Ultimatums

Chapter 44

Avery, Rosier, Hermione and Regulus were in a circle around the folder in the library. Avery was lying on his front, his legs kicking in the air and his fingers playing with the carpet. He was only at the meeting to avoid being left out. He also promised to tell Persephone everything.

"Rosier you're on housing" Hermione said, reading glasses tipping on the edge of her nose precariously. "Figure out a way for Reg to go underground. Untraceable."

Between them, the couple had decided it was most beneficial for him to be the one that looked after the horcruxes. They also decided Regulus would have to go into hiding so the Dark Lord didn't suspect him.

"Reg, you're on going about destroying the horcruxes and finding the others. If there are any others. But that's not the most urgent job because we need to collect the one we know of first" Hermione continued.

"Of course. Give your wizard the easiest job" Rosier scoffed lightheartedly.

"Actually no, your wizard has the easiest job" Hermione replied "all he has to do is help us in any way possible. I'm going to play the part of the poor widow.I'll make a scene at an Order meeting and spread the word that way. And then we'll get Kreacher to make Reg appear dead on the Black tree. Everyone clear?"

Variations of agreement echoed through the room.

Avery stood up, shuffling over to Rosier and leant his head on his shoulder. "Well we've got to go. Evan's cousin Flo's got an engagement party. Getting with a bloke, which is shocking."

"Wyatt Travers. I think my Aunt arranged it to stop speculation" Rosier supplied.

Hermione grinned. "I remember Wyatt. I promised him a dance at Sirius's little betrothal ball. Though because of Sirius's wine dumping incident, we never got to have one"

Avery snickered. "Ah you two were having a massive row that night. If I remember correctly, you said "Stupid Regulus with his stupid girlfriend and his stupid face" I must say, Mia, I still agree with it all"

Rosier winked, pulling his mischievous boyfriend away from the couple.

"Ah yes. I forgot about Ms Fawley" she said in a sarcastic drawl.

Regulus rolled his eyes and followed them out, leaving Hermione to pack up the notes.

She read each one over and over, feeling her walls crumble slightly with each word. It was strange really, because she wasn't feeling so down a few seconds ago. It was when she was alone that it hit with a force.

Reg goes into hiding. No one but a select few know he's alive.

Hermione becomes a widow, falling further into the Death Eaters ranks.

Her world was changing entirely. No more secret dates in Muggle London. No more hanging out with Sephy. No more being spontaneous. Everything she did was going to be watched, surveilled.

An arm wrapped itself around her, and she looked up to see Orion looking down at her with concern. She'd almost thought it was Sirius.

"Are you alright?" he asked his a quiet tenderness. It was the voice he used with Sirius when even he thought his wife had gone too far.

Orion had always thought of Hermione as the daughter he had never been gifted. He treated her as he would his own child, except maybe with more understanding and less of a firm grip. While Sirius had always been his favourite, the son he shared the closer bond with that Regulus had with his mother, in Sirius's absence Hermione had almost filled the gap. Almost.

Hermione wiped at her eyes aggressively, embarrassed beyond anything. "Yes. I apologise you came across me like this"

Lord Black withdrew awkwardly. "Is this about Regulus? I'm sure he'll come round..."

It took her a moment to catch his meaning, before feeling even more like she wanted to escape the situation. Did he really think she lacked so many problems that she sat and cried over marriage? Sure it had stung in the beginning and she definitely hadn't changed her mind on the topic. But to cry over it?

"No, no sir. Just some family things.Nothing to worry about"

"But you're crying, Nita"

Hermione put her hand up to her face and only just realised.

"I'll be fine" She said with a soft edge of finality that Orion left it alone.

He stood and left the room, passing his son on the way to the kitchen. He whispered some things to him, and Regulus nodded grimly.

What neither of the young graduates knew, was that Orion Black had seen the plans. He'd seen it all.