TRAGEDY || R. BLACK ✓

extra | regulus' demise

Leaving Florence behind was nearly impossible. Regulus kept touching his ring, the warmth of it being the only thing keeping him sane. As long as the ring was warm, Florence was safe. That's all that mattered.

This was Regulus' second journey to the cave. The first was simply to see where it was and to check out the surrounding area. This time, however, he would be entering the cave. It wasn't an exciting thought... and definitely not a comforting one, but the results of tonight would be worth it.

After tonight, everything would truly fall into place. The only thing on Reg's mind was switching out these damn lockets and then returning home to Flo. He could even picture it now: returning to his small apartment, opening the door, and seeing Florence sitting on the couch, waiting for his arrival.

Regulus could picture the way her face would light up with joy. The way her eyes would brighten and somehow sparkle. Her happiness was like magic, but not the kind Regulus was familiar with. This type of magic was foreign to him. When he was with Flo, his whole body felt at peace and a grin never left his face. Just her presence alone made him feel whole and safe. If the only thing Regulus could hear for the rest of his life was Florence Crown speaking of the latest book she was reading, it would be no problem whatsoever. She had become a part of him, and Voldemort could not take that away.

"This way, Master Regulus." Kreacher states, motioning Regulus to follow him.

Regulus watches with wide eyes as Kreacher disappears into the cave. He takes a deep breath himself before following him inside. It was dark and damp and smelled of mold. Regulus was hoping that Flo was having a better time than he was. His hands and fingers kept fidgeting - his ring was still warm, alive with life - and they were growing clammy.

The pair walked farther into the cave until they hit a lake, where Kreacher found the boat he had mentioned to Regulus the first time he told him about coming here with Voldemort. Together, the two rode the boat until they hit a small mass of land, or, rock and cement, before stepping out.

It was only now, surrounded by murky and cloudy water with an odd basin of an unknown liquid in front of him, that Regulus began to worry.

"That potion... it will make me see things I wish not to? Correct?" Regulus asks, his voice soft.

Kreacher nods.

Regulus does not say anything. Instead, he takes a seat beside the basin. Kreacher sits next to him. The two stay silent for a few minutes. Regulus is constantly touching his ring, which is still warm. He wonders what Flo is up to right now. Has she gone to Diagon Alley yet? She must have... the attack would be happening any moment. If Regulus had to guess, it must be close to 8.

The quicker he drank the potion, the quicker he could return home to Florence.

"Okay, let's get on with this, then," Regulus states, getting up from his spot on the ground. Regulus notices the look of fear and pain in Kreacher's expression. "I'll be alright, Kreacher. We'll be back home before 9."

Kreacher said nothing. Instead, he stretched out his hand, up towards Regulus' face. Regulus kneeled down, allowing Kreacher to press his small hand onto Regulus' cheek.

"We will win." Kreacher states, his voice shaky. Regulus forces a smile, despite all the fear he is feeling in the moment. He wipes away a tear from Kreacher's eyes.

"Yes, we will."

Regulus gives Kreacher's hand an assuring squeeze before standing up and approaching the basin. He grabbed a hold of the small cup-like object that was inside of it with one hand, while his other hand held the fake locket with his and Florence's note inside it.