A/N — Just a short drabble on what might have happened had Regulus contacted the Order for help
Warnings: Character death
'I can't believe this is happening," Rabastan whispers. And then again, as if he thought Regulus might not have heard, he repeats, "I can't believe this is happening."
Regulus can only stare, wide-eyed, as Rabastan runs his fingers violently through his unruly hair, pulling it as if he wishes to pull the locks right out of his own head.
"Tell me this is not happening," Rabastan says through gritted teeth.
Regulus remains silent.
It's all spread out between them, the evidence of Regulus' betrayal. The books he's acquired to learn more about horcruxes, how they're destroyed. The letters he's anonymously sent back and forth with certain high-profile Order members. Illustrations Regulus had painstakingly crafted based off of Kreacher's descriptions — waves crashing high up the side of a cliff, a lake in the middle of a dank cave, an ugly locket engraved with a large 's'. And yet more books, about what the creatures in the cave might be, about the enchantments potentially used to protect the place, and even on where that place might be.
There are tears in Rabastan's eyes now, though whether brought on by Regulus' continued silence being as good as an admission, or by the fact that anyone could even think about going against their Lord, Regulus could not guess.
Eventually, Rabastan will crouch over Regulus' cold body, brutal sobs tearing from his throat and wracking through both of their bodies. Rabastan will whisper words into Regulus' dark hair, over and over and over.
Those same words he says now, a surprisingly steady hand pointing his wand directly at Regulus' chest while both of their worlds shatter around them.
"There's no way I can help you, Regulus —" here, his breath always hitches, "— you've brought this on yourself."