My Godfather

Chapter XXVIII: A Dark Revelation

"Finally!" Regulus exclaimed as he pulled out the small box. They were yet to go through Malfoy's collection. So, he had been searching for the requisite equipment in his father's room. He opened the box and pulled out the ring. To anyone else, it looked like any other ring: a plain band of silver studded with an emerald. But, Regulus knew better. It was the very ring that his father had used to detect dark magic. The man had been a 'collector' of sorts. It had been one of his interests: gathering dark objects and 'souvenirs'.

He slipped it onto the ring finger of his right hand. Years ago, he had possessed one of the darkest creation in the world but he'd finally been rid if it. He rolled up his left sleeve and looked at the slightly blackened spot on his forearm. It had taken great efforts to get it off but after some tricky spells and goblins' old magic, he had accomplished it.The pain had been excruciating for a while but it was better than carrying around a constant reminder of his horrible mistakes.

Sirius had already left for work while he had chosen to stay home and tend to this important task. The emerald on the ring glowed whenever it was exposed to darkness. Red, if the magnitude of darkness was mild to moderate and black if it was extremely high.

He was about to look for something else when the floo roared to life loudly. It was a fire call. It must be Sirius. His brother had told him that he would call if needed. Regulus stood, and exited the room, pulling the door behind him as he left.

******

Harry closed his Transfiguration textbook and pumped his fist in the air. He had successfully completely one of the four essays that had been assigned to the students for the vacations. His father had told him to have it completed by the end of the day and so, he had done as told.

He decided that after two hours of dutifully doing his homework, he deserved a break. He grabbed his Nimbus Two Thousand and stepped out of his room. That's when he noticed it.

The door on the far end of the first floor was slightly ajar. Harry frowned a bit at that. It was one of those rooms in which he wasn't allowed. Sirius had given him explicit instructions to stay out of those rooms. So far, he had followed that particular rule without any complaint.

But now, when he saw the open door, he started to get curious. He hadn't realized it before but he really wanted to know what was in those rooms. He looked around and saw that Regulus was nowhere to be seen and his father wasn't at home. Don't do this. Don't do this. It's a bad, bad idea. He firmly told himself but ultimately, curiosity got the better of him.

While the sensible side of him knew that it wasn't the right thing to do, his legs automatically moved towards the door. Harry stopped at the door and peered inside. He couldn't make out anything much other than a wardrobe. He pushed the door and quietly stepped inside. He took in his surroundings as he stood at the entrance.

It obviously was someone's bedroom. It was rather sparsely furnished and contained nothing more than a bed, a wardrobe, a nightstand, a desk and another door that probably led to the bathroom. The furniture was old but had a sort of elegant charm to it, like the rest of the house. Despite the expensive decor, the room had a rather dark feel to it.

A trunk lay on the floor, thrown open. Harry knelt down in front of it, wanting to take a closer look at the contents. Most of the objects in the trunk were securely wrapped and sealed. There was a small box that had been recently opened. Cautiously, he grabbed the lid of the trunk and pulled it down. The name was faded but Harry could still make out the letters: Orion Black. It belonged to Sirius' father.

"I thought Sirius asked you to stay out of these rooms?" Harry nearly jumped out of his skin and turned around. Regulus was leaning against the door with his arms loosely crossed across his chest. Harry gulped, desperately trying to find a way to explain himself. The man didn't appear angry but he didn't look particularly pleased either.