Drabble written for the "52 Weeks of Writing 2013 Competition" on the HPFC for the prompt Slytherin.
Word count:272
Giving Up Something
Regulus couldn't bring himself to think of how this year would be, staying alone at Grimmauld Place while everyone else would be at Hogwarts. This would be the first year he wouldn't have his brother to stay with, and he wasn't sure he would like it. Even though Sirius was different - a joker when Regulus preferred to read in the library, a Quidditch player when the most Regulus could stand was read the results of a match on the newspaper – he always made sure to spend time with his younger brother.
Of course he hadn't been able to hide his worry very long from Sirius.
"You know I'll come back for the holidays, and I'll send you letters. Soon you'll join me at Hogwarts and we'll be together. Imagine the fun we'll have!"
"We'll be in Slytherin together then?" There was no other possible House for Regulus; Slytherin was the only one they could go to. Others weren't even considered.
"Yes… Of course."
"You promise?"
"Do I have to?"
"Please."
Regulus didn't miss the flicker of doubt in his brother's eyes, nor did he miss the way Sirius' smile was too strained, too fake.
"I promise we'll be in Slytherin together."
After seeing those doubts, how could have he been surprised his brother rebelled and ended up in the one House he shouldn't have? And now everyone in the family hated him, and everyone expected him to hate his brother too.
What choice did he have, when supporting him meant losing the person he couldn't lose? For surely Bellatrix would hate him then, and he couldn't see hatred in her eyes.