Chapter 1
Regulus always knew he would die young.
It was just a fact to him. He never found it sad or scared of it. Some people just aren’t meant to live for a long time, and he was one of those unlucky people. But now, standing outside the cave where he knows he won't come out of, the fear hits him.
He doesn't consider himself a good person, one good act can't cancel out all the rotten parts of him. Regulus knows he won't be missed, not by anyone who matters anyway. He doesn't understand the fear that's in him now.
Although, now that Regulus is only surrounded by the wild ocean as it thrashes its waves into the outside of the cave, he has time to think. Maybe he has been scared, perhaps that's all he has ever been. Not that it matters now. Regulus knows that no amount of regret or praying can change the past, he has tried it all before.
He touches the cold, wet stone of the cave. Running his hands over every bump and crevice that there is. If he wasn't here to die, Regulus thinks this place would be beautiful. In a way, it’s ironic to him. His life has never had much beauty in his life. Most of it is overshadowed by the darkness that seems to follow him. It bleeds into everything that he gets close to.
Regulus can’t help but let his mind drift to Sirius. He wonders if he is happy yet. If all those years of torture could have possibly been turned into the life Regulus dreams of. He knows he shouldn’t that he should just leave Sirius alone. Let Sirius believe that he died being the person his brother believed him to be. But he needs him to know that even after all these years, Regulus still loves him.
He calls out for Kreature and asks for a quill and paper. When the house-elf returns with a soft pop, he begins to write.
To Sirius,
I hope you get this letter.
Please forgive me for writing to you; I know we have not spoken in a long time. I understand why you told me to stop sending letters years ago, but this one feels necessary. I need you to know that I will be forever sorry for what happened to us.
You are fighting an already lost war. Voldemort has made horcruxes. I am not sure how many or where the others are, but I have found one. You must believe me, as your survival depends on it. You are one of those people who should live a long life. There is a lot left unspoken in this letter, but should I survive, I will tell you it all. I am sorry, and I love you, brother.
Forever, your little brother,
Regulus.
He signs off the letter and gives it to Kreature. Regulus orders him to make sure it is sent to Sirius. The fear has left him now. He knows what has to be done.
With a deep breath, Regulus walks into the cave.