Love & Scars

Draining Away

The next morning, Sirius, Lily, James and Remus went to the tower to change into their school robes before class started. Izzie and Regulus debated on eating breakfast in their own dorm for a minute before they headed down the great hall. They couldn't keep avoiding it, it will fuel the rumour mill even more.

When they entered the great hall, the others were already sitting on the Gryffindor table. The banner Regulus had burned down was repaired and still hung against the wall. But that wasn't the only thing, the table was filled with presents, wrapped in dark green paper. Izzie grabbed Reggie's hand.

"Reg."

"Yeah, I see." He whispered back.

"So." They both turned when they Barty's voice came from behind them. Barty and Evan were standing there, both a frown in place. "I got a letter yesterday, that informed me of your nuptials. Is it true?"

"Uhm, yeah." Regulus rubbed his neck.

Barty and Evan just stared at them for a long moment. "I'm guessing it was rather forced upon you?" Evan asked, but they knew already.

Regulus pushed them out of the doorway and into the first empty classroom he found. He then started retelling everything that happened and what they found out. The two Slytherins both looked appalled and horrified at the events, and being the best friends of Regulus and Izzie, they vowed to help in any way they could. They both had loyal house elves and a massive library at home full of dark magic and would call on them to bring them books.

Barty pulled Izzie in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry, Belle. With that Evans girl, Remus and us we will find a way out of this."

"Don't forget Sirius. He would do anything for our favourite Gryffindor." Regulus smiled a little.

"I guess you're right about that." Barty agreed. "Let's go back to the great hall before we start a rumour about an orgy." He winked.

"Hold on." Izzie halted them. "Kreacher?!"

"Kreacher?" The other three chimed confused, but there was a loud crack and the house elf appeared.

"Mrs Black." He bowed deep, his nose touching the stone floor. "How does the new Mrs Black feel?"

"That sounds so weird." Evan muttered softly.

"I'm fine, Kreacher." She smiled at the house elf. "Thank you for giving me the strengthening potion."

"Anything for the wife of master Regulus." He bowed again.

"Oh, you don't need to bow for me, Kreacher." The elf started to protest. "I have something to ask of you, for me and Master Regulus."

"Anything for Master Regulus and his wife." The elf looked around the room. When his eyes fell on Regulus, he fell to his knees. "I'm sorry. I didn't see you, Master Regulus. Forgive me."

"It's okay, Kreacher." Reg kneeled in front of him. "But can you help us with the favour?" He asked as he glanced to Izzie. Izzie kneeled down next to Reg with a soft smile.

"There are wedding presents on the Slytherin table. Can you bring them to our quarters on the third floor, behind the fruit tree?"

"And check them for curses or dark magic." Regulus added, and Izzie nodded.

"Of course, Master Regulus and Mrs Black." And with that he disappeared.

"That's why you weren't in the dorm, you have your own quarters." Evan asked as they walked back to the great hall.

"Yeah, my parents insisted on it." Regulus grumbled. He took Izzie's hand when they reached the great hall. The presents were all gone and a few Slytherins looked around with confused expressions. He saw Izzie eyeing the Gryffindor table. "You better sit with us. We don't want to send them word that you're sitting next to Sirius in the first few days."