A Very Black Christmas

The snow that covered Hogwarts' grounds seemed completely untouched, except for a small path leading from the entrance, down to the lake, which was covered by thick, hard ice. All wrapped up in scarves, mittens and thick coats, Severus and Regulus were trudging their way through the snow around the great lake. When they breathed, cold smoke emerged from their mouths.

"I wonder what happens to the giant squid during the winter," Severus said in a thoughtful voice.

They stopped for a moment, looking out at the lake, the sky and the forest rising in the distant.

"Sev, you and I are good friends, right?" Regulus asked out of the blue.

"Err, yeah... I guess."

"Good. Because there's something I've been meaning to show you. But you have to promise not to tell anyone, under any conditions, okay?"

"...Alright?" Severus said, unsure of what Regulus was getting at.

"You have to swear it. Swear on... on Lily Evans. No, on your mother!" Regulus exclaimed. Severus sighed.

"Reg, I'm not going to do that," he replied, "so just show me what you want to show me or forget it."

Regulus considered it for a moment, then decided to show him after all. He removed his mittens and held them between his body and his right arm. He then began to slowly roll up the sleeve of his coat on his left arm and the shirt underneath it. Severus gaped at what he saw; a black and green tattoo of a skull with a snake coming out of its mouth. Severus carefully reached and touched it with his fingers.

"Do you know what it is?" Regulus asked excitedly.

"Of course I do. Where did you get it?"

"It doesn't matter. I just wanted to show you, I knew you of all people would understand." At this, Severus snatched out of his perplexed stare and looked straight at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Regulus looked confused.

"Well, I know you're very interested in dark magic, reading all those books and whatnot. I didn't think anyone could appreciate it like you could."

"Appreciate what?"

"Well... You know. The greatness of it." Severus stared at him with rejection and confusion.

"I don't think you quite understand what you've gotten yourself into, Regulus."

"Oh, come on, Severus," he said, pulling away his arm and rolling his sleeve down. "It's for a greater cause. I understand completely, maybe better than anyone, what they are fighting for."

Severus rubbed his temples in a frustrated way and mumbled: "For goodness' sake... Regulus, they want to exterminate all the half-bloods. My father is a Muggle, does that mean you want to see me dead?"

"Of course not! That's different."

"How is it different? I'd really like to know. And while we're on the subject, are you aware that your beloved leader is a mudblood as well?" Regulus looked shocked. "His father was a Muggle too! I know, because I did some research on your little army a soon as I heard of it. I knew there was something suspicious about it."

Regulus opened his mouth, then closed it and repeated three or so times, much like a fish, and then stuttered, "How dare you..! Even if such a claim was true - which I assure you, it isn't - it can't be! - it wouldn't matter, because the Dark Lord has started something great and he will lead us to victory!"

Severus sighed.

"I never could've imagined that they'd brainwash you this badly... You know what I think? I think this is your deluded family speaking. I think you're just trying to prove yourself to your father."

"Don't talk about my family like that! The Blacks are far more noble and great than your filthy parents ever will be!"

The two young men stared at each other in anger and despisal, fists clenched tight and breathing loudly.

"I see it's no use to try and talk sense into you, Regulus."

"Likewise."

A few seconds of continued staring passed, then they snorted at each other and went separate ways, Severus heading for the castle, while Regulus walked towards the forest.