Annabelle ♡ Regulus Black ♡

CHAPTER FIFTY (EPILOGUE)

I storm into Dumbledore's office, Regulus on my heels, trying unsuccessfully to placate me. The old wizard appears infuriatingly unruffled behind his large clawfoot desk, peering at us over his half-moon spectacles.

"Miss Black, please have a seat and we can discuss-"

"No!" I shout, barely resisting the urge to stamp my foot like a child having a tantrum. "No more 'discussing', Professor! I have respected your decision for eleven long years. Kept away while my godson, my family, grew up Merlin-knows-where." Angry tears prickle behind my eyes, but I blink them back.

"Harry starts Hogwarts soon. I will be the one who goes to retrieve him. Will be the one to introduce him back to our world, tell him about his parents!" My voice cracks slightly. Regulus' hand finds mine, squeezing gently. "You owe us this."

Dumbledore surveys me gravely over his spectacles before glancing to Regulus who gives a single decisive nod. After an endless moment, the old wizard sighs. "Very well. You and Regulus may retrieve the boy. But understand this - as long as he can call that house 'home', ancient blood protections woven by Lily's sacrifice still hold strong."

I open my mouth furiously to protest but Dumbledore holds up a hand. "However, once he boards the Hogwarts Express, he will be just as safe at the ancient castle as anywhere. We can revisit this topic next summer." He fixes me with his piercing blue-eyed stare. "Can you abide by this compromise, Bella?"

I purse my lips, still wanting to rage and scream...but also unwilling to jeopardize this hard-won chance. Chest heaving, I give Regulus' hand a defiant squeeze. "We'll take it for now. But this conversation is far from finished, old man."

Spinning on my heel, Regulus and I sweep out. We have less than twenty-four houses to prepare to welcome Harry Potter back where he belongs - with his family. I'll be damned if I waste another second arguing in circles when there is so very much to do.

I glance anxiously out the car window as Regulus navigates deftly through the orderly streets of Little Whinging. My fingers worry at the pendant on my necklace - an otter and raven carved from obsidian that our children gifted me last Yule, ten-year-old Lyra and eight-year-old Ara.

Thinking of eleven-year-old Harry makes me ache even through my excitement. I've missed him terribly these past years I've been away making preparations, but it couldn't be helped. Lyra and Ara sat in the back seat playing some car games. This trip is for their cousin...family neither have met but whom they already love dearly.

"Almost there, my heart," Regulus soothes, one hand leaving the wheel to squeeze my knee. I cover his fingers with my own, drawing strength from his steady presence.

I release a slow breath. "I know. It's just...so long we've waited and worked towards this moment. Part of me still fears it will all dissolve into smoke and mirage if I blink." My grip tightens compulsively.

Regulus lifts my hand to brush a tender kiss over the knuckles, eyes warm with understanding. "This is real, Bella. Our boy is just minutes away now. Can you feel it?" And incredibly I can - an inexplicable tugging sensation as though an invisible hook reels ever closer to my core.

"We will see our family made whole again," Regulus vows. And despite all the knots tangling my insides, his words kindle a tiny flame of hope. I cling to that fragile heat as Number Four Privet Drive finally swings into view.

The door swings open to reveal Vernon Dursley's immense frame, wearing an expression like he's just caught whiff of something foul. Behind him, the long-necked Petunia peers over his shoulder, face pinching at the sight of us.

Before Vernon can do more than splutter, Regulus steps smoothly forward, aristocratic mien radiating veiled menace. "I suggest you invite us cordially over the threshold, Mr Dursley." His voice could freeze lava. Behind him I stand tense, wand hidden but ready.

Vernon pales, beady eyes swiveling between us, but seems to think better of refusing two clearly magical folk on his stoop. Wordlessly he stands aside with ill grace. Petunia has gone utterly white but keeps wisely silent.

I pay the hostile muggles no further mind, my breath catching as a small, painfully familiar face peeps warily round the corner into the hall. Messy dark hair frames his thin face, and when he lifts his gaze curiously to ours, my heart shatters. Lily's eyes staring back from behind round specs.

I drop fluidly to my knees before him, no longer staunching the flood of overjoyed, grieving tears. "Harry? Sweet boy, do you...know who I am?" My voice wavers hopefully.

Harry glances uncertainly to the glowering Dursleys before giving a tiny shake of his head, though he stands his ground. Behind those taped up spectacles, I see wonder kindling to life in my best friends' eyes reborn.

That look undoes me. A sob tears from my throat as I reach to gently cup his dear face in trembling hands. "Oh my darling, I'm so sorry! Sorry, we left you alone for so long. But never again, I swear it. You're safe now." And I draw my precious godson into a protective embrace eleven years overdue, pouring all the love I held dormant for him into this single transcendent moment.

***

Hello Everyone

And so we reach the end of our tale, witnessing beloved characters both finally brought together after so much time and tribulation.

I must extend heartfelt thanks to all my loyal readers for joining Bella, Regulus, and their found friends on this poignant journey of personal growth, redemption and love conquering all. Your enthusiasm and engagement gave me inspiration when the way forward seemed unclear.

I leave it now in your hands - would you care to see the next generation's story unfold? Little Lyra Black has much ahead of her as she prepares to follow in her parents' footsteps to magical Hogwarts. Shall I tell the tale of forging her own path towards friendship, adventure and perhaps even romance with a certain red-headed Gryffindor? Let me know in the comments!

For now though, I wish you all safe days and joyful moments ahead. May we all have the courage to turn from darkness to seek the light.

To everyone who enjoyed the book and want to see more of my writing please check out @kateandersonauthor on Instagram and to find books to read check out @biblio.in.a.corner . Hope to see you there soon.

XOXO