It only hurts when you pretend it doesn't -- 25 September 1977

Regulus was acting rather off and I eyed him closely.  He kept acting as though his arm was hurting and it spiked my curiosity.  Everyone had secrets.  I had a feeling he would not tell me what was going on entirely.  He looked away and almost looked ashamed.  "Reg... you know that no matter what happens between you and your brother," I said to him slowly, "you can still go to him about things."

I chuckled dryly and shook my head, looking back at one of my brother's best mates.  "It makes no difference anymore," I replied quietly.  "I doubt there's much left between the two of us -- especially after the paths we have taken."  I realized that I might have said too much to one that was so aware and intelligent.  He could probably put the pieces together.  I did not want him to... though, perhaps I did.  Did I say too much on purpose?  I was going to be a horrible Death Eater if I could not keep it a secret with even the simplest of people?

I stared at Reg intently, unsure of how to proceed.  I decided to just jump off the deep end; I knew how their parents were.  We all did; we were mates with Sirius after all.  And I would feel like I was not doing my friendship justice if I did not try to help his younger brother.  "Reg... are your parents... they aren't treating you the way they did Sirius, are they?" I questioned, knowing that something was going on but unsure as to what.