The sea is dark and cold, it vows to drag us down.
Our feet forget the touch of peace and solid ground.
We're barely floating now, we can't keep up this pace.
Something must sink away. For you, I'd sink away.
"James?" Regulus whispered softly, hand reaching out to brush his lover's cheek. When there was no reply, nor movement in response, Regulus smiled. It wasn't a happy smile, not sad. Just, bittersweet. Perhaps, if James had responded, Regulus would've stayed. But alas, fate didn't mean for things to happen that way. Sliding off the bed, Regulus risked one last kiss, planted softly on James's forehead, before he left the bedroom the two shared.
Carefully moving down the hallway, and avoiding all the creaky floorboards, Regulus moved to the kitchen. Slipping a piece of paper from his pocket, he left it on the island, fingers lingering before he finally left.
We've clawed so desperately for a future out of reach.
To keep our heads above the truth beneath our feet.
I know we're only now prolonging what awaits.
Love shapes a heartless fate, for you, I'll sink away.
He opened the front door, taking one last glance at the apartment before closing the door behind him. Removing his wand from his sleeve, Regulus whispered one more goodbye, before apparating.
With a sharp, Crack! He arrived in the large cave he had scouted out a week ago. Swallowing — and finding his throat dry — he called, "Kreacher!" The house-elf appeared quickly, immediately bowing to his master.
"Master Regulus," Kreacher croaked, "Kreacher is here to serve." Regulus nodded in acknowledgment, smiling gently at the house-elf before moving to the wall of the cave.
He muttered to himself as he walked, letting his fingers drift along the wall of the cave. Finally, he found the spot he was looking for. "Kreacher? You mentioned a blood payment, correct?" He asked, tilting his head slightly as he inspected the rock.
Kreacher nodded, "Yes, Master Regulus. He did it here."
But the more I swim, the more I see,
I simply just can never be.
Living all the dreams I planned to make
Still, I'll fall unafraid. So you don't sink away.
Regulus nodded, closing his eyes in thought before opening them once more. "Wizard blood, I'm guessing." He laughed, dryly, before lifting his wand, making a slashing motion at his palm. Hissing softly as blood welled at the wound, he pressed his palm against the wall.
Healing his wound with a quick spell, he walked through the opening, lighting up his wand as he went. "Clever." He spoke, gazing at the water with wistful eyes. "Perhaps now is when I wished I knew how to swim." Regulus chuckled softly, before immediately growing somber. Now, Regulus knew, the moment he took another step, there would be no going back. He sighed, taking a deep breath to calm himself, before turning to Kreacher.
"You will force me to continue drinking the potion, no matter what I say. Kreacher, as soon as I give you the locket, you will immediately leave with it, doing whatever it takes. You will leave me here if necessary." Kreacher made a sound of protest, but Regulus only continued, "After you have left, with, or without me, you will hand over the locket to James Fleamont Potter, and no one else."
In this pain, an island rests.
Where all I want is safely kept.
I wish that somehow I could reach this place.
Flicking his wand at the water, Regulus waited until the small boat slowly bobbed towards them, before adding, "Remember, leave me here if need be." Without waiting, he stepped onto the boat, and Kreacher hurried after him.
The two remained in silence as the boat made its way across the lake. Regulus stayed still the entire time, other than a stiffening of his body as he saw a white hand float by. Deep inside, he knew he was scared, but if this could save James, save the wizarding world, he would do it over and over again.
Finally, the boat bumped against the shore, and the two stepped out. Regulus led the way to the basin, wand emitting light all the way. He waved his wand once he stood over the green liquid, a goblet appearing in his grasp. Regulus remained still for a few moments, contemplating, before finally lowering the goblet to the liquid and scooping it up.
"Remember Kreacher, I must continue drinking no matter what." With a small smile, he drew a thin roll of paper from his robes, "And leave this in the fake locket."
In this pain, an island rests, where all I loved are safely kept.
Somehow I've found myself here in its place.
And the more I see, the less I grieve.
I fade away so you can be, living all the dreams you planned to make.
My love,
I'm sorry.
Not really. If I could go back and do it again, I would. I would do it over as many times as needed if it meant you stayed safe. My notes are in the second drawer in my night table, be careful of the potion you may trigger when you open it. You'll find a clearer explanation there.
Don't do anything stupid.
And thank you for making these the best three months of my life.
Forever yours,
R.A.B
And you'll live unafraid.
I know you'll be okay.
For you, I'd sink away.