Written For:
100 Word Prompt Challenge (Shivering)
Pocket Morty Competition: Test X46 Morty (Write about mastering an experiment or being successful after trying something many times)
"Again," Regulus says.
You hesitate, biting your lip. "I can't do it, Reg," you sigh. "I'm not evil."
"Wanting to cause someone pain doesn't necessarily make you evil," he says gently, pressing a kiss to your cheek. "Spiteful, vindictive, sure. But not necessarily evil."
"Well, I don't want to cause you pain," you clarify. "I love you, and-"
"Don't let that cloud the task at hand," he instructs. "You need to learn this if you're going to go through with this, Barty. You won't have a chance to learn as you go. Again!"
He takes several steps back, and you notice the way his body stiffens as though he's bracing himself. You wonder how many times his cousin has practiced this on him.
You take a deep breath. You have no anger towards Regulus. It won't work.
"Don't think of me," he says, as though he can read your thoughts. "Think of anyone you want to hurt, someone who has wronged you."
Another deep breath. You lift your wand, and Regulus' face blurs before your eyes, and you imagine his father in his place.
Not good enough, Barty.
You've been getting too friendly with the Blacks, I've heard.
I'm ashamed to call you my son.
"Crucio!" you growl.
You watch as your boyfriend drops to the floor. He writhes, screaming and clawing at the floor.
"Regulus! I'm so-"
He sits up, drained and shivering. "You did well," whispers, struggling to climb to his feet. "Again."
…
Bellatrix rests a hand on your shoulder, a wicked smile on her lips. She leans in, her breath tickling your skin. "Good job," she says. "You've really surprised me, Crouch."
You're almost certain that mastering the Cruciatus Curse isn't something you should be proud of, but warmth floods your body. You've spent so much time practicing with Regulus in empty classrooms, and now Bellatrix Lestrange, the most sadistic Death Eater, is praising you for your hard work.
"I'll take it from here," she says, pointing her wand at the pitiful girl heaped upon the floor. "Avada Kedavra!"