Jondrette Girl | Regulus A. Black [2] ( ON HOLD)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

While Regulus would have preferred to blame his actions on the fault of being under the Imperius Curse, he knew it wasn't true. The influence that hovered over him was much stronger, in the form of Bellatrix. She had made herself very clear that Regulus needed to follow her every word or there would be consequences beyond the punishment he was already going to suffer through. Regulus didn't know what it would involve, but when she made mention that Sirius was going to arrive at the Grimmauld Place shortly after they did, it was enough to make him nearly collapse in fear.

Sirius and James had been outnumbered from the start, the Death Eaters using the darkness of the night to their advantage to hide amongst the shadows. Sirius thought they were going to go undetected, but everyone was already anticipating their arrival. It only showed Regulus that there were eyes and ears listening everywhere as Bellatrix had warned him. He begged her to punish him and him alone, but Bellatrix decided to up the ante that if Regulus didn't do as she said, not only would Sirius suffer, but so would Éponine.

She threatened to feed Éponine to the wolves, insinuating she would allow the disgusting predators among the group to have their way with Éponine, and Regulus couldn't bear such thoughts. But it didn't mean that he wanted to attack Sirius either, however, Bellatrix promised that Sirius wouldn't be killed, it was just meant to serve as a warning or a lesson as she put it.

Regulus wished his parents would show up at the Grimmauld Place, knowing that no matter how angry they were with Sirius or even Éponine, they wouldn't allow Bellatrix to get away with such behaviour. He wished that Kreacher had been present as well, believing his house-elf would remain loyal to him above all and they would have been able to escape. But Bellatrix had lined everything up, leaving the home quiet with the exception of the two of them standing there, until Sirius arrived.

Bellatrix, with the use of her wand, opened the door and Regulus wanted nothing more but to disapparate from the scene, grabbing his brother and disappear into the night. But down the street, he could hear the other Death Eaters attacking James, who had, of course, accompanied Sirius that evening. And with Bellatrix standing off to the side, wearing a wicked grin that he despised so much, Regulus lifted his wand and aimed it at his brother's face.

I'm so sorry, Sirius, he thought as Sirius turned to face him, looking not shocked but disappointed. You don't understand how sorry I am. You're going to hate me even more after this, but maybe one day you'll understand why I did it. You were right to leave home and I should have gone with you. I should have listened to you and listened to Éponine sooner. I don't know how to make this right without either one of you getting hurt or killed at this point. Please, forgive me, not today, but one day.

"Regu-"

Sirius went to call out his little brother's name, perhaps in hopes of reasoning with him, but it was too late.

"You shouldn't have come here, Sirius," Regulus said, " You should have stayed away."

Please look after Éponine, she's going to be absolutely devastated. But she deserves better. I thought I could be that person for her, but it's clear I was too late. I'm too weak. Just look after her, make sure she stays safe. I know she's strong and she can look after herself,  but she's been through so much already. I only want her happy, I only want happiness for both of you.