Love & Scars

We Can't Tell Them

Izzie slept for two days straight; her magic was completely drained. Regulus wasn't much better. He never felt so weak before. He had slept an entire day next to Izzie in his locked room. 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 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 besides themselves. It was 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 send, 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 open slightly. He tipped the entire bottle into her mouth and waited until she swallowed it. He saw the colour on her cheeks return almost instantly 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. "I hope she'll wake up soon." She turned back to her son. "You'll need the consummate the marriage soon or the future will look bleak for the both of you." She turned to head out.

"Mother-"

"I'm not your mother! Not until you have proven to be a loyal 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."

"Reg, I don't feel well, I feel weak." Her eyes fluttered open.

"Do you remember what happened?"

She frowned until she grasped his shirt. "Basement, your parents, my uncle and father... we – we're married."

"I'm so, I'm so sorry." He pulled her against his chest. "I knew they were up to something -"

"We're alive, that's all that matters. We- we-" She was too tired to speak.

"It's okay, rest. What they did, it took a lot out of you."

"Tell me -" She breathed in deep. "Tell me everything you s aw."