Chapter 2
Since Sirius left during his fourth year and Regulus’ third, Regulus had only caught glimpses of his brother. Mostly, Sirius and his friends would sneer at Regulus and walk the other way. Occasionally, James would look at him with pure hatred. That was three years ago.
Things had gotten more challenging since then. There was a war coming. Or maybe, they were already fighting it. Regulus knew he and Sirius were on opposite sides. Or rather, fate had placed them on opposite sides. Regulus now understood that the golden cord actually represented Sirius. His life path, full of promise and hope. Goodness. Regulus was destined for darkness. So, yeah they were on opposite sides of the war.
Regulus’ parents were followers of the Dark Lord. His cousins were also part of his following, and it was expected that Regulus would be too. He didn’t care much for the Dark Lord, and found many holes in his plan to rid the world of mudbloods and enslave muggles.
Regulus waited, for his cords, his choices to appear. To see if maybe he was wrong. Maybe he didn’t have to go down the path towards the darkness. They didn’t appear.
The summer before his sixth year, things were heating up. The Dark Lord and his followers were now killing muggles, and targeting the parents of muggleborn students who went to Hogwarts.
His parents were delighted.
One summer day, about mid July, his mother told him they would be having company and that he was to be on his best behavior. That night, Regulus, his parents, and a few other members of pureblood society - like his cousin Bellatrix, were gathered at Grimmauld Place. At the head of the table sat the Dark Lord himself. Regulus felt now the fear and coldness that he had predicted the night Sirius left. He suddenly wished he could yank on his golden cord.
“Regulus, your family tells me you are a very talented wizard. You have strong spell work and are at the top of your class at Hogwarts.”
Regulus looked at the man who was speaking. He sounded like a man and for the most part looked like a man, but there was something… other about him. “Yes, well my family has always seemed to brag on my accomplishments.”
Bellatrix laughed and Narcissa cut in, “Oh Reg, don’t be humble. You are very talented. Also a prefect. Sure to be head boy next year!”
The Dark Lord made a sound of approval and looked at Regulus. As if trying to figure out a secret. “Regulus, it would be helpful for me to have you join my ranks. You would be the youngest Death Eater, and would surely rise to great power as you come of age.”
Regulus felt a pit in his stomach. He didn’t want to become a death eater. He didn’t want that at all. His mother seemed almost joyful, but his father seemed apprehensive.
“While we would do anything to serve you, my Lord, I would prefer my son to finish his studies.”
Voldemort nodded, “Of course. I merely wish him to take the mark, and keep an eye on Dumbledore. I have heard he is gathering an army. He never leaves his precious school, so I am sure it has to be there that he is building it. I’m sure you could handle that, Regulus?”
The Dark Mark. Regulus had seen is in the sky, and on the arms of his friends' parents. They wore it as a badge of honor. Regulus did not agree with them. Regulus saw his paths. The dark black cord that lead to the pain, fear, and loneliness. The other path, had no chord. He simply saw himself dead on the floor.
“Of course he will take the mark!” His cousin answered for him. “It is a great honor, Reg. You may make up for that blood traitor after all.”
“It’s settled then. Regulus, your arm.”
Regulus did not remember much of the night after that. Voldemort pulled up his sleeve, and the next thing he knew, Regulus was in the worst pain of his life. Even a crucio was better than this. He felt as if he was being burned on the inside. The last thing he remembers is Kreacher taking him to his room.
He woke up 3 days later. He dreamed of the hands and the water filling his lungs, and only woke up when he was about to call the name of someone who would not be coming for him.