Only the Brave

Chapter 49: Wolves

Nothing in the entire world could have prepared Regulus for the shock that was walking into his Manor to find Remus fucking Lupin on his knees in the middle of the entrance hall. The first thought Regulus registers is that Remus looks like he needs a good bath and a shave. A medical kit, too. Regulus much prefers him clean—he's not into the rugged vagabond look.

The second thought is that someone, somewhere, has made a huge mistake and Regulus is going to have to clean it up. He's deeply vexed by this whole thing. Genuinely. What the fuck is Remus Lupin doing in his Manor?

"Regulus," Riddle says, stepping up to look down at Remus, who is gagged and bound and staring at the ground. Sweat is making the curls on the back of his neck stick to his skin. "Bring the veritaserum to the drawing room. Lucius, have this creature moved there. Bellatrix, with me."

Riddle sweeps down the corridor towards the room he seems to prefer for torturing people, the one where Regulus killed Elphias Dodge and saved Sam McKinnon's life. Without giving himself time to hesitate, Regulus steps over Remus. He has a large stash of various potions in his private rooms, so Regulus strides up the stairs hastily and slips through a door that can only be opened with a drop of his blood. One can never be too cautious.

Inside, Regulus reaches for the vials of veritaserum, pocketing a few. Then, Felix prompts him to take a few other things. Just in case. Regulus does. He's learning to listen to Felix, and he has less than three quarters of an hour left of it. He better make the most of his luck.

The whole thing takes him five minutes or less, but by the time he's back in the drawing room, Remus is already bleeding.

"Bellatrix," Regulus drawls, making her look up from where she's carving something with the tip of her knife on Remus' arm. "Not on the Persian rug, please. Move him over there."

Cackling, Bellatrix drags Remus closer to the fire, away from the rug. It is not Persian. In fact, Regulus has no idea where it's from, but Felix wants Remus closer to the crackling flames for some reason, and Regulus complies.

"My Lord," Regulus nods his head towards him. "We are ready."

"Excellent," Riddle steps forward and Bellatrix immediately falls back. Remus looks up and if Regulus thought Sam McKinnon was brave and defiant, Remus Lupin is a fucking menace. Very few people can withstand the direct stare of Tom Riddle without flinching like Remus is doing.

Regulus is impressed.

"Remus Lupin," Riddle says. "I hear you were looking for us." He spreads his arms wide and Bellatrix laughs maniacally. Lucius rolls his eyes, exchanging a quick glance with Regulus.

"Well, here we are," Riddle taunts Remus.

Gagged, Remus is unable to respond, so he waits. He doesn't fight. Doesn't strain against his bonds. He's covered in bruises. His sandy curls are matted, tangled. There's dried blood splattered on the side of his neck, and Regulus can't tell if it's his or not. All in all, Remus looks like he's had a rough night.

Riddle begins to pace, circling him. It's a thing he does, always. Regulus isn't sure if he does it to unsettle people or because he can't help it. Either way, it's fucking annoying.

"You understand why we do not believe you," Riddle says calmly. "You're the only half-breed ever to attend Hogwarts. For that alone, one would assume you'd show unwavering loyalty to the blood traitors that put you there."

Interesting, Regulus thinks, that Riddle doesn't like saying Dumbledore's name. He continues pacing, rambling on about the reasons Remus is likely to be lying to them. His friendships. The fact that he's been seen fighting for the other side. Blah. Blah. Blah.