Shattered Masks, Unbroken Vows - Jegulus

Chapter 5

The safe house, typically a place of strategic discussions and planning, was now thick with an uneasy tension. Barty Crouch Jr. and Evan Rosier, both recently emerged from Voldemort's shadow, were under the Order's watchful eyes. Suspicion and guarded empathy mixed in the atmosphere, as Marlene McKinnon and Dorcas Meadowes kept close tabs on them.

In a dimly lit room, Barty and Evan sat together, their faces lined with worry and confusion. The silence between them was occasionally broken by the soft murmur of distant conversations and the clinking of cups from the adjoining room.

Barty's eyes were fixed on the floor, his fingers drumming nervously on his knee. "I still can't believe Regulus managed to destroy one of the Horcruxes," he said, his voice filled with disbelief. "The fact that he was alive after all those years... and that he actually accomplished it—it's beyond anything I expected."

Evan nodded, his expression one of shock and concern. "I never thought he'd come back with one of the Horcruxes destroyed. We don't even know where he found it. The whole thing is just... overwhelming."

Marlene McKinnon entered the room, her expression a blend of professional detachment and sympathy. "Regulus is still in critical condition. The healers are working hard to stabilize him. He's been unconscious for nearly a week now, and while his condition is stable, there's still a lot of uncertainty."

Dorcas Meadowes joined her, her gaze softening slightly. "We understand you're concerned. Regulus's actions were incredibly brave, and his condition is being closely monitored. It's clear he made a significant impact, but we need to respect the process and give the healers time to work."

Barty looked up, his face a mixture of frustration and hope. "We just want to know how he's doing, to be there for him if he needs us. We need to see him, to reassure ourselves that he's going to pull through."

Evan nodded, his voice filled with desperation. "If we could just see him, even for a moment, it would help. We need to know he's okay, to believe that he'll recover."

Marlene's tone was firm but understanding. "I can't promise you direct access to him right now, but we'll ensure that you're kept informed of any significant updates. The focus needs to be on Regulus's recovery and respecting the boundaries we have in place."

Dorcas added gently, "We'll do what we can to keep you updated. For now, try to stay calm. Regulus's situation is being handled with the utmost care."

As Marlene and Dorcas left the room, Barty and Evan exchanged anxious glances. The room was filled with an uneasy silence, the weight of their concern for Regulus hanging heavily in the air.

Barty leaned closer to Evan, his voice low and troubled. "Regulus's condition is so dire, and we're left with so many unanswered questions. Seeing him in that state, knowing he's done something so extraordinary, it's hard not to feel helpless."

Evan sighed deeply, his face reflecting a mixture of worry and regret. "It's hard to accept. We've seen him in various states, but this... this is different. He looked like he was at the edge of his strength. I hope he knows we're here for him, even if we can't be there right now."

Barty's expression softened with a mix of admiration and sadness. "Regulus has always been one of the most determined and resilient people I've known. If anyone can pull through this, it's him. We just have to hold on to that hope."

Evan nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "We do. And we need to show him that we're here, ready to support him. He's done so much for all of us. We can't let him down now."

The room fell into a contemplative silence, the distant sounds of the Order's activities a reminder of the ongoing struggle. Despite the uncertainty and fear, there was a shared sense of hope and determination to stand by their friend in his time of need.