Tell them, because our fathers lied.
from Rudyard Kipling’s Epitaphs of the War
The world is split into good and bad, pure and impure, worthy and worthless – at least, this is the world as Regulus Arcturus Black has always been taught to see it, and as he has always believed to be true. He has never questioned it, nor has he, as a Black, ever needed to; he is at the top of society, the good, the pure, the worthy. Yet something gnaws at him all the same, so when Lord Voldemort offers him a purpose, and a way to matter beyond his family name, he accepts without hesitation, throwing himself wholly into his service.
But the Dark Lord isn’t as benevolent as he leads his potential recruits to believe, and his complete disregard for boundaries and humanity leaves cracks in Regulus’ faith. By the time he discovers the secret of Voldemort’s immortality, he finally understands what he has devoted himself to – and that the only way out may well be through his own death.
Table of Contents
PART I — Black Beginnings:
Raised in one of the most infamous and unchanging pure-blood families in the wizarding world, Regulus Arcturus Black grows up knowing a few simple truths: the Blacks are superior, tradition and blood are everything, and the outside world is a place of unspeakable evil; Muggles eat little boys and other wizards would gladly let them. With the wizarding world moving towards open war, Regulus learns to see the world exactly as he is meant to.
- For The First Time
Young Regulus is turning seven years old, and to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black that means a great deal! He is excited about learning all about the things he has never been allowed to learn about before, about death and where his ancestors lie, and how to read and write. But all good things come to an end, and whispers of danger grow louder with every passing day. The Big Bad Dragon is almost here … - A Whole New World
Young Regulus Black knows there is something going on outside the walls of his home, and if the adults won’t tell him what it is, he’ll just have to figure it out by himself. He gets help from an unexpected friend and finds himself at a loss when family ties get broken – forever?
summary of part III