Regulus Black left Sarah Maidani's home, but not before casting a few spells on the house—Muggle-Repelling Charms, the Black Family Crest, and several other enchantments commonly used by wizarding households.
From now on, this villa would be under the protection of the Black family.
As he walked down the bustling, traffic-filled street, Regulus Black couldn't help but think back to his previous life... to Regule.
As an ordinary shut-in, he had drifted aimlessly through life into his thirties. Not fond of being hounded by his parents, he moved out early, taking on odd jobs while burying himself in the online world. Over time, contact with his parents grew increasingly rare.
Eventually, upon hearing the news of both parents' passing, Regule returned to his mountainous hometown that he hadn't set foot in for over a decade. Seeing the old, wind-leaking house in ruins, he felt a twinge of regret for not having cared for his aging parents. At the same time, though, he was somewhat relieved he hadn't stayed and become an added burden while suffering alongside them.
After handling their funeral matters, Regule burned down the old house. He remembered how the villagers went crazy trying to put out the fire. By then, Regule had already left far behind and didn't even care to look back.
It was said he ended up being wanted for arson, but as someone used to a rootless life, Regule was never caught by the police. Instead, he died of exhaustion in his rented apartment—possibly related to self-imposed starvation.
Thinking back on this self-destructive second life, even the current Regulus Black couldn't fully explain the reasons behind it.
In contrast, in this life—driven by the mission to restore the family and continue the Black bloodline—Regulus Black had been ceaselessly active. Compared to his past life, he was now full of purpose.
Now, in his third year within the world of Harry Potter, his achievements were already quite impressive.
As for Horcruxes—aside from Nagini and Harry Potter himself—the rest had already been secured and refined into magical equipment, granting him permanent attribute boosts. If Voldemort were to find out, Regulus Black's name might top the Dark Lord's kill list—possibly even before Harry's.
Regarding the Deathly Hallows—apart from the Elder Wand, which was still in Dumbledore's possession—both the Invisibility Cloak and the Resurrection Stone were already in Regulus's hands. They too had been reforged into magical equipment, providing permanent enhancements.
As for magical items like protective amulets, Regulus Black could now craft them with ease. Though he hadn't made many, each piece was unique, powerful, and exceptionally effective.
From meticulously crafting magical items in the Room of Requirement, to now being able to simply tap an object with his wand and transform it—Regulus Black's alchemical skills had surpassed his former self by countless levels.
He had even invested in filmmaking, dealt in scarlet gemstones, and built warships—charging ahead on the path of "doing stuff" without any sign of slowing down.
"Lucy! I've already visited Sarah. You really know how to pick them—she's such a lovely girl."
Regulus Black pulled out a cellphone. In 1992, when phones were still uncommon, he had already spent the money to get one for himself and his close associates, making communication in the Muggle world far more convenient.
Besides, having experienced the ease of modern communication in his second life, how could he now tolerate a world without phones? Of course, smartphones were still twenty years away.
"Boss! As long as you like her, that's all that matters. If I come across another top-tier loli like her, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for you."
Lucy Piddell had been overseeing the film production project for Regulus Black—she was the real producer.
Upon receiving Regulus's request to arrange a sighting of Sirius Black near Hogwarts, Lucy Piddell had quickly located Sarah Maidani, another Squib. Soon after, a script titled A Lone Girl's Encounter with a Wanted Fugitive was placed in Regulus's hands. Having such a capable personal secretary was truly a stroke of luck.
"Sarah Maidani is now a member of the Black family—naturally, that means you are too. I'll send you a gift shortly."
Regulus Black had just realized he couldn't play favorites between women. Lucy Piddell had followed him from the beginning, always working tirelessly, yet he hadn't given her a single meaningful gift—not the kind exchanged during holidays, but a real gift, like the one he gave Sarah Maidani.
He had once promised to help Lucy, a Squib, use magic, but that had been delayed due to his busy schedule and the fact that, back then, he hadn't yet reached the level required to create such results.
Now that a standard gift set for lovers has been made, it can be given to all future lovers—especially those who are Squibs. Or perhaps a set should be prepared for Jennifer Connelly and Charlize Theron each.
"By the way! Boss, you still have a few scenes left to shoot. The director asked me to check when you'll be available. Filming is almost wrapped up."
At this moment, Lucy Piddle felt as sweet as honey. From the first time she met Regulus Black last year, she had been captivated by his aura. Later, after becoming his personal secretary and legal advisor, their relationship deepened into that of lovers. However, he had once promised her that even a Squib like her would be able to use magic—yet that promise had seen no follow-up until now.
But today, Regulus Black had finally given her an answer. Although it had been a long wait, the gift he made up for it with was deeply meaningful—far more so than any holiday present.
Even before her call with Regulus Black, Lucy Piddle had already contacted Sarah Maidani. To be able to use magic! Even though there were only twelve spells, it was still an opportunity most Squibs never had.
Which spell should she choose? Or should she, like Sarah Maidani, have Regulus Black choose for her?
"I just gave Sarah Maidani a set of crimson ruby jewelry—each of the twelve brooches is imbued with a spell. You can do the same: choose whichever spells you want, and you can even pick the type of jewelry. You can check with Sarah Maidani for more details."
"Boss! I can even choose the style of the jewelry? In that case, I'll only need a few spells."
Lucy Piddle sounded a bit excited. If she could choose the design of the jewelry too, then she wouldn't need too many spells.
"You mean you'd rather pick the style of the jewelry and give up some of the spells? No need to make such trade-offs. Alright, do as you like. You can even design the style yourself. For me, making a magical item using alchemy is no big deal—it's simple."
Regulus Black agreed right away. It was no big deal—just the little whims of a woman. But he trusted that his legal advisor wouldn't go overboard. She would simply show her unique touch in matters like this.
"Boss! Don't forget to return to Scarlet Manor for the shoot. I'll send you the jewelry design draft later. Love you! Love you! Love you!"
Lucy Piddle poured her affection through the phone.
"Alright! If there's nothing else, I'll hang up. There are still a few matters to deal with at Hogwarts. Once they're settled, I'll head to Scarlet Manor."
Regulus Black smiled at the declarations of love over the phone. His legal advisor was still just like the first time they met.
Beneath that mature exterior was a sweet little girl. Lucy Piddle was completely different from Sarah Maidani. The golden-eyed loli had a mature soul in a young girl's appearance.
The contrast between the two was striking. How could there be such a huge difference between Squibs?
Regulus Black couldn't help but laugh. But thinking about lying in bed someday, a loli and a mature woman on either side, with himself in the middle—it would feel like a real family. Still, it might be best to pamper them separately.
Back at Hogwarts, it was just after lunch, and most of the students had returned to their dormitories.
"Something's happened! The Fat Lady is gone!"
At the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, the portrait of the Fat Lady—whose singing was notoriously awful—was missing, and the entire painting had been slashed several times.
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