Chapter 31 - Promises and regrets

Kreacher looked at me surprised and scared at the same time. But his expression quickly changed to the usual one and he gave me a horrible smile before telling me. ''Kreacher does not know what the young master is referring to? (Whisper) Nosy dirty blood, teasing poor Kreacher.''

"Kreacher don't want to take me for a fool you know very well that I mean the locket that Regulus gave you to destroy." I replied staring at his dirty face.

'' Kreacher doesn't know ..... '' He tried to tell me. I could see his face contorting to avoid breaking his oath. Although this house elf served the Black family, his loyalty was totally with Regulus even though he was no longer with us.

Old age and the d.e.s.i.r.e to preserve his promise to Regulus made Kreacher shiver and look horrible. I could see his veins throbbing especially the veins in his throat that were doing their best to avoid following my command.

'' Kreacher is enough. Just follow my command and bring the locket. This is a command I'm giving you as the heir to the Black family. '' I told him as he struggled to avoid listening to me.

Kreacher disappeared to quickly return with the locket in his hands. His face full of sadness and resentment towards me. Tears started running down his dull eyes and his posh cheeks trembled as he prevented me from hearing his wailing. For the first time I could hear what this sad and neglected elf really thought.

'' Master Regulus. Kreacher is sorry, I have failed you everything because of this dirty blood traitor who has forced me to disobey your will. '' Kreacher said between sobs and his voice was broken. I must admit that at that time I had a lot of pity for Kreacher. A mistreated house elf but despite all his unbreakable loyalty to the person he truly loved.

With great regret and respect towards the sad poor elf I said "Kreacher is enough. I'm not telling you to do what Regulus ordered you to do. I know you miss him a lot and that is why I asked you for the locket because I know that until now you are incapable of destroying it. That is why I will destroy it for you. '' Kreacher looked at me in disbelief, realizing that he knew perfectly well what had happened that horrible night.

Before he could tell me anything, I said. "Kreacher help me. I need you to do things for me that absolutely no one can find out about. Including my great grandfather. If you do, I promise you in the future to go to that cave to get Regulus's body and allow him to rest in the family mausoleum. This is a promise that I make as the heir to this house. ''

Kreacher's incredulous face couldn't be described. Again he began to sob but this time he did not hold back. He approached my leg and hugged it as I watched tears and snot fall from his face.

Seeing an old elf cry like this surprised me and at the same time it made me a bit disgusted. But it allowed him to continue unloading his grief without interrupting him. After several minutes and after he calmed down a bit, I moved away from him and went to one of the bookshelves in the room.

I quickly found what I was looking for. Although my great grandfather doesn't want to admit it, he really cared about his son and his grandchildren. And that book, which was actually a photo album in disguise, proved it. In it were several photos of Orion, Sirius, Regulus and even Walburga. Reviewing it a bit I found a photo in which a young Regulus appeared just smiling and I took that photo from the album and gave it to Kreacher.

'' Kreacher, this is my proof that I will do what I told you. This photo is now yours. At any moment I will call you but remember not to mention anything about our arrangement to anyone. '' I said while looking at him very seriously. Kreacher stared at the photo he had in his hands which were shaking and he said to me.

''Of course Master Arcas. Kreacher is here to serve you. ''

"Now go back to the house that you take care of Kreacher and remember what I told you." I replied.

Kreacher nodded and disappeared.

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Kreacher appeared in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place and quickly hid in the cupboard. Here he had a hole that went into the wall and in which he slept. Among dirty rags Kreacher leaned back as he raised his arms in them was the photo that his new master had given him.

Again Kreacher began to cry. And between the sobs a very tired voice could be heard throughout the kitchen.

'' Master Regulus. I miss you so much.''

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Author here:

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