out of inn: further moving-house business, of sorts
His parents are out on a social call - among the many advantages to reaching the age of majority is being spared that particular tedium - and Kreacher's quite firmly occupied in the kitchen. As such, Regulus decides it's a good time to attend to part of his plans for June.
He heads for the back corner of the library, the one with the blue armchairs. While the library as a whole makes him uneasy, the sensation is never quite as bad in this particular spot. He suspects it has something to do with Phineas being relegated back here.
"Phineas? I've a question, if you've got a moment."
The figure in the portrait stirs, then blinks a few times. "...Well. Since it's you, I suppose I do. What is it, boy?"
"How would you like to get out of here, at least for a while?"
"You must have plotted well in advance, if you think you can pull that off."
Regulus nods. "I've already done most of the flat-hunting. I wouldn't care to stay here any longer than I must, after I leave school. And I did happen to catch your outburst at school, in November, about the decline in your choices of company."
"And how did you come to overhear that?"
"That, I'm afraid, is a story for another time. In any case, if I tell Mother I'd like to take a family heirloom along, she'll be more comfortable with me leaving her presence - particularly if it's one of the talking heirlooms. And you would have some company that's neither her nor Dumbledore."
"A few moments' peace every day, you mean." Phineas eyes him for a moment. "You do realise that if you go forward with this, I'll be about the place quite a bit."
"I was expecting that, and I wouldn't blame you in the slightest. In fact, I'd probably be rather upset if you actually preferred Dumbledore's company."
"I knew there was a reason I liked you. Was that all?"
"Nearly. I don't suspect you've been graced with a Permanent Sticking Charm, but it seemed a good idea to ask, so I know how much of the wall I might have to repair."
"It's sturdy spellwork, but not permanent. A counter-charm will suffice, when the time comes."
Regulus smiles. "Brilliant. Thank you. I'll leave you to your nap."
And now that he's achieved that bit of the arrangements, his mother will be far less likely to protest. After all, what good would it do her to contradict the wishes of her great-grandfather?