“—stupid aggression,” he repeats quietly, like trying on a new coat for size. that really is the difference that sets them apart, he thinks; they are all of them hiding behind a mask but some wear it better than others. and some, like regulus and his brother, don’t need to fake the parts of their character that elevate them above everyone else.
“can i not pity them anyways? violent or no.” it’s a harsh criticism of the same people he calls his friends but he knows they likely say similar things when his back is turned; little reggie, always staying his wand, reluctant little fool. but it is less fear or reluctance and more a matter of such qualms being little worth his time. “look at them—they have nothing else. most of them are clinging to their poise like a shipwrecked sailor fighting back the tide.” you cannot build class from nothing; you cannot multiply intelligence when you start with zero.
regulus clicks his tongue, takes a sip of his flattening champagne and moves his head in a little closer to his brother, “if you don’t pity them, then what do you think? they’re not worth your hatred.”
they may be the closest to akin out of everyone else gathered, but that still won’t make them equal in morality and compassion. it was a light-hearted quip that sirius would’ve preferred to keep standing as it were, but regulus has a way of pointing out exactly in what ways it is he doesn’t belong here either. the feeling of distance grows.
of course regulus wouldn’t care, he cares for little that doesn’t concern him. perhaps sirius is similar, but he does care for principle, and he does care for righteousness. are they concepts he could explain if asked to? probably not, but that doesn’t make him feel less strongly. the expression around his lips tenses up by just a little, then he smiles a masking smile, as if the thought were so easy to shake off.
“ we don’t need to get into all of that now, do we? ”
it would not sting if their actions were merely blind, misguided but essentially inconsequential; the real issue and frustration lies with the power they wield nonetheless, for their brutish ways and idiotic causes. hatred may be wasted on them but it makes for fantastic fuel; regulus is asking him to burn down this party.
