Regulus dragged himself from the warm water, his body trembling with exhaustion. He collapsed onto the ground, staring at the clear blue sky, trying to understand what had happened. The memory of his sacrifice, the Inferi dragging him down, and the inexplicable sensation of being transported somewhere else played in his mind like a dream.

'What am I going to do? I am all alone.' Regulus internally says.

His thoughts turned to Kreacher. The house-elf had been his most loyal companion, and Regulus wondered if Kreacher had survived in this strange new timeline. His voice was weak, but he called out, desperation lending him strength.

"Kreacher! Kreacher, where are you?"

Tears were falling from Regulus' eyes. His throat was getting sore, causing him to start having a coughing fit.

For a moment, there was only silence. Regulus's heart sank, fear and loneliness gnawing at him. But then, he felt a familiar tug in his chest, a bond that had not been severed by time or death. With a crack, Kreacher appeared, his eyes wide with disbelief and tears streaming down his face.

"Master Regulus!" Kreacher cried, rushing to his side. "Kreacher thought... Kreacher thought you were gone forever!"

Regulus managed a faint smile, reaching out a trembling hand to touch Kreacher's arm. "Kreacher, it's me. I don't know how, but I'm here."

Kreacher's sobs grew louder as he hugged his master tightly. "It has been twelve years, Master Regulus. Kreacher has missed you so much."

Regulus felt a surge of relief and gratitude. "I've missed you too, Kreacher. But right now, could you take me home? I need to recover, and I have so many questions."

Kreacher nodded vigorously, his tears still flowing. "Of course, Master Regulus. Kreacher will take you home."

With a firm grip on Regulus, Kreacher used his magic to transport them to Grimmauld Place. The familiar, dark interior of the Black family home surrounded them. Regulus felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him as Kreacher gently helped him to his feet and led him to a comfortable chair.

"Rest, Master Regulus," Kreacher said softly, fussing over him. "Kreacher will take care of everything."

Regulus leaned back, closing his eyes as the weight of his ordeal finally caught up with him. "Thank you, Kreacher. I don't know what I would do without you."

As Kreacher rushed about, preparing a warm drink and finding blankets to wrap around his master, Regulus drifted into a much-needed sleep. He knew that when he woke, there would be many questions to answer and a new world to navigate. But for now, he was safe and had Kreacher by his side.

Regulus stirred from a deep sleep a few hours later, his mind hazy with remnants of dreams and memories. Slowly, he became aware of the warmth of the blankets around him and the familiar scent of Grimmauld Place. As he opened his eyes, the dim light of the room greeted him, and he saw Kreacher bustling about, preparing a meal.

"Master Regulus, you are awake," Kreacher said softly, a note of relief in his voice. "Kreacher has made you some food. Please, eat and regain your strength."

Regulus sat up, his body still aching from his ordeal. He accepted Kreacher's plate of food, savoring the simple meal. Questions began to flood his mind as he ate, and he knew he needed answers.

"Kreacher," Regulus began, his voice still hoarse. "What happened after I disappeared?"

Kreacher hesitated momentarily, then sighed deeply, sitting beside his master. "Two years after Master Regulus disappeared in 1981, a baby named Harry James Potter defeated the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord tried to kill the baby after killing his parents, James and Lily Potter, but the spell rebounded, and the Dark Lord was vanquished."

Regulus paused, the news sinking in. He looked at Kreacher in disbelief. "Harry Potter... a baby defeated Voldemort? How?"

"Master Regulus," Kreacher explained, "A Seer prophesied that Harry Potter would be the one to defeat the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord tried to prevent the prophecy, but it only led to his downfall."

Regulus felt a strange mix of relief and confusion. "What about Sirius? What happened to him?"

Kreacher's expression darkened. "The Ministry of Magic took Master Sirius to Azkaban. Many believed he was the Secret Keeper for the Potters and betrayed them to the Dark Lord. They also say he killed his friend, Peter Pettigrew, and twelve Muggles in an explosion. Because of that, many accused Master Sirius of being a Death Eater and one of the Dark Lord's loyal followers."

Regulus's heart sank. "No," he whispered, shaking his head. "Sirius would never betray James and Lily. He would rather die than hand them over to Voldemort."

Kreacher's eyes were filled with sadness. "Master Sirius did not get a trial. He has been in Azkaban for ten years now."

Regulus felt a surge of anger and helplessness. "This isn't right, Kreacher. Sirius is innocent. I know it. We have to find a way to save him."

Kreacher looked at Regulus with a mix of hope and worry. "But how, Master Regulus? You are no longer eighteen; you are eleven years old now. What can we do?"

Regulus stood, his legs trembling slightly, and walked to the bathroom. As he looked into the mirror, he gasped. The reflection staring back at him was that of a young boy, not the young man he remembered. He touched his face, disbelief washing over him.

"I'm eleven," He whispered, the reality settling in. "How is this possible?"

Kreacher approached him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Lady Magic and Father Time must have given you a second chance, Master Regulus. You have been given another life, another opportunity."

Regulus took a deep breath, trying to steady his thoughts. "We need to think carefully, Kreacher. We must gather information, find allies, and figure out how to prove Sirius's innocence."

Kreacher nodded, his loyalty unwavering. "Kreacher will help Master Regulus in any way he can. We will find a way to save Master Sirius."

As Regulus stared at his young reflection, determination hardened within him. He had been given a second chance, and he would use it to right the wrongs of the past. His brother's fate hung in the balance, and he would not rest until Sirius was free.

Regulus sat back in his chair, the remnants of his meal pushed aside. He looked at Kreacher, a question burning in his mind. "Kreacher, what happened to my parents?"

Kreacher's face fell, and he took a deep breath before speaking. "Master Regulus, your father, Orion Black, died a few months after you disappeared in December 1979. Your disappearance broke his heart, and he was consumed by grief."

Regulus felt a pang of sorrow. He had always respected his father despite their differences. "And my mother?"

"Lady Walburga Black died six years after you disappeared," Kreacher continued. "With her husband gone and her beloved son missing, she tried to stay strong. She did not care about Master Sirius getting accused of something he did not do and being sent to Azkaban. Her grief consumed her."

Regulus closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his family's tragedies. "So, they all think I'm dead," he said quietly.

Kreacher nodded. "Yes, Master Regulus. They believe you are either dead or disappeared. You will need a new identity."

Regulus stood up, determination setting in. "Take me to the Black Family Tree Tapestry."

Kreacher led him to the tapestry, the ancient fabric chronicling the history of the Black family. Regulus stared at the names, feeling a mix of nostalgia and sadness. His eyes landed on Sirius's name, now marked as disowned.

"Sirius agreed to become Head of the Family after Orion's death," Kreacher explained. "The Ancient Black Family needed a Head, and despite being disowned, Sirius took the responsibility."

Regulus's mind raced, trying to think of a way to re-enter the world without drawing suspicion. "Kreacher," he said slowly, "Sirius has always been... popular with women, hasn't he?"

Kreacher's eyes widened with understanding. "Yes, Master Regulus. Many know of Master Sirius's... habits."

Regulus smiled faintly. "Then I could disguise myself as one of his sons. A child with an unknown mother."

Kreacher nodded eagerly. "That could work, Master Regulus. We can choose a name from the tapestry."

Regulus scanned the tapestry, looking for inspiration. His eyes fell on Eduardus Black, the first member of the family to be disowned. He felt a sense of kinship with the name.

"I like Eduardus," Regulus said. "But we need to twist it. How about Eduardus Regulus Black II? My supposed mother named me after my father's beloved younger brother, who disappeared, making people believe that she wanted to keep his memory alive."

Kreacher's eyes lit up with the idea. "Yes, Master Regulus. Kreacher will use his magic to make it appear on the tapestry."

With a wave of Kreacher's hand, the name Eduardus Regulus Black II appeared on the tapestry, along with a birthdate of March 14, 1980, nine months after Regulus's disappearance. Regulus felt a strange sense of satisfaction seeing the new identity come to life.

Regulus looked at Kreacher, a determined glint in his eye. "This is the start of my new life, Kreacher. I will find a way to save Sirius and make things right."

Kreacher bowed deeply. "Kreacher will always be by your side, Master Eduardus."

" For Eduardus Regulus Black II to become real. I must go to Diagon Alley, specifically Gringotts so that Kabruk can help me return to the Wizarding World." Regulus looks at Kreacher.

Kreacher nodded. He snapped his fingers as a hooded cloak appeared on Regulus, hiding his physical appearance.

" Thank you, Kreacher. Please, take me to Diagon Alley." Regulus held his hand out to Kreacher.

Kreacher holds Regulus' hand, and the two leave Grimmauld Place and reappear in an alleyway leading to Diagon Alley.

Regulus walked alongside Kreacher as they made their way through Diagon Alley. The bustling crowds, the vibrant shops, and the magical atmosphere were familiar and disorienting. Regulus felt a mixture of nostalgia and nervousness. He pulled the hood of his cloak tighter around his face, hoping to remain unnoticed.

They arrived at the grand, white marble building of Gringotts. The goblins, with their keen eyes and sharp features, were busy conducting their business. Regulus and Kreacher approached one of the goblins at the front desk.

"We are here to see Kabruk," Kreacher said, his voice firm.

The Goblin eyed them suspiciously but nodded. "Follow me."

The Goblin led them through a series of winding corridors until they reached a door with an ornate plaque that read "Kabruk." The Goblin knocked and then opened the door, ushering them inside.

Kabruk, a shrewd-looking goblin with a calculating gaze, looked up from his desk. "Ah, Kreacher. It has been a while. And who might this young wizard be?"

"This is Eduardus Regulus Black II, Master Sirius Black's son," Kreacher said, bowing slightly.

Kabruk raised an eyebrow but motioned for them to sit. "Interesting. And what brings you here today?"

Regulus took a deep breath and explained their request. "I need to be registered as the son of Sirius Black and an unknown woman to protect her identity. This way, I can exist officially in the wizarding world."

Kabruk listened carefully, his sharp eyes never leaving Regulus. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. "Very well. This will require some intricate work, but it can be done. The Black family has always been a valued client."

Kabruk began working, filling out numerous forms and casting several spells. Regulus watched in awe as the Goblin's magic incorporated a new identity for him. The process took a few hours, but finally, Kabruk leaned back, satisfied.

"It is done," Kabruk announced. "Eduardus Regulus Black II is now officially recognized in the wizarding world as the son of Sirius Black and an unknown woman. The Hogwarts Registry Book will update accordingly, and you will receive your acceptance letter soon."

Regulus now Eduardus felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thank you, Kabruk."

Kabruk nodded. "You are welcome. And remember, the Black family vault is always at your disposal."

Eduardus and Kreacher left Gringotts, a sense of accomplishment filling them. The first major step of their plan was complete. Now, all they had to do was wait.

A few months had passed since their visit to Gringotts. On July 31, 1991, Eduardus woke to tapping at the window. He opened his eyes and saw a beautiful barn owl holding a letter in its beak.

With excitement and apprehension, Eduardus opened the window and took the letter. The owl hooted softly and flew away. He looked at the front of the envelope and saw that Hogwarts addressed his new identity at Grimmauld Place. He broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, his heart racing as he read:

"Dear Mr. Black,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have attached a list of all necessary books and equipment. The term begins on September 1. We await your owl by July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress."

Eduardus smiled, his hands trembling slightly. "Kreacher, it worked! I've been accepted to Hogwarts."

Kreacher beamed with pride. "Master Eduardus, this is wonderful news. Kreacher is so proud of you."

Eduardus felt a renewed sense of determination. He had a new identity, life, and a mission to save his brother. As he looked out the window, he knew that his journey was only just beginning.