#bartylus angst

Here’s the thing about Regulus: he’s doomed by the narrative.

Everyone who has ever tried to love him has suffered some terrible fate for trying.

First Walburga, who really did try to love her sons —if Sirius is to be believed, she was sort of successful before Regulus came around—  but was taken by the black family madness* shortly after his birth, and was cruel his entire childhood.

Then Sirius, who always loved Regulus more like a parent than either of their actual parents. Sirius, who raised him, protected him, and took beatings for him. Sirius, who got hurt so bad protecting Regulus that he had to abandon him to stay alive. 

Then Evan, who was Regulus’ first friend —and only partially because he was the only kid his own age he had to spend time with— who was so devastatingly loyal to Regulus that he abandoned his sister in Ravenclaw to join Regulus in Slytherin. Evan, who sacrificed his whole life & got the dark mark so Regulus wouldn’t have to do it alone.

Of course with Evan, came Pandora, who was blessed with the gift of sight. But of course her love for Regulus turned even such a blessing into a curse, and so her dreams were plagued with visions of his death till it drove her too mad.

So no Regulus was not exaggerating when he said he was doomed by the narrative for all those who try to love him to suffer.

So really it was in everyone’s best interest that he cruelly reject Barty’s feelings before they became anything real or substantial.

It would be better for everyone if Barty grew up and realized what a bad choice loving Regulus was, especially with Evan right there, so sweet, waiting with his crush on Barty.

Because here’s the thing about Regulus: he’s really a selfish person. 

And as Regulus and Evan watched the dementor suck the soul from Barty’s body, both couldn’t help but wish Regulus had been just a bit stronger, so maybe Barty could’ve been saved his fate. 

“‘Honey I love you,’ that’s all she wrote.”

But it’s Barty about Regulus’ last letter to him before he went to find the locket in the cave

Tw: suicide

James drew his wand, pointing it at Barty’s face. He pulled at Regulus’ shoulder gently to move him out of the way.

“Barty,” Regulus said more loudly.

Barty’s wand was raised too, “He’s not Sirius, Potter. He’s not going to run after you like some blood-traitor. Get your hand off of him.”

“STOP!” Both of them looked at Regulus immediately, anger still heavy in their faces, “I don’t need to be saved. By either of you.” He shook off James' hand and turned to walk down the hall.