Love & Scars

32. We Can't Tell Them

Izzie slept for two days straight; her magic was completely drained. And Regulus wasn't much better. He had never felt so weak before. 

Regulus had slept an entire day next to Izzie in his locked room. After he woke, he kept a watchful eye on his best friend.

His parents never made an appearance, nor did her father or uncle. That was a good thing, at least. Kreacher brought them water and stale bread that he left mostly untouched. It was the only thing the house elf was allowed to bring with them. But even if it were a food made by a world-renowned chef, he wouldn't eat it. He wasn't capable for as long as Izzie was asleep. He hoped it was just sleep.

It was the night before Hogwarts, and Izzie was still sleeping next to him. He was afraid she wouldn't wake up; he hated feeling powerless. Even if he had his wand, he was too weak to contact Remus. 

Oh, Remus and Sirius must be beside themselves. It had been three days since their afternoon in the park, three days of not hearing from them. Which was unusual, since they exchanged messages every night.

Kreacher popped in with a plate. Regulus looked over and saw that it was more than stale bread and water. "Mrs Black needs more nutrients, master Regulus." He bowed until his nose touched the floor.

"If it is something my mother sent, you can take it away." He snapped at the elf.

"His mistress doesn't know." Regulus' eyes widened, but the elf didn't look up. "She needs to drink this, or she won't wake."

"Kreacher—" He started, but the elf disappeared with a loud crack. 

Regulus was afraid he would hurt himself or worse if his mother found out. He grabbed the tray and picked up the bottle to inspect it closely. He recognised the smell from somewhere, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He dipped the tip of his pinkie finger in it and let one drop fall into his mouth. He didn't want to give it to her unless he knew it was safe, even if that meant it would kill him.

But it didn't. He felt his magic grow stronger, and he felt less weak. He quickly hovered over Isabelle, tugging her chin down with his thumb until her mouth opened slightly. He tipped the entire bottle into her mouth and waited until she swallowed it. 

The effect was immediate. The colour on her cheeks returned, and her ragged breathing evened out. He tucked her close in his arms and took a few berries from the plate.

"Please, wake up, Isabelle." He whispered.

For the first time in days, he heard footsteps come to his door. He quickly hid the tray underneath his bed and wrapped both of his arms protectively around her. The doorknob turned slowly, then his mother stepped in.

"We already informed the school about your nuptials. You will leave this house tomorrow at ten; you will see your way to the platform yourself. The door will unlock a few minutes before, and your things will be ready. You will bring back honour to this family, even if it is the last thing you do." She cocked her head to Isabelle, and his grip tightened around her. "I hope she'll wake up soon." She turned back to her son. "You'll need to consummate the marriage soon, or the future will look bleak for both of you." She turned to head out.

"Mother—"

"I am not your mother! Not until you have proven to be a devoted son." She snapped and closed the door.

"I will never be your son." He sneered. He looked down when he felt Isabelle move, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Isabelle."

Her brows furrowed, and she moved restlessly. "Reg, I don't feel well. I - I feel weak." Her eyes fluttered open.