While direct declarations of Regulus Black's personal feelings for Bellatrix Lestrange are not explicitly documented, evidence suggests they likely shared a good relationship, particularly during their early lives, heavily influenced by their common pure-blood ideology and familial ties within the Black family. However, their paths diverged dramatically as Regulus began to question Lord Voldemort's methods, making any enduring 'liking' improbable in his later years.
Early Life and Shared Ideologies
Regulus Black and Bellatrix Lestrange (née Black) grew up in a prominent pure-blood family with a deep-seated belief in blood purity. This shared background naturally fostered a connection among the cousins. It is indicated that Regulus may have had a good relationship with both Bellatrix and Narcissa, both of whom strongly adhered to the pure-blood obsession. This shared ideological foundation would have provided common ground and a sense of belonging, which often translates into familial affection or at least mutual respect within such a tightly knit, insular family.
- Shared Upbringing: Growing up in the same pure-blood family, adhering to its strict traditions and prejudices.
- Familial Bonds: Despite their intensity, the Black family valued loyalty to one another, particularly among those who upheld their pure-blood status.
- Common Goal (Initially): Both Regulus and Bellatrix were drawn to Lord Voldemort's cause, which promised to elevate pure-bloods and eradicate muggle-borns, reflecting their shared pure-blood obsession.
Diverging Paths and Moral Compass
Despite their initial alignment, the personalities and ultimate fates of Regulus and Bellatrix diverged significantly. Bellatrix was a fanatically loyal Death Eater, known for her sadistic nature and willingness to commit any atrocity for Voldemort. She was among Voldemort's most ruthless and devoted followers, prepared to die for him.
Regulus, on the other hand, experienced a profound change of heart. After witnessing Voldemort's cruelty and disregard for his loyal followers (specifically concerning Kreacher, the house-elf), Regulus became disillusioned. He ultimately defected from the Death Eaters and undertook a perilous mission to destroy one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, sacrificing his life in the process.
This stark difference in their moral compass and ultimate loyalty would have inevitably fractured any initial liking or good relationship:
- Bellatrix's Unwavering Fanaticism: Her dedication to Voldemort was absolute, bordering on obsession, and she delighted in cruelty.
- Regulus's Moral Awakening: His decision to betray Voldemort and work against him signifies a fundamental shift in values, placing him in direct opposition to everything Bellatrix stood for.
- Conflicting Loyalties: While Bellatrix remained a zealous follower, Regulus became a secret saboteur, a path that would have made any continued positive relationship with a staunch Death Eater like Bellatrix impossible.
A Tale of Two Cousins: Core Differences
| Aspect | Regulus Black (Later Life) | Bellatrix Lestrange |
|---|---|---|
| Loyalty | Betrayed Voldemort; loyal to his moral conscience & family elf | Fanatically loyal to Lord Voldemort; would die for him |
| Pure-Blood Views | Initially obsessed, but actions indicated a shift in values | Deeply entrenched in pure-blood supremacy and sadism |
| Actions | Sacrificed himself to destroy a Horcrux | Tortured opponents, committed heinous acts for Voldemort |
| Fate | Died a hero (though largely unknown) opposing Voldemort | Died fighting for Voldemort, a villainous figure |
Conclusion: A Complex Kinship
In summary, while Regulus Black likely harbored a degree of familial affection and shared understanding with Bellatrix Lestrange during their formative years and initial immersion in pure-blood ideology, his eventual moral transformation and heroic defection from Voldemort's cause would have made any continued "liking" or "good relationship" unsustainable. Their paths diverged too sharply for any genuine warmth to persist, with Regulus becoming an enemy of everything Bellatrix held dear.
