School: Durmstrang, Year 1
Main Prompt: (Character Type) Turncoat
Additional Prompts: (action) kidnapping/being kidnapped, (character) Regulus Black
Theme: Explore those that commit crimes or go against the rules but are not inherently evil.
Wordcount: 1019
Regulus was sitting in his bedroom in Grimmauld Place, trying to complete some of his summer homework, when he felt his Mark burn. He knew what it meant: the Dark Lord was summoning him. There was another job he would have to do. Glaring at his arm resentfully, he gathered his cloak and prepared to leave.
Ever since Kreacher had returned from the cave and told him what had happened there, Regulus had wanted to get out of the circle of Death Eaters. It wasn't that easy, though. He'd seen what happened to those who betrayed Lord Voldemort's confidence, and it wasn't pretty. He had to wait for the right opportunities to undermine his master, and those came few and far between.
Finally ready, Regulus Disapparated, his mind set on wherever The Dark Lord was at the moment. When he reappeared, he was in a room he didn't recognize. It was dimly lit by several lanterns, but he could clearly make out Lord Voldemort sitting in an armchair.
"My Lord," Regulus said, kneeling immediately. He hated this, but he knew it was the only way to avoid suspicion. "What can I do for you?"
The Dark Lord approached slowly, eyeing Regulus with a look cold smile. "As you no doubt assumed, I have a job I want you to complete. Rise."
Regulus obeyed, standing up but avoiding eye contact with Voldemort. "Anything you ask will be done, My Lord."
"Indeed." The Dark Lord contemplated for a moment before he said, "You have heard of the Bones family?" At Regulus' nod, he continued, "They have been causing lots of problems for my cause lately. I want them to stop."
Regulus was unsure what Voldemort was asking him to do. "What would you have me do about it?"
A glint in his masters eyes told Regulus that whatever it was, it would not be pleasant. "You will persuade them to retract their ideas publicly by kidnapping their children. I want it done as soon as possible; they have been a nuisance, to say the least. I want it done by the end of the week. Now, go."
"I will not fail you, My Lord," Regulus replied.
"If you do, be prepared for my… displeasure."
With a quick bow, Regulus Disapparated away from the place back to his room. As he processed what he had been tasked to do, his heart pounded in sync with his racing thoughts. Everything he'd done for the Dark Lord so far had been minor stuff- raiding stores, terrorizing muggles, and similar. Kidnapping… that was way more than he'd ever been asked before. He couldn't go through with it. And yet he had to, or he'd be discovered.
Maybe it's time to switch sides, he thought. If he fully switched sides, he could warn someone who could help the Bones keep their kids safe, maybe send them into hiding.
But who could he go to? His parents were into the Pureblood mania the Death Eaters supported, and so were his friends at school. Albus Dumbledore might have been an option, but the man would never believe him if he told him what was happening.
The only other option… he couldn't believe it had come to this. He took out a piece of parchment and started a letter.
Sirius, I need your help...
Regulus had expected it to be a few days before Sirius responded, but the next morning, Regulus awoke to a hand covering his mouth. Eyes wide, he stared up into the face of his older brother.
"Don't shout," he warned. "I got your letter. You're in a ton of trouble. Kidnapping? Why does he want you to do that?"
Brushing his brother's hands away, Regulus said, "Sirius, what are you doing here? I didn't expect you to actually come."
"Well, Dumbledore wants to talk to you," Sirius said. "I asked him to help you; he's the best person to do it."
"Whoa, hold on," Regulus said. "This is crazy sudden. I haven't seen you in two years, and yet you're here. Explain why you just rushed to my aid instead of writing me back."
Sirius gave him an exasperated look. "You're still my little brother, I don't want you to be murdered by that megalomaniac. Get ready and let's go. Dumbledore's waiting."
An hour later, the two brothers were waiting outside the Headmaster's office. Regulus was as anxious as he'd ever been. If he were ever found out to have turned sides…
Sirius knocked on the door, and from within, the Headmaster called, "Come in."
Regulus calmed his breathing and followed his brother into the office. Dumbledore sat in his chair behind the desk, his eyes appraising the two young men as they entered. "The Black brothers, it's good to see you together."
"Sir, we aren't really together," Regulus said. "My brother told you what happened?"
"Indeed." Dumbledore's expression grew heavy. "It's a shame you've been asked to do something so terrible."
"I'm not doing it," Regulus assured. "I wanted to make sure they'd be safe, but I just don't know what will happen to me."
"We'll protect you," Sirius said. Looking at the Headmaster uncertainly, he said, "We will, right?"
Dumbledore nodded as he thought. "There are several ways we can do it. How good are you at Occlumency?"
Regulus shrugged. "I've employed it successfully against the Dark Lord a couple of times, but they were for minor things. I doubt I'd be able to use it for something so huge."
Sighing, Dumbledore said, "You'll have to go into hiding as well then. We sent the Bones family just an hour ago, and we can figure something out for you just as quickly."
"He can come with me," Sirius said.
Regulus gave him a look. "Sirius, I'm glad you want to help me, but I don't think that's a good idea." Looking at Dumbledore, he said, "Besides, I want to help the cause. Is there some way I can be useful?"
Dumbledore had a gleam in his eyes, as if he expected this all along. "I might have one or two things in mind."