At school, Barty had often managed to fade into the background. Sometimes people had taken note due to his father's name, sometimes due to his excellent grades. But he was too sickly to be good at sports and he wasn't interested enough in any of his fellow students to make for a reliable lackey or anything like that. He preferred to pass below notice and just make the contacts he wanted to make. Especially since, really, he was biding his time. Biding his time until he could show what he could do to someone who mattered.
And now, now that he was with the Dark Lord? It was gratifying to have his potential - the very thing his own father liked to both deny and demonise - recognised. To be shown signs of his trust and favour and he didn't care any long whether others took notice or not. But, of course, they did. They wore masks, but for the inner circle that was all but a formality. Everyone knew who the important families were. Most ran in the same crowd, mask or no mask. Barty's identity was more of a mystery than some, given his father's reputation and his own lack of one back in school, but he was certain that some knew, at least the ones closer in age. And the ones he wanted to know. He wanted to be recognised by those who mattered.
In turn, of course, he knew the identity of them all. He had always been watching, taking note. Some were easy to figure out anyway. Regulus Black was one of those. The way he held himself alone, he felt he could have picked him out of a crowd from fifty feet away. Of course, he also knew him even better than most of the others. Partly because they were close in age and partly because Regulus was beautiful. Not everything Barty took note of had to serve a scheming purpose.
Although now the fact that he paid such attention to Regulus also meant that he noticed that during raids, he held back. Was hesitant. Barty wondered whether others had taken notice yet and he wondered if he should let them. He wondered if he should help Regulus. And while he was still pondering his options, he had allowed his steps to slow until he was just behind Regulus, and then he reached out to grab his arm, watching him from behind the mask.
"Wait." Did he need to give a reason? He decided to leave it at that.
Regulus never once believed that his greatest regret would be joining the Dark Lord but then, he supposed he'd never really thought about it. When he got into all of this, it was more living up to expectations. It was about doing what was most in keeping with his parents status and following the path he had to follow. It was never really an option to do anything otherwise. It always fell to Sirius to be the daring one, the rebel, the black sheep - not Regulus, he was a good boy.
In a manner of speaking.
It was easier when he was younger, inactive and blindly following without question. As soon as he started to have questions, the problems began. It was hard not to miss what kind of man the Dark Lord was. After all, he treated his lessers appallingly and his actions were often sadistic for the sake of it. And, frustratingly, he didn't find himself to be a sadist at all. No matter what he tried. He couldn't revel where others did and he didn't see the joys in what they wanted. Sure, he agreed with the main points but it was the execution he disliked.
Regulus just tried to blend in, hold back and keep aside. He came, he attended meetings and went on raids but he didn't act, he tried to stay passive and agreeable but not a participant. Honestly, he didn't know where his loyalties were any more.
When he felt someone grab onto his arm, he tried his best to stay schooled and in control, glad he had a mask on to keep him safe and guarded. He regarded the voice he knew well with interest, unsure why Barty was preventing him from going any further. Surely they had no business together - he tried to avoid having business with any death eater. "Can I help you, Crouch?"
Barty tilted his head to the side a little, as if considering that question. "Hm." His eyes moved, looking Regulus up and down. He remembered when he became taller than Regulus more than he usually cared about those details. "I don't know about that."
Overall, he didn't think that Regulus was all that helpful. "Doesn't seem as if I need help anyway." Regulus, on the other hand? Barty had his doubts there. But he didn't voice them right now, he just stayed where he was, watching Regulus. Holding his arm. "You are very polite. Well-mannered. It seems like you let everyone have a go before you do anything yourself."
Regulus tensed, knowing full well what Barty was hinting at. It was near impossible to miss... he just didn't think anyone had noticed. Feeling a little uneasy, he carefully tried to remove his arm from Barty's grip and make distance. "I was well raised, I can't help that. My manners come before my enjoyment."
Why was Barty even watching him? Was he asked to keep an eye on people? Were they being checked up on now? Great. That was just what he needed. "I apologise if I seem disinterested or held back, I merely don't wish to be in the way. You understand, I'm sure." Probably not but he could bluff as best he could. Staying to the truth helped, then he wasn't technically lying.
"I wouldn't say that. See, my parents aren't nearly as diligent as yours, so my manners are lacking by comparison." Barty had no idea whether Regulus would have tried to make a slight against his parents or not, but he felt it helped to take the wind out of anyone's sails when he went there first. Besides, he could use that line of reasoning. "However, seeing your manners in action? It's inspiring."
He bowed a little, perhaps mockingly. Hard to say with his mouth covered up. "Let me be polite now. Come with me. Then you won't have to hold back. We can share."
He snatched Regulus' wrist with one hand and pulled on it, moving closer at the same time, trying to catch his eyes as he stood so close to him. "Just you and me."
"Just you and--" Fuck. No. Not a small scale mission, he specifically avoided those kinds of things. Low numbers meant higher need to participate. He didn't want to have to do that because he didn't think that he could do it. And why highlight it to people? He couldn't face that reality but he couldn't run from it either - he would have to decide just what he was doing but he hadn't expected to decide right here and now.
"I have plans." Digging his heels in, he attempted to politely decline but he really couldn't think of what plans he'd have at this hour on a drizzly sunday evening but here he was, scrambling for something. Anything. "It's... I have a paper due."
Barty frowned and then, because he felt no need to help the urge, he laughed. He shook his head and calmed down again quickly, even if the tone of his voice was still unmistakably amused. "That's very diligent of you, but I promise, if you come with me now, I can help you with your homework later too."
Whatever imaginary homework he felt he had. It was endearing, in a surprising way. Usually people annoyed him more often than not, he appreciated the contrast. Regulus was fascinating. Even with his mask, he could read him easily. Yet he didn't always know how to predict him.
"It's not homework, it's prep work. For next semester. Not all of us are naturally gifted at academics, some people need to work at it." He wasn't really bad at academics but Barty was too good and it really showed everyone else up. Regulus pulled a face of dismay at the dismissive response to his excuse and tried his best to come up with something else that would allow him to leave quietly and quickly.
His options were few. What was a good excuse to not go out on a private raid with someone who was swiftly rising in the ranks as a death eater? "Do we have to do it now? What about another day... it's awfully rainy, is all."
"We will go inside, Black. You'll stay dry." Barty's voice was dry as well as he assured him, slightly bemused, but at least not irritated by the very obvious excuses. There was something about Regulus that seemed to keep him from being annoyed, he couldn't quite put his finger on it yet. Maybe he felt pity for him? Maybe he thought he could be useful after all.
Either way, Barty started walking, simply tugging Regulus along, if he wasn't just willingly keeping up. "You seem worried. What is it, are you worried? Surely you can't be scared."
"I'm not scared, I'm just -- busy. You hardly gave me any forewarning." Regulus didn't know how to cope with his fear so it often just came out as haughty and irritated. It was easier to be annoyed by the world than scared of it. And perhaps, deep down, it wasn't fear. Maybe he was just angry and annoyed. He bloody well felt like he was right now.
Starting to follow suit more casually now, he walked beside Barty with a dejected look hidden behind his mask. "What have you got in mind?"
"The same thing I always have on my mind. Is that not what you think? I know others do." And, no, he didn't mind it. Barty had discovered that he didn't mind being feared. It seemed like the best step after being underestimated. They also tended to fear him while thinking he lacked sanity, so - really - as far as he was concerned, they were still underestimating him as well.
"I want to see about a few things." And, yes, he wanted to test Regulus. But they both knew that, there was no need to state it out loud.
"I can hardly believe you have one thing on your mind. I imagine you can think on three topics at once." It seemed likely. After all, he watched Barty at school before - a boy like that had one too many thoughts. A dangerous mind, really. He didn't imagine any of them were pleasant but he didn't want to overly think on it. With these kinds of people, the less he knew, the better he felt about being in a room with them.
Pulling away from Barty's touch, he walked beside him now and slowed the pace purposefully to try and exert some control over the situation. Barty could match his pace, not visa versa. "You sound like I'm your experiment. Can't say I like that much, Crouch."
"It's not like that, Black. I wouldn't dare." Barty sounded mildly disinterested, but that passed quickly. He sped up for a few steps, enough to suddenly turn around and stand in front of Regulus, stopping them both and putting a hand on his shoulder. Touching again and he leaned in, he lowered his voice, in a pretence of intimacy. "People talk, don't they? Our people. Masked or not. They talk. They talk about me and so I have to prove myself. Have to prove it each and every moment, show my worth. Gain worth. But what do I matter, compared to the heir of your noble house?"
He found it easy to hold Regulus' eyes. Maybe because there was no challenge to them, for him, or maybe because they drew him in. Barty honestly couldn't say for certain. "The talk about you... I'm sure you can imagine. We have things in common, you and I. I have to do what I can to counteract what my father has done, what he is still doing, to threaten our cause. And your family - noble as it is - it has a penchant for traitors. My lady Bellatrix, hasn't she sworn to eradicate every stain on your family tree? Not that anyone would doubt her or blame her."
Doubting Regulus? That seemed an easier thing. "I don't deem it fair that you are under scrutiny, simply because of your brother's choices. Do you?"
"I have always been under scrutiny because of my brother's idiotic choices. It's just a way of life for me. It's not fair but what's fair? You should know that yourself." People who believed in a fair world wouldn't be death eaters. Their whole world revolves around people who were just born into the right families and connections. Those who weren't? Well, too bad for them but like he cared. Life was unfair and he knew that since the day he heard Sirius was sorted into Gryffindor. And hell, he was going to exploit this unfair world for all he could until his end.
He just didn't know why Barty suddenly cared so much about his business. Why did he care what was fair and what wasn't? "People will always talk. It seems pointless to let it get to you." Even if it did. Even if he hated it. What was he going to do? Pure bloods were very gossipy. "I'm no traitor. I know where I belong and who I belong with. I know what my status means."
Everything. It meant everything. So why didn't he feel any joy at the Dark Lord's plans? "I doubt we have that much in common."
"Not as much as I'd like, you are probably right." Barty watched his face for a few moments longer and then he reached for his wand, pointing it at the door closest to them and spelling it open. He walked up to it then, only to pause and gesture for Regulus to head in first. It was quiet inside the house, and dark. Just one family, Barty suspected. He wasn't sure whether there would be children. Muggles seemed to breed a lot.
He let the door close behind them and approached the stairs, his heart beating fast. He was excited. Wherever this would lead, it was sure to be interesting.
Regulus mostly just looked around, vaguely displeased with how messy the place was. Stuff everywhere. Clutter on every surface. In there was more than three things on a table at once, his mother would call him and Sirius in and make them clean the whole house, top to bottom, just to teach them a lesson. It was entirely pointless and clearly just a power trip to ruin their day but it did make him hyper aware of how messy muggles truly were.
Pausing, he looked about before coming to a stop, not wanting to go up the stairs and experience more of this place. Whispering, he reached out and caught Barty's sleeve. "What are we doing here?" He knew what they were doing here but... it didn't make him like it any more.
Barty raised his eyebrows, not that it was visible under the mask. Still, he also wrapped an arm around Regulus' waist, holding him close. Whether that was to support him or to keep him trapped... Personally, he was enjoying the ambiguity. "We'll make sure you get your due, Regulus."
And so he switched from losing his last name. It seemed easier, since he never used it in his head anyway. He opened the door to a room, nodding to himself when he saw a sleeping couple there. He had his wand pointed, gesturing from one to the other. "Man or woman. Where do you want to start?"
Start? He swallowed hard, unsure why Barty had specifically targeted him like this but he didn't know what to do now or how to get out of it. He still hadn't drawn his wand but he kept a hand near it, ready just in case all of this backfired and he had to act fast. He didn't trust Barty. Nervously, he licked his lips and turned to Barty, looking at him through the mask. "It doesn't seem very... sporting."
He wasn't going to say he felt overly bad for muggles but it was a bit like dogs or house elves - they weren't equal but that didn't mean he wanted to go around kicking them. This seemed like a low blow. "It was your idea, you pick." His voice was snappy and struggling to stay under control, not willing to totally give up just yet. He could still worm his way out of this dirty deed.
"It's not sporting." Barty could admit that. Not exactly his preferred target, that much was for sure. But then, it wasn't truly the muggles he was playing with here, it was Regulus. Regulus, he was interesting. A toy for now. A pet, maybe? Barty wasn't certain. "This isn't sport, Regulus."
When he noticed the muggles shifting, Barty quickly cast a spell to render them both unconscious. "People whisper. They think you are a coward. But I don't think so. I really don't. That's the worry, isn't it? Your life might be easier if you were one."
"I'm not a coward, I could never be. I'm a Black. We're not cowards. We're a great many things but not that." They were loud, ruthless, insane, traitors, loyalists, extremists and whatever else but they were not cowards. It was a family trait. Brave and daring to the point of stupid - thought Regulus liked to believe he was a lot less stupid than Sirius could be... though right now was making him question that a little.
"Just because I believe muggles are nothing doesn't mean I have to enjoy savaging them, does it? It's beneath me, I'm not a lackey." A follower of the Dark Lord, not a lackey of his. Why should he do such needless things because people whispered. "I'm loyal, I don't need to prove it. I'm a Black, that's enough."
"That is because you believe they are nothing." Barty shook his head, leaning back against the door frame. "Do you think the Dark Lords just wants to keep us from being idle, Regulus? Do you think that's his sole reason for having us go after muggles? Because they are nothing?"
Barty scoffed, looking at the unconscious pair. "That's the pity. Most don't realise. Of course, an unarmed muggle against any wizard is a sorry sight. But there is many of them. Many more than there is of us. And they have had to compensate for their lack of magic. The point is, Regulus, that muggles are a threat. And for all we know, diluting the bloodlines is just another way for them to take over entirely."
"Then it seems far more effective to simply not mix blood than to try to off then all, doesn't it?" He knew they were pure at least, that was doing his bit. One day his mother would marry him off to one of his cousins or something equally as unfortunate, he would sire a few children and then that should be enough. Why did he have to go around killing them? He didn't enjoy getting his hands dirty.
Nor did he enjoy when people suffered. He turned and looked at Barty, glad he had the mask on to hide the worst of his emotions. "I just -- I don't see the point of getting blood on my hands for little real impact. What does two muggles matter - dead or alive?"
Apparently something because the idea of killing them made him very uneasy and upset.
"Because we are on the losing side in this war. There is more of them. There is always more of them. So we have to attack. Passiveness is no way to fight. If you wanted that, then you shouldn't have joined." Easy enough. Yet, still, he wasn't angry. He knew Regulus' thoughts, he could see through his excuses, but it didn't anger him.
"These two don't matter, sure. But when will you stop hesitating, Regulus? Whatever is holding you back, I wonder whether it will hold you back when you are facing your brother too."
"I wouldn't have to face that idiot. He'd probably kill himself in a fight, nevermind anyone else." He would never fight his brother. Not out of principle, he just assumed it would not likely happen. Sirius was very fast to throw himself into the thick of danger and Regulus wasn't. Odds are, they'd barely even cross over in a battle. "Besides, it's not holding back. I just -- I'm not seeking it out."
He knew that wasn't an excuse. He knew a death eater had to but he didn't want to. The idea of killing them personally, of actually having blood on his hands, it didn't bring him any joy. Just fear, pain, horror... he didn't want to be that person. "What will it take for me to ease your troubled heart, Crouch? Clearly you're worried." For some odd reason. Perhaps someone had told him to come and talk to him? He wasn't sure. Either way, he knew he had to prove himself. "Should I torture the pair just for you?"
Barty turned, so he ended up facing Regulus rather than the sleeping muggles. He could recognise the mockery, but he could also ignore it. Reaching up, he pushed the mask away that covered his face, looking directly at Barty and letting him look directly at him. "Would you, darling?"
Two could dance along that line of almost mockery. "It would ease my worries, you are right."
Barty was far too close for his liking and that tone, the words... it threw him off so much that it took him a few moments to even remember what he was going to say. His shock melted into indignation and he huffed, exhaling air in frustration. "I-- Don't call me, darling. I'm not your darling."
Rolling his eyes, he pulled out his wand and just tried to remember that as long as it wasn't murder, that was okay - that was acceptable. A few unforgivable and he could leave. "I still think torture is wholly beneath me, for the record. I'm noble born, after all. This isn't my kind of work.
"Not my darling. You are right about that." Although that, perhaps, remained to be seen. And Barty did think he was darling, whether he was his or not. "This isn't work at all. Nor sport, as you pointed out. But with the right attitude, anything can be fun."
Barty whipped around suddenly, his wand pointed. He used it to make the man float out of the bed, moving him closer. Still unconscious, but there he was, hanging in the air in front of Regulus. "What do you feel now, Regulus? Tell me. I want to know your noble born mind."
"Mostly I'm thinking about how ugly his pyjamas are." Regulus deadpanned, using it to save himself from having to say anything else. Snark was a weapon to be used, it was a family trait that just seemed to be inherently within them. "I don't have any strong feelings for a floating muggle, if I'm honest."
Tilting his head back, he eyed up the muggle and then sighed wearily and aim his wand at the man. "I wonder what he was dreaming about."
"I don't know. Who cares? What do you dream about? My own dreams are certainly nothing I'd wish to share." Nothing he wished to experience himself either, but there was no need to disclose that. Barty realised that he should wake him up. Have him be conscious for this, the muggle, to truly test Regulus. But instead he simply stepped behind Regulus, granting him the reprieve of only torturing an unconscious man. "Cast your curse, darling. I want to hear you mean it."
"Stop calling me darling. I don't like it." Regulus muttered stubbornly as he sighed, told himself he had to do this to survive and while yes, he didn't want to kick a dog, he certainly would if it meant living or dying. And pissing off the Dark Lord? Not a great move. "Crucio!" It didn't feel good to watch the way the muggle convulsed and shook, probably barely waking for a moment of horrific pain before passing out. Either way, the deed was done.
Regulus swallowed and then tried his best to smile at Barty. "He doesn't have the stamina to last out one, let alone more. How boring."
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And now, now that he was with the Dark Lord? It was gratifying to have his potential - the very thing his own father liked to both deny and demonise - recognised. To be shown signs of his trust and favour and he didn't care any long whether others took notice or not. But, of course, they did. They wore masks, but for the inner circle that was all but a formality. Everyone knew who the important families were. Most ran in the same crowd, mask or no mask. Barty's identity was more of a mystery than some, given his father's reputation and his own lack of one back in school, but he was certain that some knew, at least the ones closer in age. And the ones he wanted to know. He wanted to be recognised by those who mattered.
In turn, of course, he knew the identity of them all. He had always been watching, taking note. Some were easy to figure out anyway. Regulus Black was one of those. The way he held himself alone, he felt he could have picked him out of a crowd from fifty feet away. Of course, he also knew him even better than most of the others. Partly because they were close in age and partly because Regulus was beautiful. Not everything Barty took note of had to serve a scheming purpose.
Although now the fact that he paid such attention to Regulus also meant that he noticed that during raids, he held back. Was hesitant. Barty wondered whether others had taken notice yet and he wondered if he should let them. He wondered if he should help Regulus. And while he was still pondering his options, he had allowed his steps to slow until he was just behind Regulus, and then he reached out to grab his arm, watching him from behind the mask.
"Wait." Did he need to give a reason? He decided to leave it at that.
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In a manner of speaking.
It was easier when he was younger, inactive and blindly following without question. As soon as he started to have questions, the problems began. It was hard not to miss what kind of man the Dark Lord was. After all, he treated his lessers appallingly and his actions were often sadistic for the sake of it. And, frustratingly, he didn't find himself to be a sadist at all. No matter what he tried. He couldn't revel where others did and he didn't see the joys in what they wanted. Sure, he agreed with the main points but it was the execution he disliked.
Regulus just tried to blend in, hold back and keep aside. He came, he attended meetings and went on raids but he didn't act, he tried to stay passive and agreeable but not a participant. Honestly, he didn't know where his loyalties were any more.
When he felt someone grab onto his arm, he tried his best to stay schooled and in control, glad he had a mask on to keep him safe and guarded. He regarded the voice he knew well with interest, unsure why Barty was preventing him from going any further. Surely they had no business together - he tried to avoid having business with any death eater. "Can I help you, Crouch?"
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Overall, he didn't think that Regulus was all that helpful. "Doesn't seem as if I need help anyway." Regulus, on the other hand? Barty had his doubts there. But he didn't voice them right now, he just stayed where he was, watching Regulus. Holding his arm. "You are very polite. Well-mannered. It seems like you let everyone have a go before you do anything yourself."
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Why was Barty even watching him? Was he asked to keep an eye on people? Were they being checked up on now? Great. That was just what he needed. "I apologise if I seem disinterested or held back, I merely don't wish to be in the way. You understand, I'm sure." Probably not but he could bluff as best he could. Staying to the truth helped, then he wasn't technically lying.
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He bowed a little, perhaps mockingly. Hard to say with his mouth covered up. "Let me be polite now. Come with me. Then you won't have to hold back. We can share."
He snatched Regulus' wrist with one hand and pulled on it, moving closer at the same time, trying to catch his eyes as he stood so close to him. "Just you and me."
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"I have plans." Digging his heels in, he attempted to politely decline but he really couldn't think of what plans he'd have at this hour on a drizzly sunday evening but here he was, scrambling for something. Anything. "It's... I have a paper due."
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Whatever imaginary homework he felt he had. It was endearing, in a surprising way. Usually people annoyed him more often than not, he appreciated the contrast. Regulus was fascinating. Even with his mask, he could read him easily. Yet he didn't always know how to predict him.
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His options were few. What was a good excuse to not go out on a private raid with someone who was swiftly rising in the ranks as a death eater? "Do we have to do it now? What about another day... it's awfully rainy, is all."
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Either way, Barty started walking, simply tugging Regulus along, if he wasn't just willingly keeping up. "You seem worried. What is it, are you worried? Surely you can't be scared."
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Starting to follow suit more casually now, he walked beside Barty with a dejected look hidden behind his mask. "What have you got in mind?"
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"I want to see about a few things." And, yes, he wanted to test Regulus. But they both knew that, there was no need to state it out loud.
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Pulling away from Barty's touch, he walked beside him now and slowed the pace purposefully to try and exert some control over the situation. Barty could match his pace, not visa versa. "You sound like I'm your experiment. Can't say I like that much, Crouch."
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He found it easy to hold Regulus' eyes. Maybe because there was no challenge to them, for him, or maybe because they drew him in. Barty honestly couldn't say for certain. "The talk about you... I'm sure you can imagine. We have things in common, you and I. I have to do what I can to counteract what my father has done, what he is still doing, to threaten our cause. And your family - noble as it is - it has a penchant for traitors. My lady Bellatrix, hasn't she sworn to eradicate every stain on your family tree? Not that anyone would doubt her or blame her."
Doubting Regulus? That seemed an easier thing. "I don't deem it fair that you are under scrutiny, simply because of your brother's choices. Do you?"
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He just didn't know why Barty suddenly cared so much about his business. Why did he care what was fair and what wasn't? "People will always talk. It seems pointless to let it get to you." Even if it did. Even if he hated it. What was he going to do? Pure bloods were very gossipy. "I'm no traitor. I know where I belong and who I belong with. I know what my status means."
Everything. It meant everything. So why didn't he feel any joy at the Dark Lord's plans? "I doubt we have that much in common."
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He let the door close behind them and approached the stairs, his heart beating fast. He was excited. Wherever this would lead, it was sure to be interesting.
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Pausing, he looked about before coming to a stop, not wanting to go up the stairs and experience more of this place. Whispering, he reached out and caught Barty's sleeve. "What are we doing here?" He knew what they were doing here but... it didn't make him like it any more.
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And so he switched from losing his last name. It seemed easier, since he never used it in his head anyway. He opened the door to a room, nodding to himself when he saw a sleeping couple there. He had his wand pointed, gesturing from one to the other. "Man or woman. Where do you want to start?"
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He wasn't going to say he felt overly bad for muggles but it was a bit like dogs or house elves - they weren't equal but that didn't mean he wanted to go around kicking them. This seemed like a low blow. "It was your idea, you pick." His voice was snappy and struggling to stay under control, not willing to totally give up just yet. He could still worm his way out of this dirty deed.
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When he noticed the muggles shifting, Barty quickly cast a spell to render them both unconscious. "People whisper. They think you are a coward. But I don't think so. I really don't. That's the worry, isn't it? Your life might be easier if you were one."
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"Just because I believe muggles are nothing doesn't mean I have to enjoy savaging them, does it? It's beneath me, I'm not a lackey." A follower of the Dark Lord, not a lackey of his. Why should he do such needless things because people whispered. "I'm loyal, I don't need to prove it. I'm a Black, that's enough."
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Barty scoffed, looking at the unconscious pair. "That's the pity. Most don't realise. Of course, an unarmed muggle against any wizard is a sorry sight. But there is many of them. Many more than there is of us. And they have had to compensate for their lack of magic. The point is, Regulus, that muggles are a threat. And for all we know, diluting the bloodlines is just another way for them to take over entirely."
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Nor did he enjoy when people suffered. He turned and looked at Barty, glad he had the mask on to hide the worst of his emotions. "I just -- I don't see the point of getting blood on my hands for little real impact. What does two muggles matter - dead or alive?"
Apparently something because the idea of killing them made him very uneasy and upset.
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"These two don't matter, sure. But when will you stop hesitating, Regulus? Whatever is holding you back, I wonder whether it will hold you back when you are facing your brother too."
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He knew that wasn't an excuse. He knew a death eater had to but he didn't want to. The idea of killing them personally, of actually having blood on his hands, it didn't bring him any joy. Just fear, pain, horror... he didn't want to be that person. "What will it take for me to ease your troubled heart, Crouch? Clearly you're worried." For some odd reason. Perhaps someone had told him to come and talk to him? He wasn't sure. Either way, he knew he had to prove himself. "Should I torture the pair just for you?"
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Two could dance along that line of almost mockery. "It would ease my worries, you are right."
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Rolling his eyes, he pulled out his wand and just tried to remember that as long as it wasn't murder, that was okay - that was acceptable. A few unforgivable and he could leave. "I still think torture is wholly beneath me, for the record. I'm noble born, after all. This isn't my kind of work.
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Barty whipped around suddenly, his wand pointed. He used it to make the man float out of the bed, moving him closer. Still unconscious, but there he was, hanging in the air in front of Regulus. "What do you feel now, Regulus? Tell me. I want to know your noble born mind."
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Tilting his head back, he eyed up the muggle and then sighed wearily and aim his wand at the man. "I wonder what he was dreaming about."
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Regulus swallowed and then tried his best to smile at Barty. "He doesn't have the stamina to last out one, let alone more. How boring."