Chapter 57: Watching You Crash and Burn
Regulus looked into the undisguised fanaticism in Bella's eyes and felt nothing.
With someone like Bella, familial bonds were meaningless. Only a shared goal and mutual interest could sustain a relationship.
And that goal and interest was fealty to Voldemort.
He went along with her words: "Cousin Bella is absolutely right. I'll devote myself to improving — I won't let the family or the Dark Lord down."
Just enough positive reinforcement, no more, no less — exactly what would satisfy Bella.
Sure enough, Bella's grin widened: "I knew you were the sensible one! A hundred times better than that idiot Sirius!
When you're a bit older, we'll serve the Dark Lord together — and show the world what the Blacks and the Lestranges can do!"
After a few more pleasantries with Bella and Rodolphus, Regulus slipped away.
He could feel plenty of eyes resting on him. His performance at Hogwarts, coupled with the Black family's weight, had made him one of the evening's most sought-after prospects.