Chapter 46
Regulus stood outside the portrait hole that led into the Gryffindor common room. He was nervous. He had stood there for what seemed like hours before a prefect, returning from his rounds, reluctantly agreed to get Sirius. What could he say? The two of them had never been close, and he knew Sirius resented him as the perfect son.
"Reg? What are you doing here?"
Regulus's heart skipped a beat. How long had it been since Sirius called him 'Reg'? "I needed to see you. There's something I need to say."
"Look, if you've come to tell me that I'm a fool and a dreamer for hanging out with muggle-borns and blood traitors, then I'm going back inside." Sirius spoke, but the bitterness that usually colored their conversations as of late, was missing.
"Sirius, I know that we have disagreed on many things over the years..."
Sirius snorted.
"But I... I've learned some things in the last few days that I..."
"What, Regulus? Just spit it out!"
"WhentheytoldmethatyouwereinthePotter'shouseduringtheattackandthatthey
'lordV
'voldemortthatshockedanddisgustedmeandiranawayandamnevergoingback."
"What? Regulus, you're not making any sense. Wait, did you say you've left the Death Eaters?"
"I can't live with what I've done and what I've helped do. There's no way I can ever make amends, but I've found a way to bring about his end. It's dangerous and I don't expect to live through it, but it is the best I can do. I just wanted to tell you that I am proud of you and that you were right all along. Be well, little brother. I will see you on the other side..."
Regulus's voice was growing fainter and fainter.
"Regulus, wait..."
Goodbye...
Then Regulus's body faded away as if it had never been and Sirius bolted up in bed, soaked in sweat, tears pouring down his face.