The Other Side: A Harry Potter FanFiction

Chapter XIV

"You're sure he didn't say what he wanted?" Regulus asked, pulling his Death Eater mask off at the gates of Hogwarts.

            "Positive," Snape replied as the gates opened. "All the letter said was to bring you today, so I have." He stepped through the gates and up the path towards the looming castle. Storm clouds overhead made the castle appear more frightening than Regulus remembered, but he followed Snape past the lake and abandoned Quidditch Pitch.

            Vaguely, Regulus remembered the years he spent there, roaming the school grounds as a child, loathing his older brother. It was hard to believe at one time in his life, Regulus had actually been so stupid.

            They reached the great front doors, which opened automatically for them. Snape led Regulus through the empty corridors that had once been filled with students, eager to learn more magic.

            It was in what used to be the Headmaster's Office where the Dark Lord held his more private meetings. Snape whispered a password under his breath, and a stone staircase appeared.

            At the great door that led into the office, Snape knocked three times.

            "Come in," said a low, airy voice.

            Snape pushed the door open and stepped inside, Regulus following closely behind. "My Lord," he said, bowing his head.

            "Severus," said the man who sat in a large chair behind a cluttered desk. His skin was pale and his face wrinkled. His long fingers patted the head of a large snake that was curled around his feet. When the man's dark eyes caught sight of Regulus, he greeted with false cheeriness, "Why, hello Regulus. It has certainly been some time since I've seen you at one of my meetings."

            "I am sorry, my Lord," Regulus apologized, "I have been fulfilling the duties you placed upon me; watching the neighborhood where my brother-I'm sorry, where Mr. Black-is supposed to be in hiding. You will be pleased to discover that there is no sight of him."

            "Wonderful," the Dark Lord said, "But this is not the reason I have called you here today, Regulus."

            Regulus flexed his fingers, something he did when he was anxious. "Why have you called me, then?"

            "You are not the only Death Eater I've had watching that neighborhood," he said, "I've also had your cousin, Bellatrix, and her husband keeping an eye out. And, just last night, they told me something rather peculiar. They said they saw you outside, in the dead of night, with a few muggles. They said you took them into an alley, where you Apparated them, one-by-one, to an unknown location. Tell me, is this not true?"

            Regulus gulped. "I'm sorry, my Lord?"

            "If I am not mistaken, you were aiding known fugitives," the Dark Lord said without even a hint of anger in his tone. "I am merely asking if this is the truth."

            Regulus looked at Snape nervously. "I...I..."

            "So it is true, then." He shook his head. "You've disappointed me, Regulus."

            "My Lord-"

            "Quiet!" he shouted, "Severus, bring him to me."

            Automatically, Snape reached over and grasped Regulus's cloaked arm tightly. He leaned over and whispered harshly in his ear, "I'm sorry." Then he dragged him towards the Dark Lord.

            "You know what I do to traitors, Regulus," he growled, "I give you two options; tell me where the Refuge is, and you will die quickly without any pain."

            Regulus glared. "My other option?"

            "You die a most agonizing death," he replied, "And my dear Nagini becomes a very happy snake."

            Regulus was silent for a moment. His throat felt tight, and his fists were clenched at his side, his knuckles white. Finally, he said, "I will never tell you anything. My loyalty lies with the Order of the Phoenix until death takes me."

            The Dark Lord smiled coldly. "You've chosen your fate then?"

            "Yes," Regulus said quietly, "I have."

            "You die a brave man," he said. His long, pale fingers curled under his chin. The snake slithered around his feet, hissing menacingly. An ugly grin stretched across his face moments before he said, "Nagini, my darling. Breakfast is served."

            Regulus didn't even have a moment to close his eyes and pray; before he could, the snake lunged out from under the desk, wrapped itself around him, constricting his lungs so he couldn't breathe.

            It was all over. Moments before Regulus completely blacked out from lack of oxygen, he saw nothing but the snake's horrible mouth, its jaw opened to its extent, waiting to swallow its victim whole.