The arms were dragging him deeper and deeper under the water.
Down, down, down.
He opened his mouth in hopes to scream, only for the water to fill his lungs.
He was drowning.
He knew what he was getting himself into. He knew he was going to die. But he still chose to write the note to the Dark Lord. He entered the cave along with Kreacher. But Kreacher wasn’t here anymore. He was gone on Regulus’ command along with the horcrux. And there was no one to save him now. He knew this, but he still hoped there would be someone to drag him out of that lake.
It was selfish really. Who would save someone like him anyway. It was the right thing to do, steal Voldemort’s horcrux. So why was he regretting it now? What was with this sudden urge to live? Didn’t he wait for this moment all his miserable life? There was nothing for him to live for. And yet, he wanted nothing more.
He couldn’t help but wonder, what would Sirius think of him now. Would he be proud? He found out about Voldemort’s darkest secret. Would he still think of Regulus as a coward because he chose to die instead of facing Voldemort? Maybe he wouldn’t even care, he had a new brother now, James, so why would he still care about Regulus?
He felt even more arms dragging him deeper into the water, their nails piercing his skin. The water must be bloody red around him by now, not that he could see it through his panicking anyway. More water found its way into his lungs, making him choke on it even harder. Only a few seconds, maybe minutes, and he’ll be gone.
Will Sirius be sad when he finds out about Regulus’ death? He was thinking of him in his last moments, and he was hating himself for it. Sirius would also hate him for it. He’d shown Regulus times and times again how much he despites their whole family. Family Regulus was a part of and Sirius wasn’t. Because he ran away and was disowned. He found a new family and left Regulus behind.
No, he didn’t leave him behind, Regulus chose to stay. Sirius begged him to come with him. Run away together. Potters would take them both in. But Regulus was always a coward, so he didn’t go with him. He was so scared about what would happen if they both left together, and regretted it every single day.
He was choking so hard his whole body was shaking. Only a few more seconds. His vision started to darken.
He wasn’t ready to go. He probably would never be.
There was so much he wanted to do now. Talk to Sirius. Apologize to him. Finally live his life, something he never got to do.
This was it. He was dying here and there was no one to save him. He couldn’t even save himself. He was dying here and didn't even know if Kreacher was able to destroy the horcrux. What if this all was pointless? Who will face Voldemort if he is gone? There isn't anyone else who knows about the horcrux. Regulus was such a coward. He couldn’t plan anything thoughtfully. He couldn’t face Voldemort, he was so scared he’d rather choose to die. He’d never apologized to his brother. And now he was dying.
He couldn’t see anything.
He couldn’t feel anything.
He was gone.
Regulus Arcturus Black was gone.
He died trying to destroy Voldemort, but he will always be known as his most royal follower.
There wasn’t anyone who visited his empty grave. No one except a lonely black dog who refused to go away.