AU!

Warnings: a little bit of swearing, mentions of parental (physical and emotional) abuse

WRITTEN FOR IWSC, SEASON 3

Beauxbatons: Fate

Year 6

Mandatory Prompt: (song) Light On - Maggie Rogers

Additional Prompt: (character) Sirius Black

Word Count: 2928

Fear is wisdom in the face of danger.

Regulus didn't know where he'd picked up the quote—but now, he knew it was true.

He'd known he was destined to join the Death Eaters as soon as he graduated from Hogwarts; the mere idea made his mother proud—for once. As the Dark Lord's shadow had loomed closer, his mother had made it known what his future title would be, as if it were something to be proud of.

Her eyes shone with a fanatical gleam every time she reminded him of his duty to his family, "You're going to be a Death Eater, whether you like it or not. You shall be one of the very best—maybe even the Dark Lord's right-hand man!"

Regulus had never reacted to the news outwardly, thinking that the day would never come, hoping he would never need to worry about it. But now...

His mother fanned the spark of fear into a raging Fiendfyre.

"Tonight, the Death Eaters will formally initiate you into their ranks. You will bring honour to The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. I know you won't let me down like he did, for it would be the last thing you would ever do," she said, staring at him with her beady little eyes.

With that, his mother walked out of his bedroom and closed the door behind her. The sound echoed around the dimly lit room like a death knell.

'Tonight…tonight…tonight…'

Reality hit him like a vicious Bludger to the face.

Regulus's veins froze over, and the sickening taste of blood flooding his mouth. Swirls of Dementor-black fear coiled and writhed through his mind. His feet refused to move. He pressed his trembling hands together, trying to feel them. They were oddly blurred, and he blinked to clear his vision. A lump formed in his throat, and his breath faltered as his mother's words reverberated in his ears.

He was going to be a Death Eater. He would be forced to kill people for the Dark Lord's pleasure. He would have to stand by and watch people he knew be tortured—maybe even Sirius. This was what being powerless must feel like.

Fear shackled his heart, its chains constricting his lungs. Regulus dropped to his knees and gasped for air, sweat beading on the nape of his neck and his stomach cramping. He yanked on his hair, trying to clear his mind and think of something that could help him, but his mind refused to obey.

'I don't want this! I don't want to join them. I can't do this. I just can't! But what about Mother? She'll kill me herself if I don't…'

For the first time in ages, Regulus closed his eyes and prayed. He knelt there next to his bedside table, his head bowed and his trembling hands clasped together. Tears streamed down his face. All he could think was, 'Please, someone, help me.'

Then, in his panic-filled state, a memory flitted through Regulus's mind.

"You're my brother," Sirius said, standing in the hallway. He held his suitcase in one hand and his wand in the other. "Don't quote me on this because I will deny it, but…I love you."

"I cannot disappoint Mother," Regulus said, ignoring Sirius' declaration. "I cannot leave her without an heir. It's my duty now—not that you'll understand what that means."

Sirius hoisted his suitcase up. "You'll always have a home with me, Reggie. Remember that. Don't hesitate to come to me if you ever need me."

Regulus's eyes shot open, and he gasped. He knew what to do.

He couldn't join the Death Eaters.

Pain swelled in Regulus's abdomen, and he hissed as he wrapped both arms around his torso. Blood seeped through his black shirt, its metallic scent causing his throat to clench. Even dragging his feet hurt like the devil, but Regulus knew he couldn't stop now. Not when he was so near his destination.

The large gates of Potter Manor came into view, and Regulus let hope swell within his chest. Finally. Finally, he would be free.

He stumbled over a lump of grass, and the pain in his abdomen ramped up from stiffness to searing, blinding agony faster than he could blink. He lurched forward, letting out a harsh, half-stifled yell. He tried to grab at the nearest surface, but there was nothing to hold onto. Regulus fell to his knees in front of the manor's gates, his gaze unfocused and his mind clouded.

He stayed there, gasping for air and trying to lessen the intensity of the pain. 'I need help. I can't stop now. Not now. Not now.' Regulus gritted his teeth, did his best to ignore the throbbing pain, and pushed himself up onto his hands. His arms trembled under his weight, but he forced himself to move.

He dragged himself the rest of the way. Every jostle sent ripples of pain branching through his arms, abdomen, and head. Finally, he grabbed onto the metal grille with a bloody hand.

'Help me. Please.'

His strength failed him, and his cheek hit the ground. Through the mists of pain, he heard a cry and felt someone kneel beside him. They turned him over, and the agony of being moved scorched through him and turned his mind black

When Regulus woke up, he found himself staring at a white ceiling. He turned his head to inspect his surroundings. The spacious room had a simple cupboard and a chest of drawers. Lavender-coloured curtains billowed in the cool summer air. The calendar on the bedside table informed him it was still the same day. Panic filled Regulus's chest, and he tried to sit up.

A house-elf appeared beside him, making him jump. It immediately squeaked out, "Blinky will call Master now. Please, do not be moving." It popped out of the room, leaving Regulus still panicking.

'Where am I? Is this Potter Manor? Where's Sirius? I need to talk to Sirius. He's the only one who can help me. Where's Sirius?'

As if Regulus had summoned his brother by thought, Sirius sprinted into the room, panting for breath.

"Reggie!" he cried, his eyes widening as he rushed towards the bed. "What happened to you? Do you know how scared I was when Blinky found you outside the manor? Merlin, you scared me! Don't you ever do that to me again! Do you hear me?"

Before Regulus could answer, Sirius's arms wrapped around his shoulders in a fierce hug. Regulus's eyes welled up with tears—not only because Sirius was hugging him, but also because of the immense pain in his torso. Regulus lowered his head to Sirius's shoulder and closed his eyes, allowing himself one precious moment. He wasn't one for displays of affection—he didn't like any affection, but for once, his guard was down.

He was with Sirius. Sirius would keep him safe. No one could hurt him if his brother was around. Sirius was his lifeline, his eternal protector, his guard dog. Sirius had never let him down before, so Regulus was sure he wouldn't let him down now.

"Sweet! Hug time!" a familiar voice yelled, startling Regulus.

Before he could pull away from Sirius, a pair of tentacle-like arms wound themselves around his back and squeezed the life out of him. Regulus gasped for breath, the pain welling up even more.

"James, Sirius, behave!" a woman's voice scolded from the doorway. "Let the poor boy breathe!"

"Sorry, Mum," James said, obviously trying to lighten the situation. He loosened his grip on Regulus, but neither boy let go.

Regulus twisted his head to look at the woman and almost choked on James's mop of hair.

She was a petite woman with a heart-shaped face and plain brown eyes. Her hair was tied in a tight bun on top of her head. There was nothing remarkable about her…until she smiled. It transformed her entire appearance. Her aged face lit up with an angelic glow, and warmth radiated from her eyes.

"Hullo, dear," she said, her brown eyes shining with kindness—a trait Regulus had never associated with his own mother. It immediately put him on edge, but it also caused his heart to leap. "I'm Euphemia Potter."

"R-Regulus Black, ma'am," he stammered, unable to say anything else. James and Sirius were still wrapped around him like Lethifolds; Regulus would never dare say it out loud, but their warmth was reassuring. No one had ever hugged him—except for Sirius—and a lump formed in Regulus's throat at the thought.

James let go of Regulus and pulled up a chair near the bed for his mother; Sirius scooted to Regulus's side to let her talk. The way the boys accommodated Euphemia Potter struck Regulus immediately. He couldn't imagine himself doing anything for his mother because he respected her; it was always fear that had kept him going.

"Would you like to talk about what happened?" Euphemia asked, sitting down and crossing her ankles. Her eyes were still kind, encouraging, but Regulus knew he couldn't tell her.

He shook his head. His mother's demented screams as she cursed Regulus over and over again still echoed in his ears, and Regulus flinched. The deranged look in her eyes when he had informed her of his decision would give him nightmares. He wrapped his arm around his stomach and was surprised when he felt the rough gauze bandage. He looked down and found half of his torso wrapped with the material.

Euphemia said, "Blinky and I patched you up. You'll be all right in a few days. Don't you worry, dear. If you don't wish to talk about it with us, then that is your choice, and I'll respect it. However, you're more than welcome to stay here with us for as long as you need."

Regulus's heart quickened its pace, and hope swelled in his chest. He didn't want to take advantage of her kindness, but he knew he couldn't go back home. Was it even his home any more? Still, the thought of living with the Potters made him a bit uncomfortable. He didn't like being pitied.

"Thank you, Mrs Potter," he murmured, lowering his head and gazing up at her through his long lashes.

"Please, call me Aunt Euphemia, dear." Her warm smile was still fixed on her face. She then turned to Sirius and James, and her eyes narrowed. "Don't trouble Regulus, boys."

"We won't, Mum," both boys said, shaking their heads in unison. Regulus grimaced at how creepy they were; he was also surprised at hearing the word 'Mum' from Sirius' mouth.

"Very well…Regulus, dear, you rest now, and if those two give you any trouble, don't be afraid to tell them off," Euphemia said, winking at Regulus. He knew it was to put him at ease, and surprisingly, it did. A small smile flitted across his face, and Euphemia's smile widened. "If you're hungry, tell one of the boys or call for Blinky."

"Thank you," Regulus whispered, not knowing how he could ever thank her properly. She didn't even know him, and yet she had shown him more compassion than his mother ever had. He tried not to let his emotions overwhelm him.

Euphemia soon left the room after strict instructions about his potions intake. James hopped onto the chair his mother had just vacated, pulling his knees up to his chest. Sirius turned to Regulus and said, "All right, now that she's gone, tell me what the fuck happened."

Regulus shot James a pointed look, wanting him to leave the room, but the latter didn't move. He stared right back until Sirius reached over and flicked James' ear.

James cried out, "Ow! Hey, what did you do that for?"

"You idiot." Sirius waved him away. "Can't you see Reggie is uncomfortable around you?"

"Why? Does he have a crush on me?" James grinned and batted his eyes at Regulus. Regulus's face reddened; he was unable to come up with a retort.

Sirius pulled out his wand, and James squealed before standing up. "All right, fine! I'll leave you two alone. But if you start hugging him again, I want in on the action."

Sirius raised his wand, and James' laughter boomed around the room as he darted towards the door. Sirius pocketed his wand and said, "Don't mind him. He's an arse."

"I heard that!" James yelled, obviously standing outside the room. Sirius waved his wand and slammed the door shut, chuckling under his breath.

Regulus was slightly jealous of James and Sirius' bond; Sirius had never been so carefree with him.

Sirius turned to Regulus. "All right, he's gone now. Tell me."

Regulus licked his suddenly dry lips, and his heart began to pound against his ribcage. He stared at the pristine purple covers with unfocused eyes. It was time for him to come clean. Would Sirius still let him stay after he confessed, or would his brother force him to leave? He hoped Sirius would allow him to stay with him; Regulus didn't have anywhere else to go.

Taking a deep breath in, Regulus fidgeted with the bedsheet. "Mother."

"Obviously, it was her. I saw the scars. They're worse than what she did to me when I was kicked out," Sirius said, leaning closer. "Hey, look at me."

Regulus couldn't bear to look up, but he knew he needed to. He plucked up his courage and slowly raised his head. Sirius' grey eyes bored into his own; it was like seeing his brother for the first time.

"Trust me," Sirius murmured.

And Regulus did.

Tears streamed down his cheeks in rivulets, and his lungs constricted. His body shuddered as he gasped for breath. Then Sirius's arms were around him again, and his voice was relaxed as he said, "Just breathe, Reggie. Don't worry, I'm here…I've got you. You're safe here with me."

"And me," James' voice called out from outside, and Regulus choked on the laughter that bubbled up. Even though James was obviously eavesdropping on their conversation, Regulus couldn't help but feel safe; it was a foreign feeling.

"Ignore the git," Sirius said, and a loud harrumph answered back. Regulus's lips turned up in a small smile, and he sniffled, trying to compose himself. Sirius let go of him and inspected his face. "Good, you're smiling again. Now, tell me—and the twat at the door—what happened."

Regulus swallowed but nodded. He took a deep breath before he said, "Mother wanted me to join…them. I-I couldn't do it. I just couldn't, Sirius. I didn't want that!" His voice began to grow in volume. "She kept on talking about how great I would be—how I was going to bring honour to the Blacks after you 'besmirched the good name of our family'. I was supposed to join them tonight! Tonight, Sirius, tonight! I couldn't do it…I'm not a murderer. I'm not!"

"No one said you are," Sirius said, his tone calm, though his eyes were hard. "You're not going back there, Reggie. I refuse to let you."

"Sirius is right. You're stuck with us now. Be afraid. Be very afraid," James' voice came from outside.

Sirius rolled his eyes before he grew pensive. "How did you think of coming here? Not that I mind…"

Regulus stared at the cupboard. "You said you-know-what to me the day you left."

"You-know-what?" James butted in, and Sirius shot the door an exasperated look.

"He means I love you," Sirius called out.

"I love you too, Pads! But I love Lily more, sorry!"

Sirius groaned and muttered an expletive under his breath. He turned back to Regulus. "I told you not to quote me on that."

"You also said…that I'd…" Regulus was unable to go on, his throat clenching with emotion.

"Oh...yeah, I meant it. You always have a home with me, Reggie," Sirius said, his tone sincere.

Regulus's whole body trembled as he flung his arms around Sirius's shoulders. He sobbed in his brother's arms, relief pouring off him in turbulent waves.

"Are you two hugging again?" James called out. "Why can't I hear anything? Hello? Sirius! Regulus! Hello, is anyone there?"

"Let him in," Regulus sobbed into Sirius' neck, unable to stop his tears.

Sirius grinned and waved his wand at the door. It flew open, and James fell onto the ground with a loud thud. He scowled and pushed himself up onto his hands and knees, rubbing his forehead. "That was rude of you, Pads."

"Come here," Sirius said, waving James over. The latter shot to his feet and hurried over to the bed.

"Are we hugging again?" James asked, excitement visible on his bright face. When Regulus shakily nodded, James whooped and lunged forward, almost knocking Sirius backwards. His arms wrapped around Regulus's shoulders in a move so smooth that it was like they had done it hundreds of times before. "Great. Another brother. And a younger one to boot! I've always wanted one. Sirius never lets me forget that I'm younger than him."

Regulus's heart warmed at James's enthusiasm. The other boy probably didn't even know how grateful Regulus felt; to James, the comments were probably innocent, but they meant the world to Regulus. It meant that they were accepting him. And acceptance was what Regulus craved.

He swallowed and closed his eyes, allowing them to envelop him in their arms. He was safe with them. He wouldn't have to join the Death Eaters if he was with Sirius. Maybe, just maybe, with his brother and the overly enthusiastic James Potter, he was home. He'd made his choice. This was his fate now.