-UndoubtedlyYours-

-Chapter♚♛NinetyTwo-

✧IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR✧

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The night had certainly turned out differently than what Alphard expected, but thankfully the elves said they could manage on such notice, and thus—He would be enjoying a wonderful and private meal with his wife.

And he found himself much more excited, though he was certainly not looking forward to what he was about to do.

Even standing in Grimmuald's foyer was starting to wane in his heart. Rhea's entire being had nearly drained at the idea of attending. As her husband, he had a duty to protect her, and here she was, trying to hide away.

Walburga had managed to successfully persuade Rhea that she was unwanted, as if she needed any more directive into feeling that way after just barely escaping her parents.

"Good Master Black, Master is in study....Mistress is—"

"Thanks, Kreacher. I'll show myself up." He interrupted and nodded to the elder being. He didn't want to admit that it was still odd to see the creatures still moving—As he was the same Elf from his childhood.

Perhaps even beyond that.

Alphard had given a firm knock before pushing aside the door, and almost instantly, he was introduced to the smoke cloud with Orion deep in the center.

"Glad we're feeling the same about tonight then, brother." But clearly, he was surprised to see him, early at that. "Suppose we have to get downstairs soon?"

"No. I'm here to speak with you and Walburga. And I'll apologize in advance, Orion. But Rhea and I will not be attending tonight."

"What?!" Now that had awoken the manor's master as he hurried around his desk to face his brother properly. "You can't be serious."

"I can be. Rhea's tried to hide her feelings from me the entire day, but alas, it's come true. If you want anyone to blame, blame your wife, who managed to undermine me and my marriage. So help me god, Orion. I've had it up to here with her!" Of course, Orion was furious, but there was no amount of comparison that would be able to tell the difference between his and Alphard's.

Who chest was pumping sporadically now that he had spat his damning cause.

"Now that you mention it, Walburga has been cheery today—"

"That's because she's called Rhea barren and a temporary fix of the family. That I don't want her to have my child."

"And Rhea believed this?"
"Rhea's always had doubts, of course you know this. You've seen the beginning of our relationship from the start. Her confidence is at an all-time low." Alphard explained, and Orion had looked beyond enraged now that he thought of it for longer.

"Barren...Walburga is rather dedicated to the word. It's all her mother had said for ages until Sirius came along."

"And she has the dedication to it as her mother. Whatever it is you have to take away, do it. Otherwise, I'll...." Alphard's words had fallen short as he looked to his brother, willing and waiting to hear the next verse.

"You'll what?"

"Then you have my full-hearted blessing, Orion." The shock was evident, in addition to the thankful comments that Alphard had said in the direction of Corin, who had stayed with Rhea when all seemed lost.

"Give these to Sirius and Regulus. I'm sure they'd still want their gifts from their Aunt and Uncle." Alphard spoke, holding out three gift bags that held a rather heavy weight to them. "And the other?"