Chapter 447: Bringing Regulus Home
Sirius finally released Kreacher, standing motionless, his face blank as if he were under the Imperius Curse.
Lupin approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Regulus was a true Black, and a worthy Slytherin. His name deserves to be honored."
Kyle sighed beside them, silently reflecting. In his mind, Regulus had likely known from the start that he wouldn't make it back. Once he decided to part ways with Voldemort, his fate was sealed. Voldemort's skill in Legilimency meant Regulus couldn't risk keeping the knowledge of the Horcrux hidden for long. If Voldemort ever discovered Regulus's betrayal, the consequences would reach beyond Regulus himself, putting Kreacher and his family in danger. Regulus chose to sacrifice himself to keep the secret, sparing the others in the process.
Meanwhile, Kreacher, being a lowly House-elf, had been beneath Voldemort's notice. By the time Voldemort left the cave, he had likely forgotten Kreacher even existed.
Sirius covered his face with his hands, and the tears he'd held back for over a decade now slipped through his fingers, falling silently to the floor. He had misunderstood his brother for so long, only now realizing Regulus wasn't weak but braver than he had ever known. Regulus had been willing to die to thwart Voldemort's plans, even in a hidden, desolate place, where no one would ever know his sacrifice. And he'd done it anyway.
Sirius couldn't imagine the strength it took for Regulus to make that decision. His mother had been right, Kreacher had been right, everyone had been right: Regulus was far stronger than he had ever been.
"I'll bring him back." Sirius wiped the tears from his face. "No matter what, I'll get him home. He belongs here, not at the bottom of some cold, forgotten lake!"
"Kreacher!" he shouted suddenly. "I order you to take me to that cave. We're going to bring Regulus home!"
Kreacher, still on the floor, looked up, his tear-swollen eyes filled with a mix of devotion and disbelief. "Kreacher... Kreacher will obey Master's orders!"
"Then let's go—" Sirius moved to grab Kreacher's arm, but Lupin stepped between them.
"Wait, Sirius," Lupin said quickly. "We can't go rushing in like this. We need to inform Dumbledore first."