But Not Forever | Regulus Black

Chapter 4 *

"Stay in touch. You know where I am so you have no excuse now." Regulus tells his sister as her and her family get ready to go back to London.

"I will. I swear to it." Emma says with a small smile. "You have no excuse either."

"I know."

"I'm pretty sure even if we did fall out of touch those two will make sure we talk." I nod over to our two eldest daughters.

The two girls are deep in conversation, their smiles growing with every word. "Merlin if they turn out like Sirius and James were in school, may our souls rest in peace." Emma mutters.

We all exchange a knowing look of dread, "Who's James?" Mickie asks.

"He was Sirius' best friend. The two were nearly inseparable." Emma explains.

"They were more brothers than I and Sirius." Regulus says quietly. I rest my hand on his shoulder, "Sirius left home when he was younger and went there. I don't see how it would be such a bad thing if Aimee and Peyton were like them. We all need a friend like that."

Emma laughs, "It would be a nightmare if they turn up like those two. I honestly don't understand how Euphemia managed not to go mental with those two under her roof."

"Who's to say she didn't?" I add.

We all say our final goodbyes to each other before the three others leave. "Did they have to go Mum?" Marisa asks with a groan.

"Yes they did. They still have family they need to get together with tonight." I kiss her forehead before grabbing my jacket. "I'll be back tomorrow. Listen to your dad alright? I'm talking to you Marisa."

Marisa nods quickly before running off. Regulus walks over to me. He frowns slightly, "Where are you going?"

"I have something to deal with. Nothing major." I reply.

He drags me into a quick hug, "Be smart."

"I'm not you Regulus I'm always smart." I tease.

He pushes me back playfully, "Uncalled for."

I shrug, "That's how I roll."

I leave the cottage and make my way down the hill leading into town. I glance behind me, the cottage is barely visible from the magic we still have around it. It's almost as if it was coming in and out of waves. One second you can see the brown color of the walls the next you can't.

I pull the hood of my cloak over my head and dissaperrate from the outskirts of Paris.

I glance out of the alleyway before moving into the crowd of muggles that are crowding the streets.

I keep my head down before side stepping into a phone booth. I turn the dial entering the 5 numbers needed to enter the Ministry. 6-2-4-4-2.

"Please state your name and your cause of coming to the Ministry." A voice asks me.

"Gracelyn Tear. I have a meeting with Minister Fudge."

In front of me, out of the coin disposal, comes a badge with me name and scheduled meeting written underneath. I slide the badge on as the booth begins to slide down into the ground. When it stops, I step out of it only to instantly step back as a cart full of papers nearly plows over me. When it leaves I look out.

I follow the crowd, keeping the directions to the Ministers office in my head as I navigate through the Labyrinth halls of the Ministry.

I stand outside his door for a second before knocking on the door. I hear the faint response telling me to come in. I push the door open and stand before the desk of the Minister. I wait patiently for him to acknowledge me. He finally stops writing and looks up, "Ah Miss Tear. What do I owe the pleasure?"

I sit swiftly in the seat on the other side of his desk, "I was sure you knew. I'm here on behalf of Sirius Black."

Instantly the Ministers face darkens, "What of him? He was sentenced to life in Azkaban."

"Without a trial. You didn't give him a chance to defend himself. I have information that could render him innocent." I say calmly.

"If you have information, why haven't you stepped forward before now?" His eyes are wide with surprise.

"I tried to. You dismissed me. You said I was too young to understand the situation at hand."

The Minister goes quiet and I continue. "Regulus was in touch with his brother a few days before... what happened. He and Sirius were discussing secret keepers."

"Your husband knew he was going to betray the Potters?"

"Fiancé. Not husband, and no that's not what I'm getting at. Sirius didn't want to be secret keeper, he thought it was too obvious. He told Regulus he was going to convince the Potter's to have Peter be their secret keeper instead of him."

"This is important information. Why haven't I heard this before now."

"Because you wouldn't let me." I growl.

"It would do you best Ms. Tear to keep your temper." The Minister warns.

My hands are in fists in my lap as I stare at him, "Fine. But do you not agree that that was information that could prove him innocent?"

The Minister hesitates, "If it was proven yes. But unfortunately we have absolutely no way to prove that what you just said was the truth."

"What more do you want me to say. I came here with proof that Sirius is innocent and you still refuse to hear it, after all these years I thought you to be better Minister."

He stands up and leans forward over his desk. As he does he scatters papers all over the floor, "Ms. Tear. You must see this from my view, for all I know you could be in cahoots with Mr. Black. Or you could be lying to safe your husband's brother."

"He isn't my husband. And believe what you want but this is the truth. Know that if you do nothing with this information I will expose you to the wizarding world." I sat standing up.

"Is that a threat?"

"Yes, yes it is." I pull the door open and allow it to slam shut behind me.