AN: Pride of Portree
Beater 1: Setting - Riddle Manor.
Your story MUST begin and end with the same word.
Optional Prompts: (quote) 'Green is not a creative colour.' - DHMIS, (dialogue) "On your marks, get set…drink!", (quote) 'I can write the saddest poem of all tonight. I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.' – Pablo Neruda.

Greek Mythology Category Competition - Erebus

Famous Witches and Wizards Cards Challenge: 2,994 words

Rating: T

Summary: Evan receives his mark with Regulus. The two of them soon realise just what they signed up for.

Fair Point

Evan glanced at the writing engraved in a rectangle of silver next to the front door of the manor, registering the name 'Riddle'. His breath hitched, but his steps didn't falter. His years in Slytherin had made him realise what was truly important in life. Ensuring the pure were protected was paramount. Nothing else deserved his time… and nerves took up time.

This building was the Dark Lord's home. And after today, Evan would be able to serve him.

The idea of wearing the mark sent a shiver of excitement through him. He would be bearing a coat of arms, representing what he loved.

Schooling his expression, Evan made his way through the large double doors.

He found himself in a dimly lit room. Presuming he was alone, he settled into a chair, only to find himself facing Regulus Arcturus Black.

The two of them knew each other from school. Although Evan wouldn't say they were friends, they had been part of the same social circle. Everybody knew you didn't make friends. Associating with people who benefitted you was what mattered; forming emotional attachments made it difficult to cut off ties when they were no longer useful.

"I haven't seen you since Hogwarts," said Regulus, smirking at him.

"So you haven't," said Evan. "Been up to anything interesting?"

"Nothing as interesting as this."

Evan shook his head. "I don't remember you being quite this sarcastic."

"I'm surprised you remember me at all, considering you never bothered to keep in touch," retorted Regulus.

Evan rolled his eyes. "You know as well as I do that when I said, 'Keep in touch', I couldn't have cared less about whether you actually did."

Regulus raised an eyebrow. "Fair point."

This was why they had gotten along in school. Both of them loved their pureblood ancestry, but they weren't so dim that they weren't aware of how pretentious some people were about it.

There was a pause and Evan couldn't help but feel impatient. Why was the Dark Lord taking so long?

It was then that they heard the scream. It rang out through the dark room and Evan froze in his seat, the sound of agony chilling him. He looked up to see that Regulus had paled, but when their eyes met, it was like an unspoken agreement formed between them. They weren't going to change their minds about joining.

They couldn't, really. Sitting in the Dark Lord's home wasn't the best place to change your mind about something like this. He would already be aware of their presence, so leaving would only put them in danger.

The sound cut off, and the click of the door opening caused Evan to sit up straighter. Turning to the doorway, he noticed Regulus' cool expression. It reminded him that he had to be collected.

"It's lovely to see two of my cousins here," said the woman at the door. Bellatrix had never been shy about her Death Eater achievements. Although Regulus and himself were Bella's cousins, they weren't related to each other. "Ready to get your marks?"

They nodded, not trusting themselves to speak, and Bellatrix chuckled, waving them into the other room.

Once inside, Evan was pushed into a seat by Bella. Regulus landed with a soft thump beside him.

Trying to regain some semblance of control, Evan fixed his robes and focussed on his breathing. When he felt more sure of himself, he looked up to find Bellatrix standing next to a high-backed chair. Sat on the chair was the Dark Lord.

Evan's eyes widened as he took in the dark brown hair and strong jawline. He could have been considered attractive if there wasn't an air of something Evan couldn't pinpoint surrounding him. Then he spoke, and Evan realised what it was: instability.

"Thank you for bringing them in, Bella," he said, snaking his arm around her waist. Evan could have sworn that she purred. The Dark Lord continued, this time addressing him and Regulus, "You wish to take my mark?"

Evan nodded. His gaze on the Dark Lord was so intent that he didn't notice Regulus doing the same.

"What do you think, Bella?" he asked, staring straight at the two men.

"My Lord, I think they are capable of serving you."

"I'm aware that they are your relatives. If I find that your answer was exaggerated due to familial bias, I will not be pleased." His eyes flashed dangerously and Evan suppressed a shudder. "Do you understand me, Bella?"

"Yes, my Lord," she said, glaring at Evan so intensely, he felt it was a threat.

He knew that incompetence would result in him being punished… or even in Bella being punished.

Then Bella told them to stand up and kneel before the Dark Lord with their heads down. "Lift your left arm up, Regulus," she instructed.

Evan wouldn't have realised that anything was happening if it wasn't for the small flash of green light and Regulus' screaming. Evan kept his head down, trying to focus on the marble flooring as Regulus writhed and twisted beside him.

He had always prided himself on keeping a cool head in tough situations but today was the ultimate test of his ability.

All of a sudden, the screams cut off and he heard the thud of Regulus hitting the floor, his breathing heavy.

"Bella, escort your cousin outside," said Voldemort. Evan heard a rustling of robes before the sound of Regulus being dragged across the floor met his ears. Was Regulus going to survive?

He had no time to worry about that as Voldemort said, "Raise your arm, Evan Rosier."

Evan complied, and felt the tip of a wand being pressed into his forearm before a pain like none he had experienced before tore through him. A scream was ripped from his throat and all that he could think was that he needed to get away. He needed the pain to stop.

After what felt like an age had passed, the wand was removed from his wrist and Evan slumped to the floor.

He was almost grateful to Bellatrix for dragging him out of the room.

The moment he felt fresh air hit him, Bellatrix let go of him and left him to recover on the grass.

He heard her footsteps fading away and flinched when a hand touched his back.

"It's me," someone muttered. Through the range of feelings he was experiencing, Evan managed to identify the owner of the voice as Regulus. "Do you think you'd be alright with Side-Along Apparation?"

Evan groaned, and Regulus seemed to deem it as a yes since his next question was: "Do you still live in Rosier Manor?"

When he had recovered enough to stand, Evan ground out a 'yes' and squeezed his eyes shut as the uncomfortable feeling of Side-Along Apparation took over his body.

Now, inside his home, Evan pulled out a bottle of Firewhisky and placed two cups on the table. Caught in his own misery, Evan hadn't noticed Regulus' haggard appearance. Apparating had not done anything to help his recovery.

The moment Evan filled his glass, Regulus grabbed it and downed it in one. Despite the sombre atmosphere, Evan couldn't help but remark, "Not even waiting for your host?"

Regulus gaped at him. "I can't believe that you have the energy to joke around. The biggest issue we're facing right now is not manners."

Evan downed his own drink before responding to Regulus' statement. "I know it's not, but what's the point in sitting here being miserable? We get to serve the Dark Lord now."

"He tortured us," hissed Regulus, looking around furtively as if someone might overhear.

"It was the process of getting the Dark Mark. No good thing comes easily," said Evan, pouring them both another glass. "Besides, it's a great honour to serve the Dark Lord; a tiny bit of—"

Regulus snorted, cutting him off. "Who told you that?"

"My father."

"And where is your father now?"

Evan rolled his eyes. "Just because my father is in Azkaban, it doesn't mean that serving the Dark Lord is any less of an honour." Turning serious, he continued, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring him into this."

Regulus shook his head. "I don't know if—"

"You don't know if you want to do this anymore? You can't even take a tiny bit of pain?"

"A tiny bit? Are you serious? I heard your screams from the garden," said Regulus, standing up so he was face to face with Evan.

"I have to admit that the pain is beginning to wear off," said Evan with a raised eyebrow. Regulus didn't intimidate him. "Perhaps that is the reason I'm so grievously understating the measure of it."

Regulus stared at him for a moment before huffing and turning around. Before he could storm away, Evan grabbed his shoulders and spun him back around to face him.

"What?" asked Regulus, scowling.

"I know I shouldn't be joking about it, but should we be sitting here, miserable, because the process of getting the Dark Mark was painful? We get to serve the Dark Lord now!"

Regulus shook his head and sighed. "Fair point," he admitted, and Evan grinned.


Evan fired off spell after spell at his opponent. The group of Aurors had intercepted their mission, and the night was full of screamed curses and the sound of bodies hitting the floor.

"Get down!" yelled Regulus.

Evan ducked, watching as a jet of green light hit the wizard he had been fighting.

He didn't have time to thank Regulus as he was immediately engaged by another wizard. He had just cast the Killing Curse when he felt his left forearm burning. The Dark Lord was summoning him.

By the time he Apparated to Riddle Manor, there were already a number of Death Eaters there. Evan jumped as he felt someone grab his arm but quickly relaxed when he heard Regulus whisper:

"It was a victory. The Dark Lord may want to reward us."

Evan nodded slowly, processing his words. He tried to think of a reward that the Dark Lord would give them, but he couldn't remember it having happened before.

As long as none of them were punished, Evan wouldn't be complaining.


Walking up the path together, Evan and Regulus looked up at the grand house on the hill.

Evan shuddered as he remembered how eager he had been to join the Death Eaters. It was nothing like he had expected. But if being a Death Eater was enough to ensure that their cause was achieved, Evan could put up with it.

"Ready to go inside?" asked Regulus with a smirk.

Evan laughed. "Do we have a choice?"

"Fair point," said Regulus. Evan just rolled his eyes and they continued walking up the garden path.

Once inside, they made their way to the drawing room, where already, there was a lot of noise.

"I can write the saddest poem of all tonight. I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too," a voice lamented.

"Lestrange," Regulus muttered, looking disgusted. "The Dark Lord must not be here; if he was, he wouldn't have let himself get so inebriated."

Evan looked over at Rabastan. He was sat in an armchair with a drink in his hand, looking entirely miserable. Before Evan realised what had happened, a drink was shoved towards him.

Altogether, everyone said, "On your marks, get set… drink!" And they downed their drinks, laughing raucously.

Evan moved to the edge of the room to observe the gathering. He wasn't surprised to see Regulus already doing the same.

As Evan joined him, Regulus looked up at the green curtains with disdain clear in his eyes. "Green is not a creative colour," he remarked.

Evan snorted. "Where's your Slytherin pride?"

"It left me the moment we exited that castle for the last time."

"Fair point," said Evan, concealing a smirk by taking a sip of his drink.

Regulus laughed. "You need to stop doing that."

"Says the person who said it five minutes ago!"

"Fair point," said Regulus, and they both burst out laughing, shaking their heads.


Evan Apparated into Riddle Manor. Beads of sweat had appeared on his upper lip from the pain emanating from his forearm. He didn't know why his master was summoning him so relentlessly, but it couldn't be anything good.

He was about to enter the room he knew his master would be in when Bellatrix appeared before him and dragged him through herself. She had a look of pure venom on her face.

"Kneel," she hissed.

Evan complied, realising that he must be in the company of the Dark Lord. Everything, including the pain that was still coming from his left arm, was making him feel disorientated.

"Evan Rosier," said a voice that made the blood in his veins feel like it had turned to ice.

He fought to keep his voice steady. "Yes, my Lord?"

"I am aware that you are good friends with Regulus Black," said the Dark Lord.

Evan could practically feel the other man's eyes boring into him and he fought to keep his thoughts in line. Had something happened to Regulus?

"This is so draining, Evan. I don't know if I can do this anymore."

"Yes, my Lord."

"How long have you known Regulus?"

"Don't say things like that, Regulus. It's not a question of whether you can or can't. You have to."

"Since our years at Hogwarts, my Lord," answered Evan, trying to suppress the memories from the night before.

"So the two of you are close."

"Evan, please. There might be a way that we can stop him."

"Yes, my Lord."

"I assume, then, that Regulus confides in you?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Regulus. He's the Dark Lord; there's no way to bring him down."

"No, my Lord," answered Evan, trying not to flinch as he heard the Dark Lord shift in his seat. "We do not divulge anything that could compromise the other's social standing."

It isn't the Slytherin way to make oneself vulnerable to someone else.

"I am glad that you have such wits about you," said the Dark Lord.

"There might be—"

"Thank you, my Lord."

"Do you have any idea of his whereabouts? I summoned the two of you and only you answered."

"You would be compromising your own safety as well as the safety of your family. Risking that for a 'might be' isn't the wisest idea."

Where was Regulus? After their argument the night before, he had stormed out of Rosier Manor. Evan had assumed that he had returned to Grimmauld Place.

"None, my Lord. He visited me last night and left after a few drinks. I assume he returned home. I do not know why he hasn't answered your summons, my Lord."

All of a sudden, he felt the Dark Lord trying to enter his mind. Despite most requiring eye contact to perform Legilimency, the Dark Lord was one of very few that could enter one's mind without it. He was thankful that his face was facing the floor, otherwise his look of concentration might have given him away. He focussed all of his efforts into hiding the images of that last discussion, instead bringing forth the memories of the two of them drinking and laughing before everything had turned serious. The Dark Lord was skilled enough to see right through fabricated memories; misdirecting him with real ones was Evan's only option.

He felt the Dark Lord pull out of his mind and clamped his lips shut to stop a sigh of relief from escaping. But his relief was short lived as he heard Voldemort scream, "Crucio!"

The sheer force of the spell lifted his body from the ground. He couldn't contain his screams as the feeling of his bones being snapped and twisted wreaked havoc through his body. It was so intense that he felt as if he was being set alight and his body writhed and twisted before he fell to the ground again, landing on his arm with a loud cracking noise.

He felt a sense of déjà vu as Bellatrix dragged him out of the room, but when he was kicked into the garden, there was no Regulus waiting for him.


Two days full of anxiety, anger and fear later, Evan was summoned again. This time, the other Death Eaters were present. Scanning them all quickly, Evan couldn't see Regulus among them.

The door opened and everyone kneeled, knowing that the Dark Lord had entered.

"Bella, join me. I would like you to announce the news," said the Dark Lord. His voice sounded strained; it was clear that he was holding back. Perhaps Bellatrix noticed too, for she wasted no time in hurrying up to him. Then again, that wasn't unusual behaviour for her.

Good or bad news?

Evan could sense the anticipation building in the room, but inside he felt sick, hoping that it wasn't anything terrible.

"Regulus Black is dead!" she began.

The shock in the room was palpable. All Evan wanted to do was leave; he couldn't stay there any longer. His own words came back to him, mocking him: It's not a question of whether you can or can't. You have to.

Bellatrix continued, "He was murdered by the Ministry's Aurors and the Order."

Evan would have felt for them if they hadn't been Regulus' murderers. From the sound of Bella's voice and the way the atmosphere in the room had shifted, everyone was going to be on their tails. They all, especially himself, wanted vengeance for Regulus' death.

"Your task now," said the Dark Lord, taking over, "is to avenge your fellow Death Eater." He paused for a moment and Evan felt his gaze on him. "Be merciless."

It would only be fair.

The Dark Lord swept out of the room and everyone stood up, letting out a raucous war cry. The first to leave the manor and avenge Regulus' death was Evan.