Mine to Protect

Chapter 6: The Dark Mark

Authors Note

Dear Readers,

I apologize for the brief pause in our updates over the past 4 days. Due to unforeseen circumstances, there was a slight delay in content delivery.

I appreciate your patience and continued support during this time. Rest assured, we are back on track and eager to provide you with more engaging content very soon.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,
Rrypottah

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Regulus led Aurora to a hidden room deep within the dungeons of Hogwarts—a place she had never been before. The air was thick with an oppressive darkness, and the walls seemed to hum with ancient, malevolent magic.

"This is where it all begins," Regulus said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Where the lines between right and wrong start to blur."

Aurora felt a chill run down her spine as she looked around the room. "What is this place?"

"It's a meeting room," Regulus explained, his expression grim. "For those who have pledged their loyalty to the Dark Lord."

Aurora's eyes widened in shock. "You mean...?"

"Yes," Regulus confirmed, his voice heavy with regret. "This is where the Death Eaters gather. Where they plan their attacks, their strategies. Where they decide who lives and who dies."

Aurora felt her stomach churn with nausea. "Regulus, how could you...?"

"I didn't have a choice," he said quickly, his voice pleading. "My parents—they pushed me into it. I was just a boy, Aurora. I didn't know what I was getting into."

Aurora's heart ached for him, but at the same time, she felt a surge of anger. "And now? What about now, Regulus? You're still a part of this—still doing their bidding."

Regulus looked away, shame written all over his face. "I know. And I hate myself for it every day. But it's too late for me. I can't get out."

"Then why are you telling me this?" she demanded, tears of frustration and fear welling up in her eyes. "Why warn me if there's nothing I can do?"

"Because I want to protect you," he said, his voice breaking. "Because I care about you, Aurora. And I don't want you to get hurt."

Aurora's breath caught in her throat. She had never seen Regulus like this—so vulnerable, so desperate. It was as if all the walls he had built around himself were crumbling, revealing the scared, conflicted boy beneath.

"Regulus," she whispered, stepping closer to him, "there has to be a way out. There has to be something we can do."

Regulus shook his head, his expression tortured. "You don't understand. The Dark Lord—he's powerful, more powerful than you can imagine. If he finds out I've betrayed him, he'll kill me. And he won't stop there. He'll come after you, after James, after everyone we care about."

Aurora's mind raced as she tried to think of a solution, but the enormity of the situation was overwhelming. "Then we have to fight back," she said, her voice trembling but determined. "We can't let him win."

Regulus looked at her, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "You're braver than I'll ever be, Aurora. But this isn't a fight we can win on our own."

"Then we find allies," she insisted. "We can't be the only ones who want to stop him."

Regulus seemed to consider her words, but the fear in his eyes remained. "You're risking everything, Aurora. Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Aurora reached out and took his hand, squeezing it tightly. "I'd risk anything to keep the people I love safe. Including you."

For a moment, they stood there in silence, the weight of the decision hanging heavily between them. Finally, Regulus nodded, his grip tightening on her hand.

"Then we do this together," he said, a steely resolve in his voice. "But you have to promise me one thing."

"What's that?" Aurora asked.

"If anything happens to me," Regulus said, his voice barely above a whisper, "you need to walk away. Don't look back. Don't try to save me. Just keep yourself safe."

Aurora's heart clenched at the thought, but she nodded, knowing that it was a promise she might not be able to keep. "I promise."

Regulus gave her a sad smile, as if he knew what she was thinking. "Thank you."

As they left the dark room and made their way back to the safety of the castle, Aurora couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to embark on a dangerous path—one that could change everything. But no matter what happened, she knew one thing for certain: she wouldn't let Regulus face it alone.

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