The Hunt | Regulus Black

Gaunt's Ring

The group decide to split up, Theodora and Sirius, James and Regulus. James' idea 'to keep an eye on the potential deatheaters'.

By this point collectively they have searched so many areas and are beginning to lose hope.

James and Regulus eventually make their way to Gaunt's shack in Little Hangleton, the only remaining option. It may seem like the most obvious, but the overgrown bramble, the enchantments and the fact the shack has been abandoned for decades, had prevented them from exploring this option first.

Regulus and James stand in front of the shack. The shadows of the moonlight casting shadows that are dark and imposing.

As the two step through the wrought iron gate, nature's tendrils embrace them, reclaiming their territory. The path, once neatly paved, is now obscured by a tapestry of wildflowers and unruly vines. Each step the pair take is accompanied by the gentle crunch of fallen leaves and the soft rustle of grass.

Ivy and moss engulf the walls of the empty shack, its tendrils reaching out as if trying to tell a story of the past. The shack itself stands as a silent witness to the passage of time, its weathered wood and cracked windows holding secrets untold.

Regulus and James approach, wands raised and ready for anything they may come into contact with. Due to the gravity of the hunt's risks, they are left with no option but to find the horcruxes in the night.

After successfully removing the enchantments that were protecting the shack, the two venture on.

"Lumos" Regulus whispers as his wand lights the way.

The abandoned shack, cloaked in shadows and secrets. As Regulus leads the way, the musty scent of aged wood fills the air, and the creaking floorboards whisper tales of forgotten stories.

They move cautiously, their footsteps echoing through the silence. Each corner holds the potential to hide the desired ring, and the anticipation builds with every step.

"So what's going on between you and Thea?" James asks as the pair search in separate corners of the same room, lighting their respective sides with their wands.

"Huh?" Regulus questions, slightly uneasy at James' forwardness.

"You guys seem really close that's all" James adds, a hint of jealousy rolling off his tongue as he speaks.

"Well you know, her and I only have each other" Regulus dryly answers.

A wave of emotions rushes over James, he's not exactly sure on how to pinpoint what they are... Anger? Sadness? Jealousy?

The pair split up, each searching different rooms in the shack. James steps into another room, the air is heavy with dust and the scent of forgotten stories. His wand is casting eerie shadows on the worn wallpaper.

Carefully he navigates his way through the piles of forgotten belongings, searching for any hidden treasures or forgotten secrets. Each creak of the floorboards adds to the excitement as he unravels the mysteries of this forgotten space.

Finding nothing in each room, the pair travel from room to room searching endlessly.

Regulus' fingers trace the dusty surfaces, hoping to stumble upon a clue, and then... He spots it. A glint of metal catches his eye, between the floorboards.

As he gently lifts the floorboard, the light from his wand casts a mysterious glow. His heart begins to race as he reaches down and his fingers brush against the cool metal of a golden box.

He opens the box and finds the ring. Marvolo Gaunt's ring has a distinctive and captivating look. It features a wide, ornate band made of a dark metal, possibly silver or a blackened alloy. The centrepiece of the ring is a large, mesmerising black stone. It's a striking and mysterious piece that perfectly embodies the pureblood desire of the Gaunt family.

Regulus can't believe his eyes as he is holding the ring between his thumb and index finger.

"Regulus I think we should leave there's noth-" James says walking into the room, spotting Regulus holding the ring at the end of his sentence.

"Is that the?" James mutters.

Regulus nods in response.

———

Sirius and Theodora arrive back at the Black family home, after another unsuccessful search.

Upon re-entering the home, the pair hear scuffling in the kitchen, they approach cautiously with wands ready.

As they slowly creep through the doorway, they spot Kreacher scuffling about cleaning.

"I didn't know you were still here Kreacher" Sirius announces.

"Kreacher must remain loyal to the house of Black" He rather grumpily replies.

Sirius rolls his eyes at Kreacher's bitterness.

"Mistress Maddox, glad to see you" Kreacher smirks.

You both ignore him and enter the living room.

"I'm praying they found it" Sirius sighs sitting down on the frayed couch.

"I believe in Reg, he must have" Theodora hopefully replies as she sits beside him, opening a book.

"What's that?" Sirius questions.

"A book" Theodora bluntly replies.

"Ha ha very funny" Sirius sarcastic tone evident.

"It was cited in one of Voldemort's school essays" She answers.

A moment later, the front door opens with James and Regulus entering.

"So?" Sirius asks, standing up in anticipation.

Without saying a word Regulus holds the ring up.

"Reg!" Theodora exclaims and hugs him.

Regulus spins her around in excitement, whispering "We're one step closer".

James watches the pair as they smile at each other, a wave of jealousy crashes over him.

"Now we destroy it," James says, trying to interrupt their moment.

"Wait no" Theodora rushes to say, as she and Regulus separate.

"I knew it, you're still a no good death eater" James spits out.

"Watch your mouth Potter" Regulus firmly responds.

"Look if we keep destroying them, he will know what we're doing... I think we should wait" Theodora explains, trying to ignore James' comment.

Regulus nods his head in agreement.

"You two have got to be kidding me, this is some deatheater task that he's set you on" James says doubling down.

"Alright come on James" Sirius says seeing the anger well up on either side, "They're right".

James scoffs and grabs the sword before leaving.