Chapter 4
Regulus was devastated. This last school year was rough. After seeing his brother again and not being able to tell him anything and then to be pulled back into the cave. Regulus had wept and cried, he couldn't do this anymore. He wasn't strong enough. He wasn't strong and brave like Sirius, he couldn't stand the pain anymore. He was hurting everywhere. His whole body ached, there was not one place where he didn't feel pain. He wanted to die, more than anything. As he laid there in the cave, listening to the small drops of moisture falling from the ceiling, he looked down at his left arm. His small flame lightened up the small corner he was in, and was just bright enough for him to clearly see his arm. He looked at the mark. The dark black tattoo stood out on his arm. He knew what it meant, but he didn't dare think of it. If the Dark Lord really was back, everyone, including himself would be in grave danger. Regulus wanted to kill the Dark Lord, but he knew he would never be able to do it, not before every last horcrux was killed. Regulus winced as he sat up. His legs were throbbing in pain. Some tourists had played near the entrance to the cave, and some stones had interrupted the water, setting the inferi loose on him. He had managed to fight them off for a bit, until his powers, pitiful that they were, failed him. He was too weak in this state.
Regulus had screamed for mercy, screamed for death to come for him. But yet again, he survived. He tried to bend his right leg, but it was no use. The wounds on it were infected, it had turned a nasty yellow and black. It smelled like rotten flesh. And he was sure the bone was broken as well. Regulus knew that he would never be able to walk properly again, even if he somehow managed to get rid of the curse, the wounds would never heal properly.
He felt the pull and was yet again shifting forms. He was barely conscious, when the pain stopped. His bone had broken, and now his leg was deformed. He couldn't even use it. Slowly he managed to get a hold on himself and looked around. He was back at Hogwarts. Regulus couldn't believe he was back. As he looked around, he could see he was near the great hall, so he decided to go down there, see if he was lucky enough to find some food.
As he slowly crawled towards the great hall, he stopped to watch some strange female students in blue dresses going inside.
Wow! Regulus had to admit they did look rather good, all of them! Of course their beauty was nothing compared to that of his witch, but still, he was a man, and it didn't hurt to look. Regulus did appreciate beauty after all.
As he entered the great hall, he looked up to see a man he never thought he would see again! Igor Karkaroff! What in Slytherin's name was he doing there? At Hogwarts? He should have been in Azkaban! Regulus knew it was trouble, having Karkaroff at Hogwarts. Why were there other schools here? Regulus crept down to the doors, looking inside. Something strange was going on.
Ahh! The Triwizard Tournament. So that was why Durmstrang and Beubaxtron were here! Regulus had read about it, but never had he thought he would be able to watch it from the sideline. Oh the glory! He would have given anything for the chance to participate in that event when he was a student. He quickly scurried down towards the Gryffindor table, well he limped down there. He would never be able to run from the cats this time, not in this state. He finally found Hermione, why she sat all the way down the hall, towards the teachers table, he would never understand. Why couldn't she sit near the door. He was exhausted as he finally managed to climb up onto the bench, and climb into her lap. He could feel her body tense, before she looked down at him. Oh, those brown eyes! Oh, how he had missed them. He finally felt his body relax as he looked up at the beautiful face of his witch.
"Black! I thought you were dead, one minute you were here with me and then were just gone! Oh, I have missed you!" Hermione grinned as she patted his head. His head was throbbing in pain, but he didn't care. Regulus was sure that if anyone were to help him, it would be her. She snuck some bread down to him, and Regulus ate it happily. She smiled as she opened her pocket of her robe, letting him crawl in.
"Don't worry little Black, I got you!" Hermione said with such a tenderness in her voice, it almost made Regulus cry.
As he laid beside her that night, he made a vow to himself. She had healed him, and tended to his leg, so for once he was finally pain free. As he saw her sleep, so content with him at her side, he vowed that if he would ever be a man again, he would make sure that she always could count on him. No matter what, he would be there for her, guiding her, loving her, supporting her. She would be the only reason for him to live. Regulus loved her. And one day, he hoped to be a man again so that he could show his witch just how much he loved her.
Regulus was jealous! He was so jealous that he bit the Durmstrang companion! That oaf tried to touch his witch! Regulus had run up Hermione's body when they were in the library, and he bit down so hard that he had drawn blood from "Victor". Regulus hated that wizard! How dare he touch his witch? His Hermione! She was his, no one else's! Hermione had scolded him after the bite. Regulus had felt a tiny bit guilty, but that feeling didn't last long. The idiot wizard yet again tried to touch her! Regulus couldn't stop himself, he tried yet again to bite the tosser.
Hermione had just managed to get a hold on him.
"I am so sorry Victor, I don't know whats gotten into him, I'll see you later okay?" Hermione had told the oaf, before she walked away with Regulus.
"Why did you do that Black?" Hermione had sighed, putting the rat on her shoulder. Regulus had licked her cheek, nuzzling as close as he could get. Hermione sighed again, shaking her head. She smiled sweetly at him, before gently setting him down on her bed. And then she left.
Regulus was heart broken. The oaf, as he called the famous Victor Krum, stood before him, kissing his witch! Hermione looked so beautiful in her lovely dress, with her hair up. And now she stood there, kissing the oaf! Regulus' heart broke at the sounds she was making. He wanted it to be him that made her moan softly like that. Regulus was so heartbroken that he couldn't bear to be near her now. How could he be near her, when she was kissing another wizard? She was kissing someone who wasn't him! As Regulus walked around the castle, he hoped that he could get eaten by a cat. Anything to heal his aching heart. It hurt so much more than all the pain he had ever experienced. He never knew that he could feel so much pain, but it hurt. He didn't know why he suddenly was in professor Moody's office, and he didn't care. Maybe just maybe, the Professor could see him for who he really was? With his magical creepy eye, maybe he could help Regulus? See through the curse and free him? Then he would surely be able to win the heart of his witch!
As he got inside the office, he looked around, trying to locate the crazy old wizard. He barely made it two feet inside the office, before he was snatched off the ground.
"So, what do we have here?" the man's voice said. Regulus stopped struggling when he was face to face with the man's eye! It scared him, this was a bad idea. Why in Merlin's name had Regulus gone to see this mad wizard! He would surely be locked up if the wizard found a way to break the curse. He's an auror!
"Reggie?" the man said and looked at Regulus.
Regulus was suddenly far more terrified then he had ever been before, something didn't feel right. The only person who had ever called him Reggie were locked up! But then the man before him started to shift. He dropped Regulus, who quickly ran for cover. Not daring to hope that this man was who he thought he was. As the man stood up again, he turned around, grinning madly at Regulus.
"Where is my best friend!" Barty Crouch Junior grinned as he took Regulus in his hands again.
Regulus couldn't believe it, how on earth had Barty managed to capture Mad Eye Moody, and then imposter him? It was impossible.
"I know, it's impressive isn't it?" Barty grinned as he went over to the fireplace. He locked the door and threw up a bunch of protective warding charms.
"You know Reggie, it's not fun walking around as Mad Eye for so many hours everyday, and to top that, drinking PolyJuice. Right foul potion that is. It's a shame they didn't make it taste like pumpkin juice. Mad Eye sure tastes like shite!" Barty sighed as he took a bottle from the shelf, pouring himself a large glass of whiskey. Regulus sat before him, looking at his friend. Even in school, they had always stuck together. Regulus had always counted on Barty, and Barty on him. They had covered for each other and shared a dorm for seven years. Barty knew everything about Regulus, and Regulus knew everything about Barty. Barty should have been in Azkaban, he was one of those Karkaroff had ratted on at the ministry.
"Oh Reggie, I did know that our Lord had cursed one of his followers for not following orders. At least that was the rumor. I had no idea you were the one he had cursed! I really thought you were dead. Everyone did, and yet, here you are! Well, you are a rat, but still, you are alive!" Barty grinned as he patted Regulus' head. Regulus bit him, just because he could, which made the dark wizard laugh out loud.
"Oh little Reggie, you haven't changed a bit! Well, except for the tail, I mean. Does it hurt? having a tail?" Barty grinned.
Regulus could all too clearly see that his friend had gone mad, but oh how wonderful it was to be with someone who knew who he was! Even if it was his best friend and a dark wizard. But how on earth did Barty manage to fool the Headmaster? Regulus knew Barty was a good actor, he had always been. Even at school, he had been a very talented actor. He had caused a lot of witches to fall head over heels for him. And when they fell for Barty, Regulus was there too.
"I did miss you Reggie, Azkaban is one hell of a place. The Dementors sucking at one's memories. I often thought about you, envied you even. But now, I can see I am the lucky one. Maybe when my mission here is done, I can put in a good word with our lord, asking him to turn you back, hmm?" Barty madly grinned.
Regulus would rather die, not that he could tell the man, but still. Even if he could be turned back, if the Dark Lord really was out there, then he would never serve that wizard again. He would not be bound.
"Well, you can stay here Reggie, at least you won't get eaten by any cats!" Barty grinned down at the rat.
"You know, your eyes are just as they were, last time I saw you. It's remarkable really." Barty crouched down in front of Regulus, staring at him. Regulus tried to get away, but was caught by the wizard's rough hands.
"Stay Reggie, it's nice to have a friend again." Barty yawned, and soon the wizard was asleep in front of the fire, with Regulus in his hands.
Regulus thought about leaving, going back to the Gryffindor tower, but then again, why should he? Hermione was having the time of her life with the great oaf, maybe Regulus should stay with Barty for a bit. It was nice that the wizard could recognize him, and talk with him like they used to do. He missed sitting under the great tree next to the Black Lake.
Regulus soon made up his mind, he would stay with Barty, for as long as he could.
Who in the name of Merlin thought it would be a good idea to hold the second test on a cold day in february, in the black lake? Everyone knew it was freezing cold in the water. Regulus was mad and even more heartbroken when he found out that the big stupid ugly oaf had to rescue his witch from the bottom of the lake. Regulus was mad, and tried to get out of Barty's pocket, but he couldn't. Barty was back in Mad Eyes form, and paced back and forth. Barty hadn't told Regulus anything more about his mission, but he had shared a bunch of his memories from his days in Azkaban. Who knew that Barty's father had switched his son and wife inside that prison? It was a miracle that no one had found out. When the oaf appeared in the water with his witch, Regulus wished he had been able to curse the boy. How dare he lay hands on Hermione? Holding her close like that? He couldn't stand it. Regulus crept down in Barty's pocket, wishing he hadn't gone out in the first place. Why did it hurt so much to have one's heart break?
Regulus didn't pay attention to anything else that was going on. He just wanted to be left alone. He even wanted to be back as the Dragon or even in the cave. He knew the dangers from there and the pain he would suffer, and he was sure that was better than the pain he felt in his heart every time Hermione smiled at the oaf. Or held his hand. Regulus' heart broke more each time he had to see it. He so much wanted it to be him holding Hermione close, holding her hand, kissing her on her cheek.
He felt Barty move and looked out the pocket, the second mission was apparently over. Now Barty moved with purpose, holding the young Potter boy close. Regulus knew that whatever mission the Dark Lord had given Barty, it had something to do with the boy. Why else would Barty help him?
Regulus didn't hear what they talked about, why would he? He didn't care for the boy. All he cared for was Hermione.
"Ah Reggie, shall we go down and sit by the tree near the Black Lake? Like we used to. Do you remember the girl I took down there? What was her name again? You know what, I can't remember. Damn she was hot. She kissed me like she had never kissed anyone before, and she was good at it! Oh If I could I would have married her! Even you got a taste of her! I know you kissed her just to piss me off. I saw how she slapped you! Oh, the look on your face, I'll never forget that!" Barty laughed.
Even Regulus had to stiffle a laugh, he could remember that. That girl sure knew how to slap a person.
"Here Reggie, come out for a bit. I'll put a warming charm around us. I bought you your favourites! Cauldron cakes ! And a sugar quill, I know how you loved those!" Barty said as he took some items out from his pocket. Regulus was happy that he thought of him. It was nice being with someone who knew who he was.
Regulus patted at the sugar quill, loving the taste of it.
"It's your birthday today my friend, I am not even sure how old you are. Do you age in the body of a rat? Hmm, no you couldn't possibly! Rats don't live that long, and you must have been cursed for several years. Hell, I am not even sure how old I am anymore. But who cares anyway! We are young, or well, maybe we are old. Fuck that! Lets drink and eat like we used to when we were at school!" Barty grinned as he poured some butterbear up in a small cup for Regulus.
Regulus was more than happy now. To think that he would sit here at the lake, with Barty, celebrating his birthday.
"Oh Reggie my friend, if you were a human now, we could go out. We could drink until we were so drunk that we could barely stand. And then we could find some beautiful witches, and celebrate life and all its pleasures!" Barty said as he took a drink. Regulus drank some butterbear. Oh it felt heavenly. Now he could die happy!
"I miss you Reggie, more than you can know." Barty mumbled as he took a piece of cake. Regulus wanted to tell him that he missed him too, comfort him, telling him that he would always treasure their friendship. But he couldn't. Instead he nuzzled Barty's hand, making the mad wizard grin.
The Dark Lord was back! Regulus heard the Potter boy say it when he returned with the Portkey and the dead boy. Barty had dragged the Potter boy after him, locking him inside his office. Regulus zoned out, trembling in fear. Would the Dark Lord punish him? He hadn't guarded his horcrux well enough. The Dark Lord was sure to know what had happened. The Diary was destroyed! Regulus was doomed. He was positive that this would be the end of him. He would die, never being able to tell Hermione how he felt! His witch would never know that he loved her!
The door was blasted open, sending Barty tumbling towards the chair. Regulus fell from his pocket and quickly ran over to the wall. Dumbledore, McGongagall and Snape came into view, pouring something down Barty's mouth. It all happened so fast. Not long after they had come in, they opened the chest and found the real Mad Eye down there. Dumbledore took the young boy from the room, leaving only Snape and Barty there.
"Aren't you happy Sev? The Dark Lord is back! I did it! I did what no one else could!" Barty grinned.
"You should be in Azkaban!" Severus hissed at the man, pointing his wand in his throat.
"I escaped! With my dear father's help, before I killed him that is!" Barty grinned and started to laugh.
"You are crazy. I see that all those years in Azkaban have destroyed what little brain cells you had to begin with!" Severus hissed.
"Maybe, I guess that happens when you are trapped in Azkaban for so long. You should know, being there yourself! Oh yes, I forgot. You never stepped foot in the prison, did you? No, you were Albus Dumbledore's lap dog! Are you still his little lap dog? Even after your precious Lily Potter went and got herself killed?" Barty grinned.
"Don't make me kill you!" Severus hissed.
"As if you could, you are weak Severus! You have always been weak! If you truly are one of us, you will set me free! Let me return to our master! I'll tell him you helped me escape and he would grant you anything you would want!" Barty tried saying.
"Anything?" Severus asked, looking like he might wanted to accept the offer.
"Anything!" Barty grinned, clearly thinking he had the upper hand.
"Oh but you see, little Barty, the only thing I want I can't have, you know why? Because your master had her killed!" Severus hissed as he sent a hex towards Barty, crumbling him in pain.
"Oh little Lily, how I wish I could have gotten into her knickers. It would have been even better knowing that you never had the chance!" Barty laughed.
"Crazy son of a bitch!" Severus hissed as he punched Barty in his nose.
Ouch, Regulus thought, that looked like it hurt.
"You know, our friend is here!" Barty hissed through pain, with blood trickling down over his mouth.
"Which friend?" Severus asked.
"Reggie!" Barty grinned madly.
"You are mad, Regulus is dead, he has been dead for over sixteen years!" Severus said, shaking his head.
"I am not mad, he is here, in this very room!" Barty grinned looking around after Regulus.
Regulus hid, he didn't want to be at the wrong end of Severus' wand. He knew him well enough to know that it would hurt like hell. Severus always was far more talented than anyone ever gave him credit for, and his curses were wicked.
"Mad, just like Mad Eye Moody! I think you have been in his form for far to long!" Severus grinned.
Regulus suddenly felt cold, and he knew what would come. No, they surely couldn't do it! They wouldn't give Barty to a dementor. He knew Barty was mad, but couldn't they throw him in prison like he had been once? Why set a Dementor free on him? Severus quickly fled the room as soon as the Dementor appeared.
"No, no, no, no!" Barty yelled as he tried to escape, but with no use. The Dementor was soon over him, Regulus wished he could do something. To help his old friend. He felt so powerless as he saw how the dementor hovered over Barty. Soon the Dementor covered the struggling wizard's mouth, and started sucking out his soul. Regulus cried, this was the most inhumane thing he had ever witnessed. As the Dementor released Bartys mouth, his eyes were glassy, and Regulus knew, that his longtime friend, would never be the same again.
