One Last Try [HP Jamione fanfic]

54. Forever Winter

A/N: We're getting so close to the end and I'm getting impatient LOL! So new updating schedule of Tuesdays and Fridays until this is complete on here!

26th May 1979

The boat made its way slowly across the eerily still surface of the lake, not even sending out ripples as it slid its way closer to the small island. Hermione didn't question it, she was just grateful that it meant the inferi she knew were lurking just below the surface weren't going to be disturbed. Voldemort must have designed it that way on purpose.

"I don't like this place." She murmured into the oppressively still air.

Regulus nodded, and his aristocratic voice was strained when he spoke, "That makes two of us." When the boat glided to a stop against the side of the island he alighted first, reaching back a hand to help Hermione step onto the smooth, glossy stones that made up the island. "Let's get this over with as soon as possible."

They made their way carefully up to the stone basin that stood prominently at the top. Kreacher stood beside it, wringing his boney hands. "Master-" He croaked, but Regulus silently shaking his head stopped what was no doubt going to be a repeated protest.

"So, there's no way to remove the potion without drinking it?" Hermione asked hesitantly, stepping up beside Regulus who was already staring down into the reflective black surface of the potion.

Regulus sighed heavily, freer with his emotions around her than he was with most anyone else. "From what Kreacher told me." He conjured a small goblet, and carefully dipped it into the potion to fill it. Hermione watched with trepidation as he looked down at the liquid, letting out a quiet breath when Regulus poured it onto the jagged edges of the rocks that formed the base of the pedestal the potion basin stood on. They both watched in horror as – instead of splashing against the rocks – the liquid dissipated into mist in the air, and the level of the potion in the basin returned to what it had been before Regulus scooped some of it out.

"Well, it was worth a try." Hermione said with a sigh.

"I'll drink it." Regulus offered before Hermione even had a chance to say the same. She did open her mouth to protest, ready and willing to argue with Regulus. This was how he'd died previously, and she was not about to let that happen again. He stopped her, "No, Hermione. I'm the obvious choice. You know too much, you have too much information and knowledge. You need to survive this. It has to be."

"Regulus–"

"I'm not arguing with you. I'll drink the potion and then Kreacher will take us and the locket back to Potter Manor." Regulus turned to the house elf, who looked terrified still, "Have you got that Kreacher?"

"Yes, Master Regulus."

"I don't like this." Hermione protested.

"Too bad. This is what's happening." Regulus reached out, in a moment of emotional vulnerability, and took Hermione's hand in his. "You have to keep feeding me the potion Hermione, even if I beg you not to. Kreacher told me what it's supposed to feel like."

"Reg–"

"Promise me. It's important."

Hermione sighed angrily, but finally nodded when Regulus widened his grey eyes pleadingly. "Fine. But if you die, I'll bring you back just to kill you again Regulus." She snapped.

Regulus laughed humourlessly, and let go of her hand to pick up the goblet he'd placed on the side of the basin. Hermione felt more than heard him take a deep steadying breath, before he scooped a goblet full from the basin and drained it in one long gulp. The cup fell from his suddenly spasming fingers, clattering loudly against the stones and rolling away until Hermione hastily summoned it to herself with a horrified gasp.