HP: The Duelist of Hogwarts - 394

Chapter 394: Kreacher

Late evening, Sean stayed at Order headquarters.

In the early morning hours, Sean opened his eyes and silently rose from bed. He Apparated and appeared behind Kreacher, who was slowly wiping old items in the house.

Kreacher clearly sensed Sean's presence. He stopped wiping and muttered to himself defensively: "Blood traitors—old Kreacher won't pay them any mind. Old Kreacher knows the Mistress certainly wouldn't like seeing blood traitors in this house. Old Kreacher can't see you..."

Looking at the muttering Kreacher, Sean actually felt some goodwill toward this house-elf. In a certain sense, Kreacher was remarkably loyal.

As Kreacher was about to leave, Sean didn't delay. "Kreacher, would you like to recover Regulus's body?"

Kreacher's muttering stopped immediately. He turned, staring intently at Sean. "Young Master? But... how do you know where Young Master Regulus's body is?"

"Regulus died saving you. He was dragged into the water by Inferi and drowned. Kreacher, all these years—have you just left Regulus alone in that cave?"

At these words, Kreacher let out a piercing wail and began desperately banging his head against the wall.

Fortunately, Sean had prepared. The moment Kreacher cried out, Sean immediately soundproofed the room, then waved his wand, binding Kreacher.

"Kreacher, it's not too late to make amends. If necessary, would you risk yourself to bring Young Master Regulus home?"

"Yes, yes, you're right. Kreacher must bring Young Master Regulus's body home. Kreacher must bring Young Master Regulus back."

Soon, Kreacher calmed down. However, this calmed Kreacher was notably different—no longer impulsive and emotional as before. He looked at Sean and asked again. "Young Master, what do you want in exchange for helping Kreacher?"

"That locket—the one Regulus gave you."

"No, impossible, that's what Young Master Regulus gave me, I cannot..."

"But you cannot destroy it, can you? Regulus ordered you to destroy that locket, yet you've never managed it. Does keeping it like this honor Regulus's wishes?"

"Kreacher tried every method—knife, hammer, fire—nothing worked. Young Master, do you have a way?"

Nodding, Sean told Kreacher, "Of course I do. I've already destroyed two items identical to this locket."

Seeing Kreacher's hesitation growing, Sean stepped forward, crouching down. "Kreacher, I need that locket somewhat. After I use it and destroy it, I'll return it to you. If you need assurance, I am willing to sign a contract with you. How does that sound?"

Kreacher's hands trembled. He looked at Sean. Young Regulus had been like this—treating Kreacher not as a servant but as an equal. This was why Kreacher remained so loyal to Regulus.

Now Sean was willing to sign a contract with Kreacher. Contracts could only be established between equals. Other wizards never deigned to contract with house-elves, even other Black family members besides Regulus wouldn't.

"Kreacher agrees to sign a contract with you, Young Master."

Seeing Kreacher tremble, Sean took out a pre-prepared contract and placed it before Kreacher. After Kreacher reviewed the terms and signed his name, Sean extended his hand to add his signature.

"Now, Kreacher, you can give me the locket, right?"

"Kreacher will give it to you right away, young Master."

"I'm called Sean—Sean Bulstrode. From now on, just call me Sean."

"Yes, Young Master Sean."

With that, Kreacher disappeared with a pop. Shortly after, Kreacher reappeared before Sean, holding Slytherin's Locket raised toward him.

"Young Master Sean, this is the locket Young Master Regulus ordered me to destroy."

Sean reached out and took Slytherin's Locket—an octagonal box of pure gold with green jewels forming an S-shaped serpent pattern. The locket's edges bore numerous carved runes.

Seeing the panel's notification, Sean confirmed this locket was genuine. He placed it in another dragon-hide box, then into his Undetectable Extension Bag.

"Kreacher, when do you want to recover Regulus's body?"

"Young Master Sean, could it be now?"

Sean looked at Kreacher and nodded. "You know where that cave is, correct?"

"Kreacher knows. Young Master Sean, Kreacher can take you there immediately."

"Alright, let's go directly."

"Please grab my hand, Young Master Sean."

Sean grasped Kreacher's hand. The next second, with a pop, both disappeared and reappeared in a damp, cold cave reeking of salt.

"Young Master Sean, it's here."

Drawing his wand, Sean waved it lightly. A white light source appeared beside him, slowly advancing as Sean and Kreacher walked deeper into the cave.

Approaching a stone gate, Kreacher searched around, found a sharp rock, and prepared to cut his arm. But before Kreacher could cut himself, Sean waved his wand lightly, knocking the rock from Kreacher's hand.

"Young Master Sean, this gate requires the blood of those entering to open, so..."

"I have blood for that."

Sean took a bottle from his Undetectable Extension Bag containing crimson blood. Having anticipated this, Sean had prepared blood beforehand. Without hesitation, he opened the bottle and poured the blood onto the stone gate. The next second, it opened, and a cold, eerie wind blew out. Sean led Kreacher inside, seeing the pool ahead where Regulus's corpse lay.