!’ Regulus, Sirius and Lupin all said at once. She looked as if she might cry, so Regulus pulled her back to him.

‘It’s okay, I’ll come back. You just can’t come in your condition.’ Regulus said softly to her.

‘I’m pregnant, not an invalid.’ Wendy huffed indignantly.

‘I’ll go.’ Sirius said, abruptly stopping and looking toward Lupin.

‘And I’ll stay here with Wendy and contact Dumbledore.’ Lupin nodded.

***

Regulus suspected Sirius felt the same way he did about leaving their paramours behind at Neverland. After protracted goodbyes, they travelled to the place Kreacher had described in contemplative silence. Apparating together inside was tricky, but they managed it. The floor was uneven and slippery. The sea raged against the rocks behind them as they made their way into darkness.

When they reached the rock wall Kreacher had described to him, Sirius didn’t wait for him, cutting into his hand with a pocket knife and smearing his blood on the rock. The wall opened up into a cavernous space, a still lake stretching to the island the elf had said the locket was stored on.

‘Flare for the dramatic, this Lord.’ Sirius said derisively, already moving along the shore with his wand drawn. Suddenly a rusted chain sprang from the water, rippling the glass surface and pulling a boat from its depths.

Regulus felt a rush of gratitude that Sirius had come as they clambered into the boat together. He didn’t want to imagine how terrified he would have been doing this alone.

Sirius leaned over to look in the water as the boat started to move and swore. Regulus looked too. Under the surface, bodies drifted eerily. Dead white eyes staring up at nothing. Chills slithered up his spine. Inferi. He tried to recall what he knew about them but found only blind fear.

‘Fire. If they come out. Fire.’ Sirius said quietly.

‘Let’s not touch the water.’ Regulus rasped. Sirius nodded in agreement.

For a long moment, only the slushing noise of the boat cutting through the water filled the air.

‘How did it start? The two of you?’ Sirius said. Regulus tore his eyes away from the figures in the water to his open face.

‘Wendy?’ Regulus said. Sirius nodded. ‘She accidentally swapped onto a patrol with me. I think Jones lied to her about who it was with. But even though I was awful to her, she was never anything but kind.’

Sirius nodded, looking at him thoughtfully and motioning for him to go on. Regulus felt his cheeks heat.

‘It was her I was looking at when you thought I was watching you. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Her hair mostly. I thought maybe she’d done something like what Mother always talked about, but the more I watched her, I realised she wasn’t doing anything.’ Regulus went on. In that moment, he realised Sirius might be the only other person in the world who would understand. ‘Was it like that for you? With Lupin?’

‘Yeah,’ Sirius said in a small voice. ‘It was a bit. Took ages for me to get over Mother’s bullshit. Still don’t know if I have, but Moony is always there to pull me back. Are you… I mean, does it bother you? Him and I?’

Regulus blinked. ‘Not really. It just is.’

‘Thanks, Reg. That means a lot.’ Sirius’ face split into a wide smile. ‘For what it’s worth, I like you with her. Less of a little shit.’

‘Cheers,’ Regulus snorted, even though his heart swelled. ‘I like me with her too.’

Once the boat reached the island's rocks, they climbed out, careful not to even brush the water's surface. Scrambling to the centre of the rocks, they found a pedestal filled with liquid. At the bottom sat the locket. After several attempts to retrieve it, they knew they had no choice. One of them would have to drink the liquid.

‘I’ll do it.’ Sirius said, picking up the scoop that sat on the rim. Regulus took it from him.

‘No. This is my fault. If I had just listened to you in the beginning, none of this would be happening.’

‘You don’t really believe that, do you?’ Sirius said, looking uncharacteristically wan.

Regulus scooped up the liquid and paused. ‘I don’t know what this will do to me. You have to promise me that you’ll take care of Wendy if I don’t make it.’

‘I promise.’ Sirius said solemnly. ‘I also promise you’ll be there to do it yourself.’

Regulus swallowed the first scoop, recognised the taste of belladonna and choked. ‘Potion of despair.’ Sirius nodded, looking concerned. Regulus managed to swallow three scoops on his own before the hallucinations began.

***

He found himself in the hallway outside the library at Grimmauld Place. He wasn’t sure how he got here, but he knew what was on the other side of these doors. He went inside.

Sirius lay on a crumpled heap, bloodied and barely conscious. Regulus was crying.

‘I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I didn’t want this.’ He sobbed.

From somewhere outside the room, he heard Sirius say: ‘It’s alright. Just one more and you can stop, okay?’

That didn’t make sense. The world shimmered with shadows. He drank down the cup he was offered.

***

He was standing over Wendy. She was curled up small, blood on her face. She flinched away from him.

He reached for her, and she screamed.

‘Please, please don’t leave me,’ he begged her. ‘I’ll do anything, just please don’t go.’

He swallowed another mouthful.

***

He was screaming as his mother cut him with curses.

‘Stop, please! Stop!’ He begged.

Then Sirius was there.

‘It’s okay, Reggie. It’s done.’

An arm around him, Regulus’ throat burned.

‘Water.’

***

He had no warning, no time to catch his breath, before he awoke in the cold lake. Water flooded into his lungs. It made him wish for the pain of his mother’s curses. He could see Sirius’ warped silhouette above him, leaning over the side of that wretched boat.

Startling clarity entered his mind even as he thrashed in the water. He was going to die. He only wished he’d told Sirius how much having him here had meant. Agony tore through his heart as he thought of Wendy—his beautiful girl.

He would never hear her laugh again, nor see the sun in her hair. He focused on the sound of her voice in his mind.

‘I love you, Regulus.’

He felt skeletal hands wrap around his limbs as he was dragged into the darkness.

***