Written For:

100 Word Prompt Challenge (cult)

Gringotts Prompt Bank:

Tim Burton'sAlice in Wonderland: (dialogue) "Curiosity often leads to trouble.", (action) hiding behind a tree

All Colors: grey

You follow him, careful to keep to the shadows, quiet as a mouse. If he realizes you are there, it could mean trouble. You aren't sure exactly how much trouble, but you'd prefer not to find out.

Regulus pauses, cocking his head to the side, and you quickly dart, taking cover behind the nearest tree. You hold your breath, waiting for him to continue.

"I'm not stupid, you know," Regulus calls out, and your entire body goes cold. "I know you've been following me this whole time. Come on out now."

You hesitate, heart racing.

"Or would you prefer that I come get you?" he challenges.

Reluctantly, you step out from your hiding place, hands in the air, palms outward, showing that you are unarmed and not looking for a fight. Regulus smirks, his grey eyes cold in the moonlight as he fixes them on you. "Crouch," he laughs. "Did your daddy ask you to spy on me?"

You shake your head. It's not a complete lie. Father had asked you to keep an eye out for suspicious activity among your peers. But you have more personal reasons for your investigation. "I was curious," you admit. "I was leaving the library and saw you sneaking out. I wanted to know what you were doing."

"Curiosity often leads to trouble," Regulus says dryly. "Are you looking for trouble, Barty?"

"Not particularly."

His brows raise, and that smirk returns to his face. Your knees feel weak at the expression.

"Then why follow me? You know who I am, who my family is. You know our reputation," he says, his voice tight. "Did it cross your mind that following me might be a bad idea?"

You nod.

"You're either incredibly determined or incredibly stupid," he laughs. "Maybe both. Probably both."

Silence hangs between you. You contemplate bolting, running back to the castle and going to bed, pretending your curiosity hadn't gotten the better of you.

"What is it, then? Steamy love affair with a Muggleborn? Some sort of cult meeting?" you ask, straightening your posture, somehow finding courage.

"Cult?" he snorts. "I suppose you could say that."

You feel a shiver of fear shoot down your spine. You should run. You should lose all interest in Regulus Black. But, much against your better judgement, you move closer. "Show me."

"If you follow me, you should know that there's no turning back," he says quietly. "This is serious business, Barty."

You can already guess what will be waiting for you at the destination. It scares the hell out of you. Father would be furious, but Father will never know.

"I know," you say at last, nodding.

"So eager to burn," he chuckles.

You blush.

"Why were you following me?" he asks again.

"I wanted you alone."

He catches your meaning and laughs. "Think of me as a Siren. Attractive, easy to fall for, but I am luring you into destruction. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

He shrugs and offers you his hand. "Then I suppose we will burn together."

…

Bellatrix looks at you, betrayal in her eyes. "Crouch?" she hisses. "You brought Crouch here?"

"Very observant, Bella," Regulus snorts. "I did. You asked for recruits, I delivered."

"You delivered a Ministry brat!" Bellatrix says sharply, drawing her wand. "What are you playing at? Have you gone mad?"

"Have I gone mad?" Regulus ponders, looking at you. "What do you think, Barty?"

"No. I don't think so."

"There you have it. I haven't gone mad. Barty is willing to serve the Dark Lord. I brought you a recruit. Let's get this over with so I can get some sleep. I have a Charms essay due in the morning, and I haven't even started."

She looks at you again, and you can feel the distrust. "Very well. I will report back to the Dark Lord. The ceremony will happen over the holiday break."

…

"Thanks for following me. I told her I'd find recruits. She might have been disappointed if I'd shown up empty-handed."

You nod, completely numb. What have you gotten yourself into? You wonder already if there's a way out.

But then, when Regulus turns to you with that smile, his grey eyes warm and grateful, you think that maybe you won't mind burning with him.