Before Regulus could stop him, Kreacher spilled everything.
During this, Sirius was pressed into his chair countless times. Because he kept trying to lunge at Regulus. Given his past unreliability, Gemini felt it better not to let him near Regulus. Avoid adding new injuries before the old ones healed.
Gemini ordered the sobbing Kreacher back to Grimmauld Place. Tell Walburga to lift the manor's lockdown. After Kreacher left on command, everyone present couldn't help sighing with relief. That elf cried too much.
"Now, there's a problem." Gemini looked at Dumbledore. "I need you to testify for Regulus. Many in the magical world knew he joined the Death Eaters back then. Now he's returned. I think a clean reputation would suit him well. As payment for that locket. How about it?"
Dumbledore removed his glasses. Pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. Wiped carefully. "Honestly, a clean reputation—easy enough. The Daily Prophet, with your reminder, I've arranged people too. Just—"
Gemini narrowed her eyes. "Just what?"
Dumbledore put his glasses back on his crooked nose. Clear gaze fixed on Gemini. "Just don't you think that's not enough?"
Gemini looked at him. "I think it's sufficient. The Black family doesn't need great fame now. The reputation I've built is enough. Those disturbances that come with fame—I don't want Regulus to suffer them. Besides, he needs quiet recuperation."
Dumbledore turned to look at Regulus. "Why don't we ask the person himself?"
Gemini immediately stood. Blocked Regulus. "Dumbledore, I need to remind you—don't try binding every person in our family to your wagon. Voldemort is down to remnant soul fragments barely surviving. We've had enough of this life. This credit—give it to whoever you want. Use it for prestige if you like. Just don't disturb our family!"
Dumbledore fell somewhat silent. "I just think a hero's deeds should be known."
Gemini didn't back down. "Our own people knowing is enough. Outsiders don't need to know so much. Besides, Horcruxes—you can't explain those to the public anyway."
"Then, Regulus, what do you think?" Dumbledore couldn't help asking. He couldn't see the person. Could only lean slightly to the side.
Regulus smiled shyly. Gently tugged Gemini's clothes. Signaled her to move aside a bit.
Gemini shifted to the side. Crossed her arms standing there.
"I think I should listen to the family head. Headmaster Dumbledore, she's right. I prefer quiet." Regulus said calmly.
Sirius watched this scene somewhat hesitantly. Gemini glared at him viciously. He finally quieted down.
Dumbledore looked at everyone's expressions. Even Grindelwald subtly shook his head at him.
"Very well then. We'll do as you say. I'll arrange people to prove Regulus's innocence. Guarantee witnesses and evidence. Absolutely no flaws." Dumbledore said.
Only then did Gemini show a smile. "That's wonderful! I know you must be very busy. I won't see you out! We still have much to do!"
Dumbledore watched Gemini unceremoniously showing him out. Couldn't help smiling and shaking his head. When she needed something—"Professor" this, "Professor" that. Once it involved what she cared about—he became just "Dumbledore."
Sent away those unrelated people. Like the Hogwarts professors. Gemini decisively drove Tony and the others back to Number 5.
Made Snape for the first time unable to help agreeing with Tony's words.
"Hey! This is crossing the bridge and tearing it down! We're on the same side at least!" Tony shouted outside the door. Gemini completely ignored him. Directly closed the door. Even pulled the curtains.
Gemini left a note for Dudley attending a class reunion. Called Harry and the others. Prepared to take Regulus home.
Given Regulus's physical condition, Gemini still called Kreacher over. Asked about Grimmauld Place's situation. Had him drive over.
After much fuss, finally before dark, the group arrived at Number 12 Grimmauld Place.
Walburga didn't wait at the door. She knew Sirius was returning this time. Though their relationship had eased—Sirius's reckless manner always made her feel exhausted. Didn't really want to see him.
"Grandmother?" Upon entering, Gemini called loudly.
Walburga heard the voice. Looked blandly toward the drawing room door. "I'm in the drawing room. Come. How was it outside?"
Gemini walked into the drawing room smiling. "Everything's safe. I brought you a gift."
Walburga saw her empty-handed. Sighed. "Better not. Sirius is no gift. He's my nemesis! Not seeing him—I can live a few more years!"
"It's not Sirius!" Gemini laughed so hard she bent over. This old lady—after a few years in China, even learned this sarcastic talk. "It's someone you definitely want to see."
Walburga also smiled. "Really? Then I must look carefully. Not your boyfriend, is it? That won't do. Too old. I won't agree."
Just as she spoke, Sirius pushed a wheelchair through the dim corridor. Entered the drawing room.
"Mother?" Regulus looked at the white-haired Walburga. Couldn't help freezing. Eyes slightly reddened. His mother who was always meticulous, noble and beautiful—already had white hair?
Walburga froze. She maintained that about-to-stand motion. Didn't dare move at all. Afraid if she moved—this dream would disappear.
Sirius said nothing. But steadily pushed the wheelchair forward. Closer to Walburga.
Walburga couldn't maintain that difficult posture. Fell back into the chair. Then hastily sat up straight. Wiped her eyes. Looked carefully.
"Grandmother, it's not a dream. It's real." Gemini pressed her lips. Said softly.
Walburga turned her head blankly. Looked at Gemini. Gemini nodded hard at her. "It's real. Uncle Regulus came back."
A full ten seconds passed before Walburga suddenly took a deep breath. She'd forgotten to breathe earlier.
She hastily stood using Gemini's arm for support. Walked forward two steps. Wanted to reach out and touch her son. But didn't dare.
Regulus smiled. Extended his hand. Took Walburga's hand. Gently placed it on his face. "Mother, I'm home."
Walburga's hand trembled. Gently stroked Regulus's cheek. Her throat seemed blocked by something. Couldn't say a word. Could only keep touching his face. Didn't dare blink.
Regulus didn't rush her. Silently raised his head. Looked at his mother. To him, his last meeting with his mother was just days ago. But for his mother—over ten years had passed. Not to mention the family tapestry showed a death date after his name because of his fake death.
"I knew it. I knew you'd come back. How could you die? The family's protection was all on you. Why did you only come back now?" Walburga said trembling. Voice somewhat hoarse.
Regulus held Walburga's hand. "Sorry, Mother. I came back late. I'll stay home with you from now on. Won't go anywhere."
Walburga tried hard. Showed a stiff smile. "You said it. Don't find me old and boring later."
Regulus laughed. "How could that be? Mother has always been the same. Never changed."
Walburga let go. Bent down. Hugged Regulus. "Good to be back. Good to be back."
Then she straightened. Stepped back. Carefully examined Regulus. "Looks like you suffered outside. Your room—I've always had Kreacher clean it. Have your brother take you there. Rest well. I'll go make the stew I learned in China. Nutritious and delicious. Build you up!"
Regulus looked at Walburga with surprise. "Mother went to China?"
Walburga smiled at him. "That's a long story. Rest well first. We have plenty of time."
Gemini signaled with her eyes. Told Sirius to leave quickly.
Though Sirius didn't quite understand why, he still gave face. Said nothing. Pushed Regulus out of the drawing room.
Hearing Sirius mutter a spell. His heavy footsteps. Until she couldn't hear them anymore. Walburga's body swayed.
Gemini quickly supported her. Let her slowly sit back in the chair.
When Gemini looked up—Walburga's face was already covered in tears.
"My son!" Walburga murmured. Covered her mouth with her hand. Sobbed softly. Afraid of crying too loudly. Being seen by her son.
Gemini stood beside her. Gently patted Walburga's shoulder. Let her vent her emotions.
After a long while, Walburga finally calmed her feelings.
"Tell me. What happened to my son." Walburga asked seriously.
Gemini hesitated. Then told Regulus's story. Though Walburga was quite old—that was her son. She had the right to know what her son who'd died once had experienced.
As Gemini spoke, Walburga didn't shed more tears. But her tightly clenched fists showed she wasn't as calm as she appeared.
"That's how it is." Gemini said. Looked at Walburga with concern.
Walburga slowly sighed. "I understand. Good to be back. Good to be back."
She paused. Then continued: "In a few days, come with me to Gringotts. We'll visit the Black family vault. Since others put in effort—we must show appropriate gratitude. Don't bring up that locket anymore. That was Regulus's own choice. They helped save him—that's enormous kindness."
Gemini nodded in agreement.
"By the way." Walburga rarely hesitated. "I heard you can make phones work despite magical interference? Can carry them around?"
Gemini blinked. "Yes. Um, not me—my friend. He does this easily. Do you want a mobile phone?"
Walburga asked hesitantly: "The kind that makes calls? Can call China?"
Gemini nodded. "No problem. Previously Daoist Sun's phone was modified by Tony. Tested on site. Could make calls."
Walburga turned to look at the wall. Carefully studied the wallpaper. "Then I want one. As soon as possible."
Gemini held back a laugh. Quickly nodded in agreement. "Okay! I'll have Coby notify him right away!"
Walburga coughed uncomfortably in a low voice. "I'll check the kitchen. See what ingredients we have. Regulus finally came back. Must build him up properly."
She stood from the chair. Walked toward the kitchen quickly yet elegantly.
Gemini secretly laughed for a while. Then called Coby over. Explained the situation. Told him to quickly find Tony. Said there'd be a gift if done well.
When Tony received the message, though angry that Gemini called when useful and dismissed when not—for the sake of the legendary gift, he still rushed to make a phone that worked in the magical world. Hearing it was for an elderly person, Tony had Friday load a simplified AI inside. Could only help make calls and such. Couldn't even send texts. After all, these days—no one received texts anyway.
Tony even printed usage instructions. Only then let Coby take it.
When Gemini got it—already 9 PM. Looked at the kitchen still lit. Gemini hesitated. Still delivered it. Even taught the usage. Only then returned to her room.
Harry, a complete wallflower the whole time, could only sleep with Sirius. A room was left for Harry here. But the house was too old. Harry still felt a bit scared. Might as well squeeze with Sirius. His bed wasn't small anyway!
Early morning hours. Deep night. Regulus opened his eyes. Looked at the familiar environment. Somewhat bewildered.
After a long while, he came to himself. Showed a smile.
His room door wasn't closed. Sirius deliberately opened it. Even Sirius's door was left ajar. Afraid if Regulus called at night—he wouldn't hear.
Though Regulus refused strongly. Said Kreacher was there. But Sirius insisted. Regulus could only let him be.
From the open door crack, faint voices came through.
Regulus pulled out his wand. Summoned the time to check. 2 AM. Who could it be?
"Kreacher?" Regulus called softly.
Kreacher appeared silently at his bedside. "I'm here, Young Master. What do you need?"
"Can you take me down to look?" Regulus asked quietly. "Don't disturb Sirius."
Kreacher puffed out his thin chest. "Kreacher absolutely can! Kreacher can do it!"
He pointed. Regulus slowly floated up. Was carefully placed in the wheelchair. Kreacher changed gestures. The wheelchair floated steadily. Kreacher led the floating wheelchair. Following Regulus's directions. Walked toward where the voices came from.
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