CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Hero
June 13th, 1979.

"Daphne?" Fabian's voice echoed from behind her as they laid in the back, darkness surrounded them. "Are you really going?"

"Yes," she said unsure.

Earlier that day, Regulus had come to her flat and asked for help. It turned out, despite being part of the high ones, he had continued to search where he could have hidden the Horcrux. From what he said, it took a long time for Kreacher to let him go through his mind—but he had accepted nevertheless so he could help Regulus.

A cave by the sea was all he saw, but apparently that had been enough.

"I want to go," Regulus said without facing his cousin.
Daphne frowned but nodded, "I reckon we can go but we would need to—"

"No. I want to go tomorrow. Get it done," he mumbled. "Will you come with me?"

Daphne knew she couldn't refuse him anything, besides she had promised to help him. Deep down, Fabian suspected Regulus to know that he had some kind of power over Daphne but at the same time, he seemed to really need the help.

Fabian's arm brought her closer as she laid her head on his chest, "I'm terrified," he admitted quietly, his hand doing circles on her shoulder. "I—I am scared something will happen to you, Daph. Something that may not be reversible..."

"Fab, I will be alright," she murmured gently as she tried to keep a straight tone. "Regulus is bloody talented, I'll tell you that. He knows it all and I trust him."

"With your life?"

"With my life."

"Right," he whispered softly, pecking the top of her head. "Am I still not allowed to come?"

"I'm sorry, I do not think so. Regulus is quite conservative when it comes to family and all that," she chuckled despite the lump in her throat.

Truth was, Daphne was terrified as well. She fought back the tears all day, hoping to find some time alone that night to shed a few tears but it seemed that Fabian couldn't find sleep either. Daphne loathed it--not being able to enjoy her youth and having to be here for everyone. It was somehow tiring.

"I'm scared too," she said minutes later, or hours, she couldn't tell.

"I know," was all he said before Daphne shut her eyes and fell asleep.

By the time the alarm rang, Fabian had cooked breakfast while she had tried to sleep as much as she could. They spent their whole morning together, on the sofa, a cup of tea in their hands as they stayed in silence. They could have talked but none of them felt like it. By twelve o'clock, knocks echoed and both of them knew Regulus was behind the door.

"How touching," Regulus said as he let himself in just to see Fabian and Daphne sharing a hug.

Fabian rolled his eyes, "Black."

"Prewett," he nodded his head at him then focused back on his cousin. "Daphne," he said, a little softer. "I'm waiting for you outside."

"Wait!" Fabian called out for him as he stopped in his tracks, released a breath and turned on his heels so he was facing him. "Good luck out there, Black."

"Thank you," he mumbled quietly, leaving the room.

Once they were alone, Daphne wrapped her arms around Fabian and sighed, "I'll come back."

He hummed in her hair, holding her tight, "I know. You always come back."

"Right that," she snorted softly. "I love you, Fab. I really do," she then whispered, kissing his lips softly.

"I know, love. I love you more than you could imagine," he said then pulled back to cup her face. "And, I mean it! I mean bloody hell! You have made my life much--much better. Being around you is like being bathed in sunlight, it is absolutely delightful, I'll tell you that. I'm not ready to lose you yet, perhaps I'll never be ready but I need you to come back, alright?"

"Yes but--"

He cut her off, smiling, "Don't, darling. Save it for when you walk through our front door again."

"I will. Goodbye, then?"

"No," he shook his head, kissing her head. "I'll see you later, darling."

"I will see you later," she repeated.

"You have a lot of learning to do on how to give a proper goodbye, Rosier," he joked as she rolled her eyes. "Off you go or that mad cousin of yours is going to go mental."

She chuckled, "You, Fabian Prewett, are an arse."

He shrugged, "Tell me something I don't know," he winked as she walked out of the door.

The first minutes were spent in utter silence as if none of them dared to speak. Daphne glanced at Regulus from time to time, trying to see if he was okay or not. Well, she doubted he was totally okay with whatever was ahead of them but parts of her wanted him to talk to her. Regulus had always been shy and quiet, ever since he was a child. He wasn't much of a talker, compared to Sirius.

"Are you ready?" He asked once they had used a portkey to reach their destination. Daphne couldn't quite tell where they were--the landscape was awfully green and it was so bloody windy. "Kreacher almost died in that cave," he added, seeing she wasn't answering. "I've seen things and--"

"Made you angry, didn't it?"

He nodded, his eyes squinted as his lips formed a thin line, "So bloody angry, Daph. It made me wonder how I could have been such an idiot by letting him use Kreacher...See, Kreacher, he's only a house elf but he has been my only friend ever since I stopped going to school."

"I know."

He snorted, "And, that bloody elf can be uptight and rude but he's nice towards people he holds in high regards."

"It depends on the day too," she added, making him chuckle. "Does he know you're gone?"

"He does. I asked him to not tell Mother which almost made him faint. Kreacher hates keeping secrets from her but--" there was a pause as he took a deep breath. "But he'd do it for me."

"Right. Well, it's lovely, isn't it?"

"Not as lovely as Fabian and you, cousin," he nudged her with his elbow as she rolled her eyes, slightly blushing. "Is he nice with you?"

"The nicest, truly."

He smiled softly, "He seems like it. All brave and ready to fight for you. It is what you deserve, Daffy."

"Ugh, shove off with that nickname. I still do not like it!"
He shrugged, "It's a shame because I like Daffy," he told her as they kept on walking. "I assume you are wondering where we are. Well, we are in Mullion."

"Where is this?"

"Many miles from London," he said. "He told his story to Kreacher. He's truly ignorant. Mentioned the cave where he had terrorised two children from his orphanage."

"He's mental."

"Right. Well, it took me a few weeks to have access to old files but I've managed to find it."

"That's great, I'm proud," she answered as he smiled. "How do we get to this cave, then?"

"A boat," he said. "Luckily, the weather isn't as bad as they had foreseen."

Both of them strolled towards the boat area, hoping to use one of them before night. Thankfully, when they reached the kiosque, the man told them there was only one left. Regulus simply reached for money in his pocket and handed it to him.

"Be back before dawn, lads!"

Regulus sighed, taking his wand and pointed at him, "Obliviate," he muttered as the Muggle closed his eyes and when he opened them again, the pair wasn't here anymore. "I had to," he then said to Daphne.

"I know..." she replied, setting foot in the boat. "Don't you think we will be back before dawn?"

"I doubt it," he replied quietly as he started to paddle away.

Daphne had a bad feeling as if the world weighed a ton, and it was about to collapse at any moment. As they got closer to the cave, she could feel Regulus straightening his posture like he was on the look-out for something. He seemed as terrified as she was, which was probably the main reason for her stress. All of a sudden, she could see it so clearly, right in front of her, a breach through the hill and without knowing she found herself grabbing Regulus' hand in hers.

"We have to get on that rock," he looked over her shoulder as she noticed a single rock in the middle of the ocean. "From there, we will be able to apparate right in front of the entrance and then--we're on our own."

He got out of the boat first, holding out his hand for her to take, "Reg, we still can go back home."

He shook his head, "There is no home anymore. For any of us, Daph. You are banned from getting close to your parents and home hasn't felt like home since Sirius left," he admitted softly. "That is why we need to finish what we have started so we ca--"

"Make it work," she finished as he nodded. "Alright."

He gave her a tight smile, kissing her forehead, "Ready?"

"Yes."

His hand held hers as they felt themselves shrink away from their house. Not too long after, they Apparated in front of the cave. Daphne gasped as she tripped slightly, losing her balance for a second but Regulus managed to catch her before she could fall.

"How do we open it?"

He cleared his throat, "Blood. Technically, magical blood. That was why Kreacher had a scar," he explained, taking a knife from his pocket. "Don't worry, I'll do it."

He winced as the blade cut his palm, with a quiet groan he put his hand on the stone waiting for it to open. Unsurprisingly, the cave opened itself and revealed a rather dark cave. There was only a ray of light, shining on the island situated in the middle of it.

"The island, it's surrounded by water," she remarked as he nodded. Apparently, he knew already. As they walked down, she couldn't help but look around curiously. Something seemed to have broken under her foot, making her look down. A gasp left her mouth as she noticed what was there. "Reg, these are--these are human skeletons."

"I know," he answered. "The water is filled with Inferius."

Daphne stopped in her tracks, "Inferius? Regulus, you--are you kidding?" Noticing his silence, she groaned. "Why didn't you bloody tell me? Merlin, I could have tried to be better at conjuring a ring of fire..."

"If you knew, would you have accepted to come?" He queried, looking at her as she sighed. "Right. Pardon me for being selfish and bringing you here but I needed you, alright? Blimey, you're smarter than me, Daph. You know everything."

"I don't."

He scoffed, "Alright then, quote me another wizard or witch who knows how to conjure a ring of fire?"

"Dumbledore might know."

"Albus Dumbledore is no ordinary wizard, Daphne. As much as we despise him, he's one of the best with Voldemort."

Sighing, she hopped on the smalloat and prayed to not see an Inferius appear out of the water to grab her or Regulus. Daphne knew why Regulus had asked her to come, first he was scared, second he might die in this cave and Daphne was his only chance of getting out. But, the thought that she might not be able to get them out was horrifying.

Were they bound to die?

If yes, Daphne felt a need to tell Regulus everything--from James Potter to her joining the Order, she needed to say it all.

"Regulus, before we do whatever we have to do, I have to tell you many things."

"Such as?"

"I fell in love with James Potter during my last year at Hogwarts," she mumbled. It was still awfully weird to say it out loud. "I--I fell in love with Fabian knowing he was parts of the good ones and--"

"It has been a long time since you stopped being a Death Eater, hasn't it?"

Daphne's lips formed a thin line, "I'm sorry," she whispered. "But, I wanted to save you and Evan. Barty too. I did what I thought best."

To her surprise, Regulus smiled and he smiled widely, "You, Daphne Rosier, are a good liar," he commented. "I won't say I am surprised that you turned your back on them, considering what is happening in your life, it is quite understandable. Otherwise, going out with James Potter is not."

"Shove off! He's a nice bloke."

"And my brother's best friend!"

"Right that...I'm sorry."

He sighed, fidgeting with his rings, "Have you seen Sirius?"

"Yes, I have. We get along better, perhaps it is for the best."

"Perhaps."

Daphne watched as Regulus set foot on the island and motioned for her to follow him. There was a small column with a basin on it. If Voldemort was as twisted as people said, she could bet that there was a wicked potion in it. For a cave filled with Inferius, it was weirdly quiet.

"Alright, from the colour and Kreacher's memories--"

"What is this? It cannot be vanished, parted nor can it be charmed. He made it himself," Daphne whispered, cutting him off. "Blimey, there's a Horcrux in there?"

"Yes. He made Kreacher drink it so he could put it there. It's a necklace," he said to her as she simply bit her lip, too stressed to say anything. "Kreached mentioned effects such as extreme thirst, stomach pain and delirium. He even said he had trouble finishing it..."

One thing sure was that Daphne was good at Potion--she had read all of the books possible and had many discussions with Professor Slughorn to know that whatever was in the basin was awful. It smelled like vervain which could explain the burning sensation, Aghada could be the reason it acted like a poison too. They said it's known to be poisonous if someone used a too large dose.

"It looks like a poison he made himself," she told him, glancing back at him. "Slughorn mentioned him a few times," she added, now that she was thinking about it. "I doubt it is deadly though considering Kreacher made it out, however I reckon he counts on the Inferius in the water to kill whoever tries to drink all of it."

Regulus sighed, getting closer to the basin, "Well, I think you are going to have to protect me," he mumbled then turned to look at her. "Whatever happens, I won't blame you at all. You have been a great cousin, even sister I might say and I am glad to have you by my side."

"Why does it sound like you are saying goodbye?" Daphne asked, frowning. "Regulus, you are not saying goodbye, are you?"

He cleared his throat, "I don't know, Daphne. I honestly do not know," he murmured. "Perhaps someone will call me a hero someday."
"Regulus, you are perfect as you are right now. There's no need to be a hero."

"Just do not tell my parents, alright? They'll think I got killed because I tried to leave the organisation," he pleaded. "And, please, if anything happens, tell Sirius. All of it. How I'm sorry that I've joined the Death Eater, how I've tried to do the right thing and how I love him despite him being an arse. He was never a blood traitor to me," he ranted, reaching for a paper in his pocket then handed it to Daphne. "No matter what I do, make me drink, alright? Force me."

Things went too fast. Before she knew it, Regulus had grabbed the basin and was sipping it. Daphne could only watch and grimace whenever Regulus coughed due to the burning sensation in his throat. He didn't turn to look at her, not even once. By his fourth sip, he collapsed on the floor and she hurried to kneel by his side so she could hold the basin herself and make him drink it. Tears pricked her eyes as he pushed her away, trying to breathe as much as he could.

"Make it stop!" He shouted as loud as he could, making her jump in the process.

She choked on some tears before answering, "You have to keep drinking, remember?"

Minutes later felt like an eternity as Daphne finally put the basin down and held Regulus' face in her hands, "Are you alright?" She queried, seeing he had his eyes half open. He pointed at the water as she understood he was thirsty. "Right, I can do that. Don't move alright."

Daphne carefully made her way to the water, her eyes squinted as she tried to see if there was any Inferius coming up. Her hand dipped into the cold water, filling the basin with it as she glanced at Regulus behind her. He was grabbing the pendant then switched with another one. All of a sudden, she felt a hand grabbing her forearm and before she knew it, she was dragged under the water. She could feel hands on her, fingernails digging into her flesh.

"Daphne!" She could barely hear from the surface.

Soon, balls of fire were thrown into the water, temporarily making the Inferius go away. A pair of arms circled her chest as Regulus struggled to come back up. When she made it back and laid on the hill of skulls, she could perceive Kreacher looking frightened and Regulus out of breath at the edge of the water.

"Master Regulus has to come closer or they could come back," Kreacher whispered, approaching his Master. "I is scared of these creatures."

"It's fine, Kreacher. Take care of Daphne, alright?"

"But--"

"I'm alright," he cut him off.

Daphne frowned, "Regulus come back here," she managed to croak out.

"It's fine," he replied with a smile. "Everything is fine, Daph," he breathed out.

Daphne could see Inferius creeping behind him and she tried to stand up but she winced at the pain, but despite that she tried to crawl but before she could reach his hand, Regulus was pulled under the water. Kreacher yelped in shock as Daphne shouted. None of them could do a thing. Daphne was wounded and couldn't even crawl to the water and Kreacher would die faster than Regulus.

"Kreacher, we have to do something," she begged, crying. "Where's my wand?"

"Master Regulus, he--I can't see him anymore," he muttered. "Mistress Daphne is too wounded to go back in the water, I is not allowed to let you back in."

"But--But, Regulus!"

"Master Regulus said to take care of Mistress Daphne," he muttered, his eyes scanning the water in hope to find Regulus' body. "We have to go."

"No, no, we don't," she grunted as she weeped. "I need my wand, Kreacher! We are not going to let him here..."

"Master Regulus asked for I to take care of you if anything happened," Kreacher said. "Master Regulus requested for I to make you safe."

Kreacher threw one last look at the water before miserably making his way towards Daphne. He held her hand as they apparated at Grimmauld's place. She felt a sudden panic, knowing she was laying in Regulus' bed while Aunt Walburga was pacing downstairs.

"Mistress Daphne cannot make a noise," Kreacher pleaded. "Or Kreacher will get punished. Mistress Walburga is not here."

"What about Uncle Orion?"

"Master Orion is sick."

Daphne sighed, "Kreacher, thank you--thank you for saving me," she said as Kreacher's eyes opened wide. "Oh, please! Do not act so surprised, I am kind."

"Kreacher is--"

"No, please. Let me talk," she muttered, sitting up in the bed as Kreacher hurried to jump on the bed so he could push her back into bed. "I have some potions at home that will work perfectly fine."

Kreacher shook his head, "No, Mistress Daphne needs rest. I is going to take care of it," he said.

"If you insist," she sighed loudly. "Have you gotten the pendant?" Kreacher nodded, showing it to her. "Right, perfect. Regulus was right about you. You're a good elf," she whispered, her eyes heavy and her wound painful. "Could you please fetch me some tissues and water, please? I reckon I might not get too much sleep tonight."

Regulus was dead. Her sweet cousin, the one she considered like a little brother, had died trying to save him. If he was still here, she would have joked about how Gryffindor he had looked in that moment. See, Daphne never saw Regulus as the brave one. He always managed to stay behind, almost hidden and it worked perfectly for him. But today, he surprised her and she could proudly say that Regulus Black had died as a hero.

Daphne fought to stay awake, she fought to not cry herself to sleep but the emotions were overwhelming. Everything was stirring up, the pain, the shock, the sadness, the grief, the madness--everything.

So, she ended up closing her eyes, letting the tears fall down her cheeks. Once again, Daphne was alone in the pitch dark and hoped to be wake up from this bad dream.

—————
authors note, hello i'm back with an update. last week, i managed to find all the titles for the upcoming chapters! so i can happily say that there's going to be 55 chapters 🤗

anyways, as usual, daphne is suffering and our little regulus is dead 😰😰 i hope it was not too boring as i tried to make it good until the end!

i love you all and thank you for reading!!! ❤️