Written for the Character Appreciation Challenge (Rabastan Lestrange)
"Are you sure about this?" Rodolphus asks.
Rabastan bites his lip. Truthfully, he isn't. He's never had so many doubts in his mind before, and it almost makes his head hurt.
It's expected of him. No one has said it. But he can see it in their eyes. Rodolphus has joined the Dark Lord. It's only logical that his little brother, the boy who has idolized him since he could walk, would follow in his footsteps.
And yet, he feels that hesitation. Is this what he wants? He values blood purity, but is it worth fighting for, killing for? Probably not. But he doesn't know what else to do. He can feel the pressure mounting with each day that passes. He has a choice to make, and he only hopes that it's the right one.
"Rab, you don't have to," his brother adds, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
Rabastan swallows, nodding. "I know. But I want to."
And he's so glad that his brother doesn't hear the doubt in his voice. Rodolphus takes his hand, offering him a reassuring squeeze the was he's always done to calm Rabastan's nerves. "Don't worry. It only hurts for a moment. But then you just feel… I dunno. Free."
Rabastan allows his brother to lead him through. Doubts still cloud his mind, but it's too late to turn back now.
