The Hunt | Regulus Black

Sycamore Tree

"How are we going to do this?" Lily asks looking at Theodora.

Theodora takes a moment to think and the idea hits her.

She turns to face Regulus and nods, the two instantly understand each other and race upstairs, the others follow in confusion.

Regulus and Theodora rummage through a room on the first floor, the pair begin to rummage through boxes filled with papers.

"You know we're here too right?" Sirius laughs.

Finding what they were looking for the two smile at each other, Regulus holding a book.

"Care to share?" James mutters.

"Reggie... urm I mean Reg... Found these the other night" Theodora smiles awkwardly.

Regulus' face softens at the delicate and charming nickname Theodora has just given him.

"These are the Black sisters diaries" Regulus adds.

"What is it with deatheaters and diaries?" Lily jokes.

"Is Andi's in there..?" Sirius' tone and demeanour rather cautious and worried.

Regulus offers Sirius a simple nod.

Theodora follows Regulus' eyes to the tapestry behind Sirius, its the Black family tree. Clearly very carefully painted, she'd never spent much time in this room before and when she did it was rather dark.

The tapestry hangs proudly on the wall, its intricate design depicting the lineage of the noble and enigmatic Black family. The black threads weave a web of secrets and stories, tracing the family's lineage through generations. As you gaze at the tapestry, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and curiosity, imagining the tales and mysteries hidden within its threads.

Theodora begins to notice certain faces burnt out... "Sirius" she mumbles.

Regulus has confided to her about many things, however the story of him and his brother always remained quiet.

Everyone begins to notice the wall and they all hang their heads, not quite in shame but in sympathy. Regulus avoids Sirius' gaze,.. maybe in guilt?

"Mother did that..." Sirius says, "After I ran away".

"Sorry Sirius" Lily offers.

"She was like that" Sirius laughs it off.

Andromeda, a member of the noble Black family, dared to defy tradition and embrace her own path. She rejected the dark influences that surrounded her and instead sought knowledge and enlightenment. Her story is one of rebellion and resilience, as she broke free from the constraints of her family and forged her own destiny.

Regulus grabs the diaries and carries them downstairs, he hands two of the diaries to Sirius and Theodora. The three instantly get to reading them, while James and Lily continue the research on the remaining horcruxes.

After hours and hours of endless reading and re-reading, a light bulb practically goes off as Sirius re-reads a paragraph that had him stumped for days.

"She writes in code..." He murmurs.

"What?" James asks.

"Bellatrix... Look here" Sirius points to a section of the book, "It's in her vault".

"At Gringotts?" Lily questions.

"We need to figure out what exactly the horcrux is" Theodora says, "I doubt it'll be the only object in there".

They all begin to look into various possibilities on, one: how to get into the vault, and two: what the horcrux is. It is evident this isn't going to be an easy find.

———

It's nearing into December and Theodora is sat under the sycamore tree that's on Green, across from Grimmauld place.

The tree's bare branches reaching toward the gray sky, adorned with delicate snowflakes that create a wistful atmosphere. As she settles down with one of the Black sister's diaries in hand, the crisp air fills her lungs, and the silence of the winter landscape surrounds you.

It's a moment of tranquility and intellectual exploration, where the beauty of the sycamore tree and the magic of curiosity intertwine.

"Curiosity killed the cat you know?" Regulus laughs as he sets himself beside her.

"But satisfaction brought it back" She replies smiling at him.

"You have now read that diary about a million times now" Regulus chuckles, "What clogs are turning away in that brilliant mind of yours?"

"How did she know Reg?" Theodora sighs, "I mean she was like us... Her family was rigid and set on this strange ideology... How did she know if she rebelled she would be okay?"

"She didn't Thea, and I think that's the most important part" He smiles, "No risk.. No reward".

Theodora nods, taking in the response.

"Also, I prefer the other nickname" He teases making a soft blush appear on Theodora's cheeks.

His flirty tone sends shivers down her spine, Regulus has a way with his words that captivates Theodora. Her awareness of his selective choice always intrigues her, her knowing he carefully constructs all his sentences intrigues her.

"Do you think we will be okay... Reggie?" Theodore's softly asks.

"As long as we have the sycamore tree we will be fine" He smiles.

Theodora raises her eyebrow.

"They're said to be a protection against negative energies and malevolent spirits" He adds.

"Then may we always have our sycamore tree" She says looking down at her book.

He takes this opportunity to appreciate the soft freckles that are sprinkled across her face. The way her long blonde hair falls, the captivating hue that adds a touch of sunlight to his dark world. Golden strands cascading like rays of happiness, evoking a sense of ethereal beauty, and yet it embodies the essence of mystery and intellect.

Her rich, warm hues resembling the earthy tones found in antique books or the flickering glow of candlelight. Her brown eyes hold a certain depth, like portals to a world of knowledge and introspection. They are like windows into the soul, reflecting the wisdom and curiosity that lie within. Evoking a sense of mystery and intelligence, perfectly complementing the intellectual and artistic pursuits that define her as a person.

Regulus lifts his arm and softly tucks a loose piece of hair behind her ear. Theodora's gaze snaps to him, as if that's where it belongs.

With his tousled, chestnut hair and piercing, expressive eyes, he has a certain allure that draw one in. His features are delicate, yet there is a hint of intensity that adds to his mysterious charm. His slender frame and graceful movements give him an air of elegance and sophistication. Whether he's dressed in a tailored suit or embracing a more casual style, his fashion choices often reflect the timeless and refined mystery.

"James has found something!" Sirius exclaims to the two of them before returning inside.