To a Better End

Chapter 61

January 2nd 1979

They waited until it was dark again to leave. They sent Kreacher back with the locket, instructing him to hold onto it and hide it where no one would look. Regulus, upon Hermione's instructions, was adamant that Kreacher not wear it.

As for Regulus, he made his peace with everyone here, and he knew far too much to be left behind. So they took him to their secret home.

He let out a whistle, looking around. "So this is where you've been hiding out. You really are magnificent with your spellwork, Mina."

"What are we supposed to do with him, Hermione?" Draco made it obvious that he was irritated by the third wheel.

"Well, of course, I'm coming with you," he said with a wide grin. This was honestly the happiest she had seen in him in a while.

"Reggie," Hermione sighed. "We can't just take you with us when the whole Wizarding World thinks you're dead."

"Easy fix for your problem. I can hide in plain sight."

Draco arched a brow at Hermione and looked back at Regulus. He was practically bouncing on his feet, waiting for them to ask for his explanation. Draco caved first.

"How?"

"Okay, I have to preface this by asking you kindly not to report me to the ministry."

They were both about to lurch into how ridiculous it was that he would even say that since they were technically breaking so many past, present, and future laws by just talking to him. But they were never able to get the words out. With the speed at which he transformed, she could only guess that Regulus had been an unregistered animagus for years. But what she never would have guessed was the form he took.

"Crookshanks!?" Hermione gasped.

There he was. Her familiar that she picked up in third year. His smushed face and yellow eyes. The ginger hair got everywhere. Regulus Black was her cat. He cocked his head at the name, letting out a little trill. He quickly reverted back to his human form just as quickly as he changed before.

"Okay. I'm definitely missing something, but what I'm gathering is that I'm a part of the crew, yes?"

He was definitely a part of the crew now.

*****

January 3rd 1978

After they had time to digest the events, Draco and Hermione sat down with Regulus and let him know who he was. It was another time loop. They were always meant to save him, and he was going to move forward and be Crookshanks. It was a wild plan, and Hermione still felt like there were aspects even she wasn't getting. But she trusted Draco.

Draco was working on clearing the living room and kitchen while Hermione went through and packed clothes and essentials for them all when Regulus walked in. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Mina? Or Hermione?"

"Yes?" she said, focusing on extending her bag further.

"What will happen to my brother?"

Hermione knew this was coming. She set aside her bag and sat on the bed, patting the spot next to her. She wasn't even sure where to begin.

"He goes through a lot, Reggie. He gets to experience a lot of joy, but his sorrows outweigh it."

"I want to know."

She exhaled heavily, preparing herself to relive the memories. "He becomes a godfather. But before he is able to truly enjoy the little one's life, his best friends die. They were all betrayed. And Sirius was pinned with the crimes from that day. He spent twelve years in Azkaban until he escaped."