Chapter Eleven: Meet Me In The Woods


I have seen what the darkness does, say goodbye to who I was

I ain't never been away so long, don't look back them days are gone

Follow me into the endless night, I can bring your fears to life

Show me yours and I'll show you mine, meet me in the woods tonight

~ Meet Me In The Woods, Lord Huron


A/N: Warning for use of Unforgivable Curses. The young Death Eaters don't play nice.

A huge thanks as always to those who reviewed, I love you a lot. It's been an absolutely shit fortnight, so any words of feedback would be appreciated. In case my update schedule wasn't apparent, I'll be updating this fic every fortnight.


The thunderous roars from the crowd could be heard even before the Slytherin Quidditch team headed onto the pitch. Phoenix squinted against the sunlight as she headed onto the pitch, heart hammering in her chest. Quidditch was where she felt alive. Quidditch was where she could be free, and even her family couldn't take that from her. Regulus glanced at her, and she nodded curtly. Maybe if they won this match, she'd talk to him again.

The Ravenclaws had taken up a new chant this year. Thump, thump, clap as they chanted 'Ravenclaw' over and over. Beth said it was to the tune of some Muggle hit called 'We Will Rock You'. Phoenix had to admit that it was sort of formidable. As they mounted their brooms and hovered over the packed-out stadium, Phoenix glanced at Evan and offered him a dazzling smile. She needed him in a good mood for this, and it seemed to do the trick, because he offered the thumbs-up in response.

When the whistle shrilled across the pitch, Mitchell Avery immediately grabbed a hold of the Quaffle. It was nice that he'd actually learned it was beneficial to pass to Phoenix, because while Evan was beset on by the Ravenclaw Beaters, Phoenix was free and caught the Quaffle when it was thrown to her. She hurled it at the goals and grinned as it whizzed through the middle hoop.

SLYTHERIN-RAVENCLAW 10-0

The Slytherin crowd roared their approval. Overcome with euphoria, Phoenix blew them a kiss as she flew back to the centre of the pitch as the Quaffle made its appearance yet again. They had a new Keeper this year, a curly-haired fourth-year girl called Felicity Travers. She cursed as Felicity allowed the Quaffle to pass through the left hoop. This wouldn't do at all.

SLYTHERIN-RAVENCLAW 10-10

"Evan." Phoenix yelled. At least one benefit to her relationship with Evan was that he had a tendency to goddamn listen to her. "Divebomb formation, like we practised."

Evan whistled to Mitchell Avery, who zipped across the pitch to join them. Once the three Chasers were in a row, Phoenix swept into a sharp dive, the other two hot on her heels. The poor Ravenclaw Chaser who saw the trio coming attempted to wheel out of the way, only to collide with Barty Crouch and drop the Quaffle. Evan eagerly snatched it up and headed back down the pitch towards the goals, Mitchell in tow.

A Bludger whistled toward Phoenix at breakneck speed. Cursing, she dropped into a spin to avoid it before streaking after her fellow Chasers. Evan hurled the Quaffle as Barty swooped in on the Keeper with a bat at the ready. The Ravenclaw Keeper whizzed to the side, confused, allowing the Quaffle to slip through the goals once again.

SLYTHERIN-RAVENCLAW 20-10

The divebomb formation proved effective, leading to Slytherin scoring another three goals against Ravenclaw. The crowd began to roar, and something shimmered in the sunlight overhead. The Snitch.

Regulus had seen it, flying determinedly up towards the Snitch as fast as he could. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one. The Ravenclaw Seeker was close behind, and it was far too close for Phoenix's liking. As one of their Beaters soared past, she called out to him.

"Barty, their Seeker!"

"On it!"

Barty smacked a Bludger in the Ravenclaw Seeker's direction. Her eyes widened as she noticed the Bludger headed her way. She was forced to duck, causing Regulus to take the lead, gloved fingers closing around the Snitch.

Phoenix screamed in delight, swarming Regulus along with the rest of the Slytherin team. With the Snitch in Regulus's fist, both of them grinning widely, it was like the betrayal had never happened. In everything that was to come, Phoenix was going to need an ally. She might not have forgiven Regulus for exposing Remus's secret, but they'd sworn a promise to always be there for each other. She had to let him in, or else she thought she might end up alone.


Gryffindor's victory over Hufflepuff in Quidditch was a bittersweet moment for Remus. While his friends shared butterbeers in front of the fire, Remus brooded. It had been over a month now since Phoenix had broken up with him, and he still couldn't let it go. The girl who'd spoken to him in that cool, robotic voice on the Hogwarts Express wasn't the Phoenix he'd fallen in love with. Something was wrong, but Remus knew going to her for more answers wouldn't help.

"Sickle for your thoughts?" Sirius sat down beside his best friend. Across the room, James and Lily were talking and laughing together. It was a far cry from the way they had argued in the past. Remus was happy for James, happy that he and Lily were finally dating. He would be lying if it didn't send an ache through him every time they held hands or kissed.

"Doesn't matter," Remus muttered. He was sure that Sirius especially was sick of hearing him talk about Phoenix. The siblings had argued, despite Remus begging Sirius not to get involved. He didn't want to be the cause of animosity between them. Nonetheless, Sirius refused to apologise to Phoenix, and she hadn't spoken to him since.

No one had told him that his heart breaking would feel like the rest of him was breaking too. Every time he saw her walking through the corridors, Evan Rosier's arm possessively around her, his stomach twisted. Every time Rosier made her smile or laugh, it was like pain coursed through his whole body.

"It's Nix, isn't it?" Sirius sighed heavily. "Look, I know it's hard, but…"

"It was because of what I am." Remus's voice shook with self-loathing, eyes brimming with tears. It couldn't be a coincidence that Phoenix had broken things off just after he'd revealed he was a werewolf. She had said she didn't care, but clearly she did. Remus was a monster. Phoenix was right—she deserved better.

Remus didn't like Rosier, though he could see why Phoenix had gotten engaged to him. The boy was striking fair looks and sharp cheekbones, what the girls seemed to consider typical pure-blood attractiveness. Rosier also came from money. He could provide for Phoenix in a way that Remus never could.

"No it wasn't, mate." Sirius slung an arm around his shoulders. "I would say it's got to do with our parents. But hanging onto this...it's not healthy. I know she hurt you, but you have to let her go."

"Why does it still hurt?" Remus's voice cracked as he looked to Sirius for answers. His best friend's mouth was downturned, his grey eyes full of pity. Merlin, Remus was tired of being pitied.

"Because you really did love her," Sirius said softly.

Remus had so often heard about high school romances and how they faded out of existence. He had really thought he and Phoenix might last, despite their differences. Maybe he'd just been so in love with her that he'd been blind to how difficult that reality would be. Taking a deep breath, Remus surrendered his mug of butterbeer to Sirius.

"Put something alcoholic in this. Please."

Sirius arched an eyebrow, but nodded. "Only a little. You aren't getting out of hanging out with us by drowning your sorrows."

The hint of a smile tugged at the corners of Remus's lips. Whatever he was going through, he had his best friends right there by his side. Even if James was too busy snogging Lily to realise that Peter was spiking his butterbeer with firewhiskey.


Phoenix returned to the Slytherin common room furious after Slughorn had called her into his office. Her grades were slipping, apparently. She was still doing wonderfully, but not using her 'full potential'. She didn't know what the fuck that even meant, but she had plastered on her best fake little smile and agreed with him, promising she would do better. Fuming, Phoenix tossed herself dramatically down on one of the couches.

"How did it go?" Evan asked. Despite the late hour, he had a cloak on, as if he was preparing to go out. Noticing that made Phoenix ease herself up, curious. She knew that the young Death Eaters were often out on the grounds after hours, though she hadn't ever asked what they were doing. Perhaps it was time she found out.

"It was fine. Where are you going?"

"Nowhere," Evan said quickly, but he turned around hastily when several of the other Slytherins entered the common room. They'd also donned cloaks, and a cold shiver raced down Phoenix's spine. Something ominous was happening here. This was more than just a meeting. The purposefulness with which they moved said they were planning something.

Why was the common room empty aside from her and the Death Eaters? Where were Beth and Lorna? She still hadn't spoken to the latter, not even when they'd served detention together. If Lorna was determined to get approval from the Death Eaters, maybe she should be here now.

"Are you ready?" Alexander asked of Evan, before a wry smile crossed his lips as he noted Phoenix. "Ah. Are you having a private moment?"

"Not at all." Evan's tone was clipped, and he ignored Phoenix's inquisitive stare. "Let's go."

"I think Phoenix should come along." Alexander sounded jovial, but his pale eyes glittered with menace. There was a tense silence that followed his words, and several of the boys exchanged dark looks.

Regulus shoved him from behind, irritation contorting his features. The pair spoke in heated mutters, with Phoenix unable to perceive what they were saying. After a few moments, Alexander had a triumphant smile plastered across his lips, and Regulus tilted his head back and sighed.

"Do you want to come along, Phoenix?"

Her eyes flicked to her twin. "To what?"

"You'll see if you come." Regulus was being deliberately enigmatic, and she hated that. It certainly piqued her curiosity, though she wondered if she would dread coming along. Was it better not to know what they were doing?

"You don't have to," Evan interjected hastily. Unease seared through her. If he didn't want her coming along, then there was something he didn't want her to see. Phoenix had always been too curious for her own good, a trait she'd attempted to suppress as she'd grown older.

"Shut the fuck up, Evan." Mitchell's tone was impatient. "Don't be a wanker. Phoenix is a proper pure-blood now. Right?"

"Of course," she agreed, the response more automatic than authentic.

The group departed the Slytherin common room, and Phoenix fell into step with Regulus. It didn't escape her notice that Mitchell Avery and Isaac Mulciber branched off and slipped away from the main group as the rest of them headed out onto the grounds. She had done her fair share of sneaking around with Remus, but this felt far more sinister than a clandestine hook-up.

"What's happening?" she asked quietly.

"You shouldn't have come." Her twin's voice was cool and clipped. She could feel the unease radiating off him. Some things became easy to spot, especially when they'd both been living in the same household, dealing with Walburga's violent temper tantrums.

Phoenix frowned, confused. "But you said…"

"You don't get how it looks if we discourage you from coming." Regulus exhaled deeply, his shoulders rigid with tension. "Besides, maybe this is something you need to see."

She didn't know what that meant, and she was afraid to ask. They stopped near the Forbidden Forest, and the first thing she noticed was that even the boys weren't at ease. It wasn't just Evan and Regulus. They were all tense. Phoenix rubbed her arms, shivering despite the fact that it wasn't overly cold.

Mitchell and Isaac returned, and they had someone with them—a sixth-year Ravenclaw boy that Phoenix vaguely recognised. She couldn't have said what his name was, but they'd spoken before. He'd asked to borrow a quill off her a few weeks ago, when they'd both been studying in the library. He had been friendly, talking about his Muggle parents and the puppy he'd got for Christmas.

Phoenix had a thousand questions she wanted to ask. She knew no one would answer them. Instead, she observed as the boy, whose face was oddly blank, was moved to stand in front of the group. Evan moved forward, drawing his wand. Regulus stared at his feet, while Alexander nodded fervently.

"Do it, Evan."

He had gone white as a sheet, but he set his jaw in determination as he pointed his wand at the Ravenclaw student.

"Imperio."

The Ravenclaw boy straightened up, his eyes glazed over and a pleasant smile crossing his lips. Evan stood rigid, keeping his wand pointed at him. Phoenix lunged forward, but Regulus caught her by the waist and dragged her back. She felt bile rising in her throat as the Death Eaters jeered, coaxing Evan on what he should make the boy do first.

"What the fuck is this?" Phoenix demanded, her voice cracking. Only Regulus was paying any attention. The rest of them were too focused on the Ravenclaw boy who was completely at Evan's mercy.

"Proving ourselves worthy." His voice was hollow.

Phoenix went slack and stopped trying to fight him. "Of what?"

"Serving the Dark Lord."

Merlin, they were just meant to be stupid boys. She was vividly reminded of Alexander's actions in Hogsmeade. She had seen what he was capable of then. To think they were targeting Muggle-born students within Hogwarts itself was disturbing. Phoenix watched as Evan made the Ravenclaw boy scoop up handfuls of dirt, shovelling it in his mouth.

"Like the filth you are!" Mitchell jeered.

Evan had appeared scared at first, nervous about what performing the curse would entail most likely. Now his confidence was swelling, bolstered by the encouragement of his friends. There was a smirk playing about his lips as he stood over the Ravenclaw boy. Phoenix clamped a hand over her mouth. This was what she was marrying. This was what she had given herself over to.

"This is fucked up," Phoenix whispered, so quietly that only Regulus could hear it.

"Shut up," Regulus retorted, his harsh tone silencing her swiftly. He probably didn't want his friends hearing that she had doubts, that she thought this was anything but normal. On his knees on the grounds, the Ravenclaw boy doubled over and retched, vomiting up dirt.

"Obliviate." Evan pointed his wand at the boy, before turning his attention on the others. "Gross. I'm not dealing with the vomit. Go prop him in the library or something."

Regulus released Phoenix and she resisted the urge to run over to the boy and check that he was alright. They'd wanted her to see this for a reason. They wanted to test if she was going to scold them, or whether she would do what was expected and keep her mouth. If she made the wrong move tonight, it could prove fatal, to either herself or Remus.

"Evan's great at Memory Charms." Alexander swaggered over to Phoenix, casually shoving his hands in his pockets. When he drew one hand out, panic flared through her to see that he'd taken out his wand. "Oh, he's good at curses, too. But your beloved is usually the one who does the honours after we're done."

Phoenix remained silent. She wouldn't be bullied or intimidated by Alexander Wilkes. He had been among the suitors her mother had considered to be her husband. Phoenix would rather have subject herself to the Cruciatus Curse than let him touch her. Evan might not be half the man Remus was, but he was the best option Phoenix had.

"You're going to be married to a Death Eater in a few months." Alexander smiled maliciously, tracing his wand down her cheek as she glared up at him, undaunted. "You better get used to it real fucking fast."

"Leave her alone." Evan batted Alexander's arm down, his brow furrowed and his jaw clenched as he stared down his friend.

Alexander scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Merlin, you haven't even been inside her yet and you're already choosing her over us."

"That's not what this is," Evan argued, growing annoyed at his friend's derision. "Stop stirring shit."

Catching Phoenix's hand, he led her aside as the others set about cleaning up the Ravenclaw boy and dragging him back into the castle. Phoenix had always considered Evan to be irritatingly besotted with her, but not as bad as the others. The hard look he fixed upon her now chilled her to the bone. A dark side to Evan existed—he just hadn't shown her until tonight. This was why he hadn't wanted her to come.

"This will teach you not to meddle in our business." Evan tilted her chin up so she looked him in the eye. "If you can't stomach it, you turn the other way. You pretend it's not happening, but it will be happening."

"Okay," she whispered. Merlin, she hated how meek and submissive she sounded, but what the fuck else was she meant to say? What was the alternative? Evan wanted to be her protector, though what if he was one of the people she needed protecting from?

Satisfied, Evan pressed a kiss to the top of her head and released her, swaggering over to Alexander and the others. Phoenix moved back to stand beside her twin. She wanted to slip her hand into his and feel him squeeze reassuringly, but he was part of this too.

"Have you done this?" Phoenix asked of Regulus, distraught at the idea her twin could be involved in such activity. Of course he is, you fucking idiot, he's a Death Eater like the rest of them. At the guilt in Regulus's expression, the way he wouldn't look her in the eye, she already had her answer.

Phoenix normally marvelled at Hogwarts, taking in its beauty and wonders with every step, but she dragged one foot in front of the other as she followed the Slytherin boys back into the castle. She didn't care if they were caught by a Prefect. She didn't care if it earned her a detention, or docked house points. She didn't care about anything other than the horror she'd witnessed, and the knowledge that everyone close to her was in on it.

Once she reached the dorm, she was relieved to find that the other girls were asleep. Her body was aching with exhaustion as she changed into pyjamas and climbed into bed, curling up into a ball beneath her thick blankets.

Phoenix thought of the Ravenclaw boy shovelling down dirt until he made himself vomit, his eyes glazed over, and cried herself to sleep.


It was at Walburga's insistence that they returned home for the Easter break, primarily because there was so much wedding planning to do. The twins were quickly whisked to Twilfitt and Tattings for the fittings for Phoenix's wedding dress. They were accompanied by Camille Rosier, who insisted on herself and Walburga sipping liqueur-infused coffee as they cast judgemental eyes over the wedding dress as Phoenix squirmed in the silk.

"My, doesn't she look gorgeous," Camille cooed, leaning forward in her seat as Phoenix examined herself unhappily in the mirror.

The dress was to fit Walburga's specifications, of course, with a neckline that dipped lower than she was comfortable with. It hugged every curve of her figure, frustrating Phoenix who had wanted it to flare out from the waist. Walburga sighed and got up, walking over and slapping away Phoenix's hands as her daughter continued to fidget.

"Stop that. You look lovely."

"I wish I had your figure," Camille sighed, causing Phoenix to arch an eyebrow. The blonde woman still had a perfect hourglass figure, so she really didn't know what Camille was talking about. Walburga gripped Phoenix's shoulders and turned her back to face the mirror.

"You mustn't slouch. Stand up straight."

Regulus sighed dramatically from where he stood behind the velvet chaise, hands stuffed in his pockets. Phoenix could tell from his expression that he found all of this terribly boring, and she couldn't judge him for that.

"Can't I just go and meet Evan at Quality Quidditch Supplies?"

"This is important to your sister," Walburga snapped, eyes flicking across to her son. "We're almost done, and then you can shop wherever you'd like."

"Why don't I take Regulus down to meet Evan?" Camille offered, rising gracefully from the chaise. "It might be nice for you and Phoenix to have some mother-daughter time. You can meet up with us soon."

"Oh, Camille, that's so kind of you." Walburga offered the blonde woman a saccharine smile, and Regulus immediately made a beeline for the door without a backward glance. Camille sauntered after him, heels clicking across the floor. Far from being relieved at the absence of her brother and future mother-in-law, Phoenix tensed, wondering what verbal barbs her mother had to unleash this time.

"You know they're Death Eaters, don't you?" Phoenix glanced over her shoulder at her mother, keeping her voice low so that the store assistants didn't hear them. "Evan and Regulus, both of them."

"Of course they are, you silly little girl." Walburga scoffed, and Phoenix's cheeks flared with heat at the idea that her parents could have been oblivious. They knew, and they approved.

"I suppose it can be like Bellatrix and Rodolphus," Phoenix murmured under her breath, and she didn't know if she was attempting to convince Walburga or herself.

"Don't be absurd." Walburga's face twisted in displeasure. "Evan is a handsome boy. He is also Malcolm and Camille's only child. Part of your job, Phoenix, is to give him a child. An heir to the Rosier family, to follow after him."

"It's not that easy," Phoenix protested. She squirmed in embarrassment even discussing sex with Walburga, but apparently it was a discussion that needed to be had. "I don't even know that I could…"

Walburga waved a dismissive hand. "Get what you can from him, but this isn't about pleasure."

So that's how it is. Bitterly disappointed, Phoenix slammed the door to her changing room closed, peeling off her wedding dress. The wretched thing was designed to flatter her form. She was a sacrificial lamb, all wrapped up for Evan like a pretty present. Tears pricked at her eyes as she tugged her clothes on. No matter how much she tried to convince herself it would be alright, the anxiety kept building up inside her, threatening to drown her.


Phoenix heard Walburga's irate screaming from the dining room, and immediately abandoned the custard tart she'd been helping herself to in order to see what the commotion was about. Regulus was standing there, rigid with shock, as Sirius stepped out of the emerald flames licking the fireplace. Phoenix froze, knowing her older brother hadn't been back to Grimmauld Place since his abrupt departure.

"Get out!" Walburga shrieked, her eyes wild.

"I need to talk to you." Sirius fixed a cold, steely look upon his mother. "You're having Phoenix married off to Evan Rosier?"

Sirius hadn't spoken much to Phoenix over the past few months since she'd broken up with Remus and announced that she would be marrying Evan. There had been a few terse exchanges, but due to them being in different houses and years, it had been easy enough for them to avoid each other almost completely.

Walburga's nostrils flared. "She is marrying him, yes."

"She's a child," Sirius protested, his brow furrowing into a frown.

"Sirius, you shouldn't be here," Phoenix said, fearing what might happen if Walburga lost her temper completely. She didn't want to see her older brother getting hurt because he'd come to object to her impending wedding.

"I don't care about your opinion," Walburga spat, jerking a thin finger back at the fireplace, "Get out."

"She's sixteen!" Sirius roared, eyes flaring with incandescent rage. It was difficult for Phoenix to recall when she'd ever seen her brother this angry. Perhaps in the screaming match he'd had with Walburga as he'd packed his things and left Grimmauld Place for good. Phoenix remembered standing at the top of the stairs, pleading with Sirius to reconsider.

"Sirius, calm down," Regulus said, as if Sirius was having a small child having a temper tantrum.

"Of course you'd be fine with it." Sirius sneered at his younger brother. "You've always wanted her to shack up with one of your little friends."

"Get out of my house!" Walburga screamed, drawing her wand.

Sirius turned his eyes on Phoenix, and there was regret in his expression. She could tell that he felt bad for the vicious words they'd exchanged in the Hogwarts library, and her heart ached for him. Her marriage to Evan would put even more distance between them, but what else was she supposed to do?

"I'm sorry, Nix." His voice was soft. "I should never have blamed you for this."

Sirius whirled on his heel and marched over to the fireplace, stepping back into the emerald flames. Part of Phoenix wished she could beg him to take her along, but what good would that do? Instead she watched as her older brother disappeared just as suddenly as he'd arrived.

"Disgrace to this family," Walburga seethed. Her composure had been completely ruffled by the appearance of her eldest son, hatred burning deep within her eyes.

Phoenix gripped Regulus's hand, making him glance at her, concerned. They both knew what she was wordlessly communicating—that she needed his support. When Sirius couldn't be there for her, she at least needed Regulus.

"I want him to come to the wedding," Phoenix declared, sudden boldness coming over her.

Walburga turned on her. "Absolutely not."

"I agreed to marry Evan, but I want him there."

If she agreed to her parents' wishes, shouldn't she be allowed to have a say in something? Her wedding was something she dreaded, but the idea of Sirius being there to make it a more fun time was appealing. However Walburga would have none of it, her lips twisting in scorn.

"I said no."

"He's my big brother!" Phoenix exclaimed, but her mother marched over and struck her across the face, making her stumble backwards. Regulus quickly put an arm around her shoulders, holding her close as Walburga stared Phoenix down, nostrils flaring.

"He is not your brother anymore!" She snapped. "That is enough on the matter."

Phoenix gritted her teeth against the throbbing of her cheek. Regulus's comforting arm did little to soothe her. When Walburga was irate, nothing could curb her temper, so Phoenix shrugged her twin off and marched upstairs to pack her trunk for her return to Hogwarts. Her heart hammered in her chest at the realisation of just how much she was losing. It wasn't just Remus. Once she married Evan, she was quite certain she'd have lost Sirius, too.


May brought with it another Slytherin Quidditch victory, this time against Hufflepuff. The win brought the team into the finals, with the only question whether they would play against Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, with the match occurring later in the month. The first week of May also brought with it an event that precipitated a mixture of dread and excitement within Phoenix—her and Regulus's 17th birthday.

When their victory and birthday coincided, it led to a night of merriment and drinking within the Slytherin common room. The sixth-years had also recently undertaken their Apparition exam, which both Phoenix and Regulus had passed with flying colours. In all, it was a combination of events that led to euphoria within the Slytherin group.

Sitting by the hearth with a glass of pure firewhiskey, Phoenix couldn't help but mull over what her birthday meant. She was legally an adult in the wizarding world now, and her wedding drew ever closer. Where was Regulus's impending marriage? Her parents were proud of his Death Eater future, but no one had even considered what Phoenix might want once she graduated Hogwarts. She had attempted to discuss the topic with Walburga, who had shut her down and reminded her to focus on her upcoming wedding.

Phoenix examined her future husband over the rim of her glass. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Evan was attractive. She could certainly have done worse. Although he might not have understood why she'd chosen him, Regulus did. The twins both knew that Evan was her safest bet. Phoenix wanted a husband who wouldn't attempt to control or hurt her, a husband who would at least give her a marginal amount of respect.

"Happy birthday, Nix." Regulus sprawled across from his twin, leaning forward to clink their glasses together, before taking note of her distracted stare. "What is it?"

"Have our parents talked to you about a wife?" She tilted her head to the side, causing Regulus to scoff and screw up his face at the idea. The idea of having the same fate as his twin sister.

"What? No."

"Exactly." Phoenix knocked back the rest of her firewhiskey. With Sirius out of the picture, all of their hopes rested on Regulus. They wanted a real future for him, not just a proper marriage. "Why am I the only one making sacrifices?"

"You aren't." Regulus's fingers traced the Dark Mark on his arm. A grimness settled over his expression, but Phoenix flared with impatience. She was having none of her twin's self-pity, especially considering he had been the one to seal her fate.

"You chose that."

"Yeah, but there's no going back from it." Regulus's eyes were serious as they flicked up to meet Phoenix's. "Once you're a Death Eater, it's for life. Whether you want that or not."

A shiver raced up Phoenix's spine, but she brushed it aside like cobwebs. Regulus had sought out his own future, and it had been accepted by their parents. When she'd tried to do the same, she had been shamed for her choices and forced to make ones that suited the sort of future Walburga had envisioned for her.

"Evan seems nice, but after what happened with that Ravenclaw boy…"

She remembered the vicious light in his blue eyes, the dark smirk that crossed his lips as the boy had leaned over to retch in the dirt. She'd had nightmares about it since, and it hadn't even happened to her. What if Evan decided he was sick of her shit, and turned that darkness on her?

Regulus shook his head fervently. "If he ever hurt you, I'd deal with him."

She scoffed. "Noble of you."

"I'm not kidding, Phoenix." Regulus reached across to squeeze her hand. "You're my sister. My twin."

"Maybe you should have thought about that before you sold me out."

Phoenix snatched her hand back, abruptly pushing herself to her feet. Usually she enjoyed her birthday, but she had been forced to reflect on just how different this one was from her 16th. She had spent her last birthday with Remus, feeling like she was on top of the world. Now her birthday just marked her ability to legally marry a boy whose feelings for her were mundane. Evan lusted after her. Maybe he'd even get bored of her.

"Please, at least just give things a try with Evan," Regulus insisted, his shoulders slumping at the accusation burning in his sister's eyes. "He does like you, and he speaks highly of you."

Phoenix arched an eyebrow. "Fine qualities in a Death Eater."

"You need to be more careful what you say now." Regulus got to his feet, gripping her shoulders with urgency shining in his grey eyes. "The Dark Lord is rising in power. Death Eaters like us…"

"A hot commodity outside of Hogwarts?" Phoenix cocked her head to the side. She should be more cautious, especially considering what she'd witnessed out on the grounds with the young Death Eaters. Regulus wasn't wrong—Death Eaters were feared in the wizarding community, but there were also many pure-bloods who admired them.

"I'll do my best to make things work with Evan." Phoenix folded her arms over her chest. "We might be talking now, but I want you to remember that you caused this."

"I won't forget," Regulus said, his eyes dropping to his feet. "I could never forget."