A/N: It's been a while since I last updated so I will briefly recap the previous chapter: a group of Death Eaters have just attacked a city pertol station and the explosion has caused Sirius to loose the Muggle woman, Janice, he was trying to escort to safety. Searching in the ash and debris, he qucikly runs into the nasty group of dark wizards and witches, to the delight of Bellatrix of course. Having caught up with his friend, James knocks him out of the way of his cousin's Killing Curse, and the two of them face their enemies, back to back. The result of this situation is later revealed here in a flashback.
Chapter 10: For Better or For Worse
The night pressed down thick and heavy over the sparsely populated countryside, and the intermittent branch of lightening streaked across the cloudy sky as the distant rumbles of thunder followed in its wake. No breeze stirred the air and silence covered the area like a great muffling veil, broken only by the occasional shrill cry of a night bird, dark and unwelcoming in the emptiness of the dirt lane.
It was along this lonesome path that two shapes trod, their loose black cloaks streaming out behind them and seeming to melt into the encompassing darkness. The lane's lack of streetlights proved no hindrance as both wizard and witch held aloft a wand crowned at the tip with a ring of brilliant white light. Ahead of them the dirt road stretched onward to be swallowed up by the night, while on either side a dilapidated stone wall created a crude border, with many of its ancient rocks lying useless on the ground, untended and forgotten. To the far right, obscured by inky low hanging clouds sat a small sleepy village sheltered in the distant valley. The few Muggles who still dwelled there were simple country folk and seldom ventured as far out as the winding lane, believing the place to be haunted due to its recent history of strange and frightening occurrences.
The pair of figures continued on through the evening, their robes swishing in rhythm with their steps as lightening arced overhead heralding the approaching the storm.
"Any trouble getting here?" the taller of the figures inquired, not so much out of interest but rather to broke the stale silence.
"No more than usual," Regulus replied. "Creep past Slughorn's office, through the portrait passage, dodge the Auror patrols…. Thank Merlin the Dark Lord grants me a little tardiness under the circumstances. The last few times I was lucky enough to be at Hogsmeade when I felt the summons and it was only a matter of getting out of sight and then Apparating."
"Of course that was during the day," said Bellatrix, glancing at him. "No nighttime visits to Hogsmeade—at least none that are permitted."
There was a pause before she continued, as both of them had stopped, listening to ensure they were not leading along any unwelcome followers. Then, certain they were alone, they resumed their march.
"I assume you use the Floo Network to leave the castle, then?"
Regulus nodded, but then remembered that she probably could not see such a subtle movement in the darkness.
"I have found no better way," he said. "The Gargoyle Gate is locked shut and covered with enchantments. The fireplaces in Hogwarts are the only thing not watched by the Ministry, and once in Hogsmeade, again, all I need to do is Apparate."
Another pause commenced in which the claps of thunder sounded particularly loud as they echoed in the right-side valley.
"You've finally made it, Regulus."
The abruptness of the statement and its ambiguity surprised him, and he looked at her with a blank expression, uncertain.
"I admit in the beginning I doubted whether or not you could survive as one of us," Bellatrix explained, turning her gaze away in front of her. "I worried that your expectations deviated too much from the reality you would face while in his service, and that you wouldn't be strong and determined enough to meet the demands of the Dark Lord. But you have persisted, and even he has taken notice over the past months that whatever hesitation and regrets you held in the beginning they have been replaced by healthy loyalty and willingness." She gave him an approving smile, genuine though made slightly unnerving beneath the fanatical gleam that shone in her dark eyes when she spoke of such devotion to their Master. "You should be proud, little cousin."
The two Death Eaters hurried on in an easier quiet, though inside his mind Regulus pondered the rare compliment. It was true, he realized, that something about him had changed—for better or for worse would depend on the side one was on. The crimes that he and his companions had committed would forever be burned into his memory, to horrible to forget…. But having been a part of them and having witnessed such displays over and over…. An awful sense of indifference seemed to have developed before he was even aware of it.
Regulus was jolted out of his reverie by a series of sudden events that happened almost simultaneously. A reddish-brown creature sprinted into the lane in front of them, and they raised their wands, Bellatrix already halfway through performing the Killing Curse. At the same time there was a loud reverberating CRACK followed closely by a softer pop, and Regulus collided with something hard, knocking the air from his lungs and causing him to stumble back. A blinding point of light was thrust into his face and he looked up at the wizard who had just materialized out of thin air before him. He heard Bellatrix hiss irritably from beside him, and he risked a glance to see that she was in a similar situation with a witch who had likewise Apparated.
No one moved. A fresh bolt of lightning lit up the night with a strange, bluish glow. Then, seeming to have recognized them in the brief flash, the new arrivals lowered their wands, and Regulus could clearly see two more Death Eaters standing there, the light from their illuminated weapons glinting off their silver masks, which they no removed.
"What were you—" Lucius Malfoy frowned at Regulus' cousin, but stopped abruptly. A shrill squeak had sounded from nearby and the long furry animal that had frozen in terror at the unexpected appearance now attempted to complete its escape across the road. Rapidly redirecting his wand, Lucius shouted, "Avada Kedavra!"
A burst of green rent the night and the small animal fell over on its side, dead. Lucius' partner, a short curly-haired witch whose name Regulus had forgotten, approached the limp form and kicked it over, checking to see if it was an Animagus.
"Plop goes the weasel," Bellatrix grinned unpleasantly, "though I'm sure, Lucius, you would rather it 'Weasley.'"
"Well, one thing is for certain," the blonde-haired wizard smirked, "if Arthur Weasley was an Animagus, then a weasel would no doubt suit him. Now come, we are expected."
The group turned and resumed its journey north along the dreary dirt path, and it was not long before the four travelers entered a long graveled drive on the left that was practically invisible amidst a thick forest of evergreens; their bristled boughs hung low over the entrance like giant hands, waiting.
As the Death Eaters passed beneath the organic arch, the branches appeared to quiver slightly, almost threateningly; but then Lucius held up his left arm, letting the sleeve slide down to uncover the dark skull and snake mark of their master, and the trees obediently returned to their dormant postures above.
Soon a large old house rose up out of the blackness, and Regulus gazed upon the familiar decrepit building with its weather-beaten exterior, loose or missing boards, and busted shutters: overall, a scene of death and decay. The great rotted door trembled open at their approach, and the four stepped over the threshold and into a different world; inside was a long polished hall, elegant in contrast to the outside, though it was not without the usual decorations of dust and cobwebs. Behind the ruinous walls nothing of the concealed interior could be guessed, for the building's outer appearance itself had been charmed to discourage the curiosity of unwanted eyes.
The claps of their boots and shoes rang throughout the musty air as the group made its way down the empty passage, passing by the room they normally occupied for meetings; instead they turned the cold knob of a second heavy wooden door to the side and entered.
The dim parlor was filled with about a dozen robed people seated around an enormous bare table in the center of the spacious room. Illumination came from a silver web-shrouded chandelier dangling from the high ceiling, and underneath its flickering candlelight many of the gathered Death Eaters were talking excitedly in hushed voices. The high-backed chair at the head of the table was empty.
Regulus' party strode forward, taking their places amongst the throng of followers. As Regulus sat down on the creaky chair the man next to him clapped him on the shoulder and gave him a twisted grin.
"Well, Black here was present, he can fill you in," announced Dolohov.
Regulus blinked uncomfortably as numerous eyes turned toward him. "Er, fill them in on….?"
Avery caught his attention from across the table and answered, "Saturday night—they heard there was a spectacular light show for the Muggles, if you know what I mean. One of the best attacks yet, in my opinion, even despite the bloody Order members who decided it was time to end the fun. But after we knock two of them out—"
"We?" Lucius raised his eyebrows. "Don't flatter yourself, Avery. Negotiations with a wand were never your strong point."
Avery frowned and closed his mouth, turning slightly pink as several smiles flashed in his direction.
"Well, go on then, Regulus," Snape said. "They've been pestering me for the past hour about what happened after the petrol station's explosive finale."
Seeing that the others were waiting for him to recount the night's tale, Regulus began, "After the station was destroyed…."
Flashback
Blackness smothered the broken neighborhood as it lay consumed in fire and debris. The smell of gasoline hung heavy upon the air. Suddenly, as rough warning sounded in the stillness.
"On your left!" Macnair shouted, his thick voice muffled behind his silver mask. Lucius spun around as a green-robes figure advanced on him; there was a blinding flash as Lucius raised his wand, and the Auror was thrown backward and disappeared beyond the veil of ash and smoke. A second jumped forward to take his place, but Regulus quickly knocked him out of the way with a Stunner. Not caring about the Ministry officials who had shown up threatening arrest a few minutes prior, he stepped sideway to get better aim at one of the Order members present. He flicked his wand, and the opposing spells met in midair with a violent burst of colors. Somewhere behind him he heard Bellatrix's crazed cheer, "Get him, Reggie, get him—make him bow before the Dark Lord!" A sharp yell followed as she sent a curse of her own flying at yet another emerald-cloaked Auror.
Ignoring his cousin's remark, Sirius shouted, "Petrificus Totalus!" and his younger sibling barely avoided the charm as it whirled past and struck the skeleton of a ruined building beside him. Regulus pointed his wand again to counter and the two wizards continued to exchange hexes that increased in ferocity as their conjurors become more determined to strike their opponent at each miss.
All around them Regulus could see the other Death Eaters fighting off the swarm of Ministry witches and wizards as well as the few of the Order who had arrived shortly before them. How he and his companions had managed to hold them back for this long, he didn't know, though he supposed it was due to either skill or luck—the latter being more likely, Regulus decided, as he witnessed one of his fellows, Avery, wave his wand, stumble, and then topple out of sight.
Regulus saw his brother risk a glance backward and knew he was trying to come to James' aid as his friend stood behind him dueling Crabbe and another Death Eater. Predictable, Regulus thought as Sirius let loose two red Stunning spells almost simultaneously; Regulus blocked the first with a well-timed Protego, but was forced to dive out of the way of the second. Cursing angrily as he saw Sirius seize the opportunity to draw back, Regulus leapt hastily to his feet and rushed after him; then in a flurry of black robes, he disappeared.
His elder brother skidded to an abrupt halt as his pursuer Apparated out of thin air directly in front of him, wand held up threateningly, determined not to let him escape so easily.
"Out of my way, Regulus," Sirius said dangerously, taking a purposeful step forward. The masked figure did not budge. "I've been done with you for years," Sirius raised his own weapon. "Move aside!"
"No," came the flat reply. "I don't take orders from blood traitors."
Sirius shifted to the left, but Regulus did likewise, still barring the path onward.
"You're right," said Sirius, frowning, "instead you take them from the bloke bent on killing everybody. That's much better."
His brother's form stiffened. "Once again, your delusions are almost pitiful," he sneered coldly. "What our master desires is worth paying such a price for. Those who get in his way should only blame themselves."
"Typical Syltherin thinking, 'the ends justify the means,'" Sirius glared at him grimly. "Hate to break it t you but the whole 'pure wizarding world' fantasy isn't going to happen, if I can help it."
"We'll see just how useful you are after you've been Stupefied," Regulus retorted, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt.
"What, no threat of death from a Death Eater? Seems like Voldemort's servants are losing their touch."
The masked shape flinched slightly at this statement.
"What's the matter? Don't like hearing your dear master's name?" Sirius said, attempting to distract him until he spotted a chance to strike. "Maybe I should say it again—"
Regulus moved suddenly, but his brother proved faster; in a flash, Sirius had fired a jet of light from the end of his wand, and the surprised Death Eater was blown backward from its force. Snarling as he struggled up again, Regulus froze as a shadows fell over him, and he looked up into the battle-scarred face of Mad-Eye Moody.
"Well done there, Black," the seasoned Auror growled, knocking the wand out of Regulus' hand with his good foot and pointing his own weapon downward. Just as the trapped Death Eater found Moody's wand a little too close for comfort, he heard a cry of retreat. A great racket of pops and CRACKS filled the scene, and the Ministry officials and the Order looked around to see the black forms of the Dark Wizards and Witches Disapparating. With a yell as he realized what was happening, Moody lunged forward, but too late; twisting away from his boot, Regulus snatched his wand up, blocked Sirius' last attempt to stun him, and vanished.
End flashback
"That hex your brother cast must have left a mark," the curly-haired witch commented suddenly, though whether sympathetic or sadistic Regulus couldn't tell. "You should have Crucioed him for that."
"Still better than Avery's attempt," Macnair snorted, no longer bothering to lower his voice. He proceeded to mimic a clumsy flourish of a wand, and then promptly fell off his chair. A chorus of laughter applauded his performance. Avery was determinedly staring at the opposite wall, his face having taken on an ugly shade of red. It was a large, apelike wizard sitting at the other end of the table who came to his defense, and he spoke slowly and hesitantly while his forehead contracted, apparently piecing the words together with a great amount of concentration.
"I didn't see you try and stupefy 'em with Stupefy," he grunted finally.
"Stupefy them with Stupefy," echoed a cold voice, and the entire assemblage jumped; Macnair scrambled into his chair in record time, leaving only a thin layer of dust smeared all over the back of his robes. "Such creativity, Crabbe."
No one laughed this time, and it was with nervous and wary faces that he Death Eaters watched their master as he crossed the room, each afraid that somehow he or she had done something displeasing and expected punishment at any second. The forced quiet felt strange after the preceding conversations, and Regulus could catch the uneven breathing of those within in immediate vicinity. Stuck beside a now allergy-covered Macnair, Rookwood let out a resounding sneeze and thumped his elbow on the hard wooden surface. To his relieve, Voldemort however took no notice of this as he joined the gathering at the head of the table.
A steady stream of rain had begun its relentless pounding against the covered windows as the group sat in the dark stillness. His curiosity getting the better of him, Regulus chanced a quick glance around and saw some of his companion shift uncomfortably, though none of them dared speak without permission. A deep chime sounded from an old clock in an adjacent room; then, finally, Voldemort broke the uneasy silence.
"We are short one this evening," he said, and his red eyes flashed toward a vacant seat near Snape at his right.
"My Lord."
Regulus heard the choir of chairs creak as all heads swiveled to see Dolohov leaning over across the table.
"He's in St. Mungo's, my Lord, recovering from some sort of exploding cauldron mishap, as I was told."
"How long have you known this?" asked Voldemort quietly. There was a pause.
"….A week, my Lord," came the hesitant reply, and the Death Eater shivered slightly under his master's gaze.
"News delivered late is rarely useful, Dolohov; certainly such a blunder of miscommunication could set much at risk. Do not let it happen again, for I assure you the consequences will be most unpleasant."
"Yes, my Lord," Dolohov swallowed.
Then, reverting his attention again to the others, Voldemort addressed the congregation as a whole.
"If you are prepared, we shall leave immediately."
The blank stares he received conveyed nothing but confusion.
"I promised a reward, did I not?" Voldemort said, peering around at them. "The war is going well; such a successful campaign calls for a night of festivity, a night of celebration." His snake-like mouth formed into a malicious smile. The mood in the dim parlor shifted considerably at these words, and his followers exchanged looks of excitement as they understood. "We shall give London a masquerade it will not soon forget."