The Hunt | Regulus Black

Fierce

As darkness descends, Regulus' fingers create a beautiful melody that fills the room. Notes healing his soul from the outside in, each one slowly mending the broken jigsaw within.

With each delicate movement, the melancholic weight gradually lifts, unearthing a peacefulness that has been missed. A sense of family returns, even though it's now only the two brothers left. Both parents have now passed, they truly did follow Voldemort until the end.

The music dances through the house, creeping its way into each person's ears and hearts. Lily absent mindedly hums along to the music as she reads her book.

In the cosy embrace of a fireside nook, Lily finds solace within the flickering dance of flames. The crackling fire casts a warm glow upon the room, infusing it with a comforting ambiance. The flames' orange hues reflect in the cascade of her auburn hair, creating a harmonious symphony of warm tones.

Seated in a plush armchair adorned with a knitted blanket, she cradles a book in her hands, its pages gently illuminated by the soft light. The glow of the fire paints shadows on the textured cover, adding an extra layer of depth to the literary world she's immersed in. The occasional turn of a page resonates with the fire's whispers, creating a soothing melody along with the piano.

Dressed in a cosy sweater and surrounded by plump cushions, she leans into the embrace of the chair, her gaze fixed upon the pages before her. Firelight highlighting the delicate features of her face, casting a warm and inviting glow on freckles that sprinkle across her nose like stardust.

A nearby side table cradles a cup of steaming tea, its aroma mingling with the woodsy notes of the crackling logs. The steam rises in graceful wisps, adding a touch of mystique to the scene. The occasional sip punctuates the girl's reading, creating a rhythm that harmonises with the ambient sounds of the fire.

As the firelight flickers and Lily turns another page, there's an undeniable sense of serenity. The world outside may be cold and unforgiving, but within this fireside cocoon, time seems to stand still. She and her book become one with the warmth, creating a tableau of peace and literary enchantment.

James is in the kitchen looking over different pieces of information, trying to find another hint to a horcrux. One they so desperately need, the music creating the perfect rhythm for his mind to work to.

A silence falls upon the house, Regulus fingers stop as he finishes the song. It was the first song he'd learnt on the piano, Andromeda had taught him. A song he hasn't played fully since, but today felt right.

Theodora enters the house, acknowledging the new welcoming nature that floats in the air. She walks further down the hallway entrance, spotting James in the Kitchen and Sirius walking down the stairs.

"Is he up there?" Theodora asks.

Sirius gives her a nod and she makes her way upstairs. She walks into the room, Regulus is finishing placing a dust cover over the piano.

"Reggie" She nervously smiles.

He whips around and walks over to her, concern smothering his face.

"Did he hurt you? Did it go okay? Did you talk to him?" He asks as he stands in front of her, anxiously awaiting her reply.

"I'm okay" She raises her hand to his cheek, "I didn't talk to him, I heard him and Voldemort talking about us".

Her hands drop to his, holding them.

"What about us?" He questions as he leads them over to sit on the couch.

"Voldemort doesn't trust you" She takes a deep breath, "I'm worried Reg".

The two face each other, a shared feeling between them. They have come to only fully trust and rely on the other.