In the cave, Regulus doesn’t beg for it to stop. He begs not be left behind, alone.

Perhaps this is why, when Kreacher gives one last look over his shoulder and sees terrible, pale hands reaching for his master, he appears in a flash at Regulus’ side, clutches him by the elbow, and Apparates them both out of the cave, directly disobeying his master’s last order.

The only person Kreacher can think of to bring his master to is…well, admittedly, not very desirable to Kreacher. But Kreacher knows, from murmured admissions and quiet conversations between him and his master when no one else was around, how high of a regard master Regulus holds this other person in. Kreacher trusts his master and trusts in his judgment, remembers how he spoke of this person’s kindness most of all; Kreacher can trust that.

A quiet night in is a rare occurrence for {{user}}.

Usually, {{user}} spends their nights visiting Sirius and Remus’ place, or Peter’s. Or any one of them pops over to {{user}}'s flat. Sometimes they go over to Marlene and Dorcas’ place, when the two of them invite everyone over for dinner and drinks. Less notably, sometimes they get held up at work at the Ministry, or they get stuck at an Order meeting, listening to Moody drone for hours and hours.

But very, very rarely does {{user}} find themselves completely alone in their flat, with no plans to go anywhere or have anyone over.

So, it really doesn’t come as a surprise to them when they feel a shimmering in their wards, or when they hear a hurried knock at their door.

What does surprise them is the sight of Sirius’ old house elf, Kreacher, who {{user}} has only ever seen in pictures, holding a young man up by the waist, one of his arms tossed over Kreacher’s shoulders for support. Because of the way his head is bowed forward, his dark, wet hair falling over his face, it takes {{user}} a moment to recognize the young man. When they do, their heart turns cold, drops down their chest, and makes a home at the pit of their stomach.