The cave was dark and the water moved steadily, what appeared to be hands reaching up to the surface grabbing at the men in the boat. One was a young boy no older than 18, with curly black chin length hair. This boy was Regulus Black the youngest heir of the house of Black. Tear tracks appeared to line his face and he was chained to the second man. This man was tall with a long, white beard and cold icy eyes. He was extremely old and held his wand lightly in one hand and in the other was the chain. This man was Albus Dumbeldore, famed headmaster of Hogwarts, leader of the light. The boat rocked backwards and forwards as hands grasped at the side of the wood. Together they reached the small island in the middle of the lake. Atop of the land was a crystal basin. The old man stood beckoning the boy forward.
“How to get the necklace, that is my question?” he murmured to himself, pulling the metal chain harshly. Regulus stumbled out of the boat, his hands tearing open on the harsh rocks.
“You will drink the liquid in this basin” Dumbledore’s voice was coloured with force. Regulus shook his head rapidly, trying to move further away.
“I said to drink it, boy”
The chains rattled as he was pulled towards the man. Regulus shook and struggled from where he was anchored to his knees. Dumbeldore filled the shell with the clear liquid and tipped it down his throat. A raw scream almost immediately tore through his throat, images filling his mind. His mother beating his brother. His father practised the cruciatus curse on him and sirius. Images of James sobbing at his feet. James leaving him. Remus swearing his revenge. Peter smiling coldly at him from across the table at a death eater meeting.
He came around panting in pain and shock. He stared up at the old man who smiled down at him dangling a heavy locket from his fingers. Dumbledore turned and strode towards the boat only to be thrown back with a yell.
“Why can I not leave?” he murmured, facing the inscription on the basin.
“A soul for a soul” his voice was louder now and he turned to Regulus who shivered in fear.
“What does that mean?” the boy croaked fear colouring his face.
“To take this soul another must take its place” he said with a contemplative look on his face, he reached down and gently stroked his face. He stared at the moving hands.
“Get in the water” Dumbledore said in a low hum. Regulus looked at him in shock.
“Get in the water” he repeated when Regulus didn’t move “or i’ll raise the tides so high, all of your friends will die”. Regulus let a tear slip down his face.
“Get in the water”.
“Wait ..” Regulus’ voice came out in a whimper.
“Get in the water”. Dumbeldore’s voice was slowly becoming lower pitch, the waves creeping closer to the shore.
“Stop this.. Please” Regulus was crying steadily. His hands were clasped in front of him as if he was begging.
“Or I'll make tidal waves so profound, both your brother and James will drown”. Dumbeldore’s eyes had taken a cold glint.
“NO” Regulus screamed, frantically struggling against the chains.
“THEN GET IN THE WATER” Dumbeldore roared, sending a powerful wave of magic into his chest “You’re gonna get in the water”.
Regulus stared at the moving hands, he was certain they would happily drag him under. One tear slipped down his face.
“Forgive me Jamie” he murmured under his breath. He stood on shaking legs and looked at the grey abyss. He turned to face the old man one more time.
“You will leave James and Sirius alone?” he asked, his voice trembling in fear.
Dumbeldore nodded solemnly.
“It's for the greater good, my boy, so get in the water”.
Regulus turned and steadily walked forward. His first foot entered the water. Freezing cold almost immediately froze his foot. A gasp left his mouth. He looked up at the ceiling sending one last prayer to James. I am so sorry Jamie, I couldn't let him hurt you. I love you. His next foot entered the water. He fell to his knees. He turned and laid back his face looking up at the ceiling. Panic clawed at his chest, holding his heart in a tight grasp. He was silent as hands began to crawl up his legs. He was silent as he was dragged under the crushing water. As he descended into the abyss he stared at Dumbledore, his last sight would be the man he hated. His eyes flickered and closed. For the first time in his life, Regulus Black prayed.
Dear lord, keep my brother safe. Keep Jamie safe. Make sure he knows I love him.
Regulus never knew his brother thought he died a traitor to the light. Regulus never knew his boyfriend hated him for joining the Death Eaters. Dumbeldore watched as the young man's body floated to the bottom of the lake. He strode over to the basin and removed the glittering pendant. He turned, wordlessly, on his heel and left the cave, leaving the only memory of Regulus Black behind.