To a Better End

Chapter 51

October 31st 1977

Hermione was sure that Halloween dinner was always going to be a grand family affair. This time, Bella was there with Rodolphus. Apparently, the wizard had been able to avoid most family dinners with the excuse of being on a work mission. He was not so lucky this time.

Hermione wasn't sure if she'd ever seen Grimmauld Place so full.

Every person in the family was there along with their extensions. There was no sight of Tom, but at his point, Hermione knew better than to assume he wouldn't find his way in to torment her or someone else. After all, he was welcomed into this house like family almost.

Hermione looked around the room, surveying everyone. Bella gave Hermione an enthusiastic wave, while her wizard gave a polite nod. Abraxas gave Hermione and Draco a knowing nod to which they both rolled their eyes.

Sitting in a chair, looking pale and shaking his leg frantically was Reggie. Concern took over immediately.

"I'm going to go check on him," Hermione whispered to Draco.

"I'll be chatting with my grandfather." His hand rubbed her back lightly before they parted.

Reggie was staring into the glass of untouched firewhiskey in his hands, so consumed by it that he didn't even notice when Hermione approached him.

"You don't look well," she said, startling the wizard enough for his liquid to slightly jostle.

His composure was gone for a second before he straightened up. "Astute observation, cousin. I don't feel well." Now that she was close to him, she could see that he was sweating, despite the cooling charms. His eyes seemed sunken in with an emotion that Hermione was very familiar with - fear.

Placing a hand on his shoulder, she muttered, "You should lie down, Reggie."

He stood up, brushed her hand away, and shook his head. "I can't. I'm supposed to be here."

"But-"

He shot up his hand to halt her. "Mina, please. I need you to trust me. I need to be here . Please trust me."

"I trust you."

And she did. Regulus was never this dark wizard their world made him out to be. He was a kid led astray that lost his life trying to right his wrongs.

Just before she could ask further questions or offer help, Bella nearly skipped over to them. "Come, little dove," she said, throwing an arm over Hermione's shoulders. "It's dinner time."

While she agreed not to haul him off to his room and lock him in there, she kept an eye on him all night. She maintained her usual seat next to her younger cousin and across from Draco. They were both watching Reggie with caution, noting how he avoided eye contact with everyone at the table and kept his responses to five words or less.

Hermione was surprised when they finished dinner with zero guest appearances. Perhaps Tom had more pressing matters to attend to today.

Orion stood from the head of the table, the motion summoning the attention of everyone there.

"We have a special event planned for this evening. Our duelling room has been transformed to accommodate it. If you would all please make your way there quietly, we will explain more there." His booming voice was strong with a clear authority.

Hermione was already suspicious, as was Draco. They made their way to the duelling room, stealing quick glances at the portraits for any hints of what to expect. They all seemed off, avoidant. It was disheartening.

After the door opened, it was clear why. Tom Riddle stood in the centre of the room wearing a black robe. Candles floated on the perimeter of the room. There was something in the way Draco's breathing faltered that gave away what this was.

A ceremony. They were too late.

"Welcome," Tom beamed. A flash of red hit his eyes, reminding her that this man was getting further away from being considered human or whole.

"It warms my heart to see the whole family gathered for such a celebration." Hermione had to hold back her scoff. He spoke as though he were a part of the family. "Such a special day for a special person. Regulus of the Most Noble House of Black, please step forward.

Hermione saw the shudder in his shoulders from the way Tom prolonged the "s" in his name. Bellatrix, on the other hand, seemed to swell with pride as she gave his arm a slight tug to encourage him forward.

"It's alright, Regulus." She heard Bella's whisper resonate in the quiet room. "It only hurts for a moment."

He walked towards Tom with his head held high, looking like the royalty that his family had made him out to be. It was the image of a prince walking to get crowned. But the reality was that he was a boy, walking the short path that would lead him to his doom.

Extending his wand arm elegantly, Tom said, "Bow down, Regulus Black."

Bella followed him down to the floor, holding his shoulders firmly. Tom silently asked for Reggie's left arm by extending his own. The head of the red snake peaked through his robes, still a jarring sight. While he still shook, there was no hesitation in offering his skin to be marked.

The moment the wand touched his forearm, Regulus gasped. Hermione flinched to move. To take Regulus and hide him. To kill Tom then and there. To do something. But Draco stopped her. His hand wrapped over her wrist while he gave her the smallest shake of his head. It wasn't fair. He was just a kid, just like Draco was.

But they couldn't afford the repercussions of Hermione blowing her cover. So she was forced to watch the mark ceremony, while the rest of the family stood quietly, watching the youngest member of the family bite his lip and cry silent tears.

Hermione glanced at Draco, noting the tightness in his face. He was, no doubt, reliving his own horrid experience. The mark had to be taken willingly, and she couldn't help but think how anyone would willingly go through this much pain to follow a madman. But Tom was persuasive. He had information that would bend anyone to his will.

What did Tom have on Regulus? Or did Regulus really believe the propaganda that Tom created?

By the time the snake finished slithering through the skull, Regulus collapsed into Bella's arms. She shushed him the way a mother would, the way Walburga should have.

"Thank you for inviting me into your home this evening." And with a black swirl, Tom apparated out of Grimmauld Place.

Hermione and Draco left with few words, needing to escape the darkness in that house. By the time they got home, they were panting and shaking. Draco seemed more vulnerable than he had before. He was letting his guard down around her more and more. It was a gesture that was seen and appreciated. They held each other closely for a few moments, gathering themselves after the ceremony. He was shaking so profusely, that Hermione knew he would need a calming drought.

"Hermione?" His voice was muffled against her hair.

"Yes," she whispered.

"I need you to set up a meeting with Remus."

Hermione pulled away and looked at him. His face was determined.

"Is it ready?"

"It's ready."