Constellations of Black

Chapter 63

It had been nearly two weeks since Regulus had found out what Dolores Umbridge had done to his children and others. It had been a week since multiple ministers requested a meeting with him. And today was the day. Regulus was pacing his study, where he would floo to the Italian Ministry to follow through on the request. Kreacher stood in the doorway, head dipped, mumbling angrily to himself.

Reg frowned, Kreacher had been angry since Regulus told him about what had happened and since people were occupying Grimmauld. The first thing was already being handled but the second, could not be, unless Regulus somehow could get back there without being detected.

"Thank you for all of your help recently, Kreach, I know it's been difficult apparating between family homes when you're suddenly needed. I can always take care of myself while you deal with Sirius," Regulus stated, breaking the silence in the room.

"Of course, you can, Master Regulus, but I live to serve the House of Black, including you and little Master and Mistress. Master Sirius is a blood traitor who has permitted filthy half-bloods and mud-bloods into the family home and disgraces Mistress' final wishes," Kreacher responded. Regulus frowned slightly; how had they been allowed within the house when it had wards alerting the family? He hadn't even felt the ward be tampered with unless it was like many other things he lost touch with when he died for that split moment. Regulus decided it would be more proper to think of later, it was nearly time for the meeting.

"I will discuss this more later, for now, just try to keep Mother's portrait content while I meet with the ministers," Regulus suggested before he walked through the awaiting floo network. Kreacher bowed and apparated to Grimmauld.

A cooling breeze went through the clearing; winter was coming soon. On the edge of the clearing, Cetus leaned against the tree, watching Luna pet something he couldn't see. She had told him of the Thestrals before, and how they were only visible to people who had seen death before. Cet looked across the small clearing, noticing Harry walking up to them. The Gryffindors gave a curt nod to the other in greeting.

"Hello, Harry Potter," Luna greeted without turning to face him. Harry glanced at Luna's bare feet, confused.

"Your feet. Aren't they cold?" Harry asked as Luna looked down.

"Bit," She nodded, "Unfortunately, all of my shoes have mysteriously disappeared. I suspect the Nargles are behind it."

Cetus smiled softly; of course, she would suspect that. And whatever she suspected, Cetus agreed.

"What are they?" Harry asked. Cetus forgot Harry could see them as well.

"They're called Thestrals. They're quite gentle, really, but people avoid them because they're a bit..." Luna trailed off. Cetus followed their vision, knowing he wouldn't see them, but wishing he could.

"Different," Harry finished. Luna started walking to a different section of the clearing, Harry and Cetus following.

"But why can't the others see them?" Harry asked.

"They can only be seen by people who've seen death," Luna explained.

"So you've known someone who's died, then?" Harry asked. Cetus clenched his jaw slightly as Luna nodded slightly.

"My mum," Luna answered, "She was quite an extraordinary witch, but she did like to experiment... And one day, one of her spells went badly wrong. I was nine."

Cetus remembered one of his father's journal entries; how a witch named Pandora and his mother worked on experimental spells around graduation. Did his parents and Pandora know Luna's mum?

"I'm sorry," Harry mumbled.

"Yes, it was rather horrible. I do feel very sad about it sometimes, but I've got Dad," Luna continued, "We both believe you, by the way."