(Dimitry's view)

I fell out of bed holding onto the wall for support as I rose unsteadily to my feet my shallow breathing loud in my ears as I apparated to the whomping Willow on the grounds of Hogwarts.

"Regulus..?" I gasped as I struggled to maintain my balance while watching my best friend confront our former master.

"Dim?! What are you doing here? Run!" Regulus begged having caught sight of me. I shook my head and straightened myself to my full height.

"Hello, Voldemort." I hissed as I drew my wand despite my friend's tortured pleas.

"Ah, Turgenev, I had a feeling you'd come." Voldemort cackled and my green eyes darkened with fury.

"You took everything from me, what makes you think I'd bow down to you?" I asked as we began to circle each other.

"I think you will." He laughed before pointing his wand at Regulus.

"Crucio!" He hissed and I fought back tears at the sound of my best friend's screams.

"Don't hurt him! He's the only family I've ever had!" I hissed when he stopped before helping Regulus to his feet.

"You have to go, please. You must." I said and he shook his head as tears poured freely down his face.

"I'm not leaving you!" He hissed back as he grabbed my shoulders.

"Reg-" I began but broke off as he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"I promised you once I'd never leave you, and I'm not about to break it." He said and I nodded.

"Fine, but stay close to me." I said and his hand gripped mine tightly.

"Always." He said before the two of us turned to face our former master once more.