For the 100 Word Prompt Challenge ( 2/100, side)
"Do you ever think we've chosen the wrong side?" you ask quietly.
Barty leans back lazily in his chair, feet resting on the kitchen table. His brows raise, head tipping curiously to the side. "It was your idea, Reg," he laughs. "I was reluctant, but you were so sure."
He doesn't have to remind you. You had been blind back then, so eager to follow your cousin. You had all but forced Barty to join you. "If you don't, I'm not sure that we can see each other anymore," you had said, knowing how desperate he is for love, knowing he would cling to you without question.
Now, the tables have turned. Barty wears the Dark Mark like a crown, and you wear it like a badge of shame. You should have listened to Sirius.
"We're just pawns in a game," you whisper.
"What was that?"
You shake your head, forcing a smile. "Nothing."
Barty climbs to his feet and closes the distance between you and him. He is a head shorter than you, but when he squares up to you, you can't help but to flinch away. "Don't do anything stupid, Reg," he warns. "Our master… He has his ways, and he does not reward stupidity."
You look away, closing your eyes. Stupid is an understatement for what you have planned. Suicidal is a much more accurate term.
"What are you thinking?" he demands.
You force yourself to look back at him, and your heart breaks. He is not the Barty you had once known, the silly, carefree Hufflepuff who had smiled and followed you like a lost puppy. He is darker now, a monster in your lover's skin.
"Nothing," you answer, pulling him closer and kissing the top of his head.
"It was your brother, wasn't it? I thought you cut off all contact."
"We'll worry about it in the morning," you murmur. "Let's get some rest."
Barty relaxes ever so slightly against you and allows you to lead him into the bedroom.
By the time he wakes, you will be long gone. No goodbye, no note.
"We're right, Regulus," Barty says as he curls against you. "You'll see."