A/N: For the Character Diversity Bootcamp on the HPFC forum. Prompt used was 'duplicate.' Disclaiming ensues.

You wonder how it was that you fell this far without even noticing.

How the tide pulled you under, a tsunami awash with the hate and prejudice and darkness of a war. How it chained you down; shackles on your feet, your wrists, around your neck. Blistering and chafing, never letting go.

You wonder how it was that you got stuck beneath the waters and how you try to swim to shore but the waves grab at your ankles, pulling you back into the gloom.

You see light, and think that maybe there is a chance.

And now you're crossing more waters despite being held captive within your own. And there is a boat that trembles and shudders and stirs on the waves, and it scares you to look down at the terrors lying within.

At the shore you summon a goblet, and it arrives emblazoned with the Black Family Crest; a pattern of gold and emerald and ruby that swirls into engravings so intricate they hurt your eyes. It's funny, really, because even now, even with what you are about to do, you are reminded of the heritage that is surely the cause of this damned enslavement. You are a Black; pure of blood and mind and wealth. You are a Black; destined for the Dark Lord and his army and nothing else.

How Sirius escaped you will never know.

You drink a potion and your mind is poisoned with the screams.

Stand up straight Regulus Hold your tongue Regulus Honour your family Regulus Your brother is gone Regulus I forbid you Regulus It's your duty Regulus You're a Black Regulus The Dark Lord is ready for you Regulus

"Keep drinking, master."

Do this Regulus Do that Regulus Don't talk to her Regulus Better be in Slytherin Regulus Don't embarrass us Regulus We're your family Regulus They've got dirty blood Regulus Marry your cousin Regulus It's your duty Regulus Obey your duty Regulus the Dark Lord needs you Regulus

You pick up the locket, the locket with the snakes and the hissing and the piece of blackened soul you know lies within, hidden and powerful, and you fling it to the ground. In it's place sits a duplicate. You're done.

But you want water and as the hands tug you under it comes as a relief. Maybe these waters will serve you better. You hear shrieks and you hear cries but you smile because you are going, you are vanishing, everything is coming to a halt and this beautiful silence is heaven to your ears.

You rise up to the skies and you are lighter than air.

(The reminder of the sin you have committed lies in three crisp initials.)

(Maybe you weren't such a Black after all)

FIN

A/N: One down, only a few hundred to go... Don't sign up for bootcamps. They are deadly. Oh, and please review!