CHAPTER FORTY
The Funeral
February 15th, 1980

          Seven days. A week. It had been a whole week since Evan died in Daphne's arms and she hadn't been able to move out of his bed. In the meantime, her mum had let Fabian stay and sleep in the guest room right next to Evan's one but if they were honest, he spent more of his time holding Daphne as she wept or slept.

She hadn't talked much either. It truly felt like a part of her had died with Evan.

Daphne Rosier, consumed by grief, found herself locked in her late brother Evan's bedroom. It still smelled like him and she remembered how the room was once filled with laughter. However, it now felt suffocating but she couldn't bear to leave. Just not yet. Losing her brother was nothing she had thought would be like, it felt heavy and almost as if her whole body was crushed. As if she was a mere instinct, hovering Earth.

When she wasn't reliving the moment, she was thinking–reminiscing the past. The memories of their shared childhood danced in her mind, teasing her with bittersweet nostalgia. She recalled their laughter echoing through the hallways and the common room back at Hogwarts, their parties and the unbreakable bond that had once held them together.

But now, it felt all so hollow.

The moon reigned high up in the black sky as she left the room and headed to the family tree room, in hopes to see his name once again. Her fingers trembled as she spotted his name, next to her. His portrait had turned grey and she couldn't feel the magic anymore. Somehow, it made her want to break down once again.

Footsteps were heard behind her and she didn't bother turning around, "Daphne," Fabian's voice said as she breathed in, holding back the tears. "Love?"

"I was just–I came here to see if he was still there," she whispered, her voice cracking slightly yet she still refused to take refuge in her fiancé's arms. "Is it his funeral tomorrow?"

His lips formed a thin line, "Yes," he admitted. "You should go get some sleep."

"I can't," she responded. "You know that."

"I do," he said, nodding. "But still, we are getting up early tomorrow," he then added, laying a hand on her shoulder and she shivered at the touch. Biting his lower lip down, he sighed. "Would you like to talk about it?"

Daphne knew it was one of his attempts to coax her out of her sorrow but despite that, she still wanted to talk to him, "Moody was the one cursing the curse," she admitted, another wave of guilt rushing into her at the memory. "I–I would like to stop being a spy for the Order. I can't bring myself to see Moody again, Fabian."

Fabian was a bit shocked by the revelation but agreed to her wish nevertheless, "Of course, Daphne."

"Evan–he," a pause. "He was bloody terrified of this battle. I told him we could go home but he refused."

"It is not your fault."

She turned to look at him, "Is it not?" She queried as Fabian stayed silent. "I could have stopped it, even saved him...You should have seen me, so pathetic–I tried a healing charm on him, Fabian."

"You did what you had to do, Daphne."

"Stop being so–so bloody kind and tell me it is my fault," she said sternly, her eyes filling up with tears. "Be honest and tell me that I could have saved Regulus and Evan! I could have done it," she whispered, unable to even speak out loud. "It should have been me."

Fabian frowned immediately, "Daphne."

"No, no," she stopped him. "I beg you," she added.

Before he could say anything, Daphne collapsed in his arms as tears streamed down her face. He knew it would someday get too much for her–especially because she was surrounded by so much death but he was here whenever she needed him.

Doing his best at staying silent, he carried her upstairs and laid her in Evan's bed. Daphne immediately laid her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat so she could find some peace. Fabian felt so warm, she had told it multiple times but he felt like the sun and despite the dark times, he was her sun.

"I'm sorry," she cried after a while. "It's...complicated because I don't know how to deal with the fact that Evan is no longer here...I'd do anything to get him back."

"I know, love," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "But I'm here."

"I feel useless," she admitted softly, her tears still streaming. "He was right there and all I did was hold him. He died in my arms and–and all I could do was watch."

"You are the bravest witch I know, love. It will get better after a while," he said.

Daphne shook her head, "It doesn't get better. It never does," she murmured. "I still see Reg in my dreams and nightmares. Sometimes, he blames me for being unable to save him and I cry because he is right. If only Kreacher would have given me back my wand, I would have tried to do something and–" she released a breath, followed by a whimper. "I don't know how I am supposed to survive when the two boys I considered like brothers are not here anymore."

"You couldn't have saved Regulus. You were wounded badly," Fabian tried to shake some sense into her. "As for Evan, you couldn't either–no one survives the killing curse, love."

"But..." the memory replayed in her mind as she shook her head, trying to make them go away. "Moody was the one killing him. Dumbledore, he–we all agreed to not touch Evan. Why did he cast the curse anyway?"

"I don't know, love but it makes me angry as well. After all, Evan was my family too."

Fabian was mourning as well. It had been days of temporarily living in the Rosier Manor and seeing all these grieving faces made his heart weak. He didn't know Evan as much as Sirius did or anyone else really, but he was a great bloke. They had shared a few conversations about Quidditch and Daphne, of course. But, he knew enough to see fragments of Evan in each one of them.

Perhaps what hurt the most was seeing Daphne cry and mourn her brother. If he was honest, he didn't know how he would survive if Gideon left this world as well. It would leave him hollow and somehow without a purpose.

"You should sleep," he told her softly as she finally gave up and closed her eyes.

When she was deeply asleep, Fabian waited until the sky turned orange and headed downstairs to grab a glass of water. It was no surprise to see Amalthea, Daphne's mother, already in black clothes as she drank a cup of tea.

She offered him a motherly smile, "Hello, Fabian," she spoke up first.

"Hello," he replied shyly. He was still not used to sharing a conversation with his future mother-in-law. "You are up early."

Amalthea shrugged, sipping on her cup of tea, "I could not sleep," she admitted, letting out a sad laugh. "Is Daphne well? I heard her last night."

"She just needed to get some things out," Fabian admitted, not wanting to fully lie to her. "It is rather hard for her."

"I knew it would be," she replied. "Daphne loved Evan as soon as she laid eyes on him. She always had that protective attitude towards him, even motherly sometimes. Bacchus never really lived up to her expectations as a father so I reckon she tried to be Evan's parent as well."

"It sounds like her."

"I love my children," she started, hugging the cup of tea with her hands. "Losing Evan, so young, is perhaps something I didn't expect–Bacchus, my husband, left for work and..."

Fabian's heart ached, "I will be here, Mrs Rosier. Do not worry," he promised.

"You are too kind, Fabian. Please, call me Amalthea."

"Alright."

She studied him for a minute then said, "Have you been sleeping well? You look exhausted."

"I haven't been getting much sleep, no," he whispered, looking down at his feet. "I have been taking care of Daphne."

Amalthea smiled widely, "I am truly happy she found you," she admitted. "You are a gift to her, to us. You brought back our Daphne. The sweet yet extremely cocky one. Before she got the mark, she was joyful and loved to joke. Much like Sirius in a way, which used to drive my sister mad," she chuckled. "Then, it became dark and she wasn't sleeping much but you mended that. You make her a better person, that is why I have accepted the marriage rapidly. I want my daughter to be happy."

"I want her to be happy as well."

"Cherish her," she said. "Not many people get married out of love these days."

Daphne woke up and headed quietly to the shower, scrubbing her skin as much as she could. She was trying to wash away his scent and the memory of him leaving her. But it felt like nothing worked. By the time she finished her shower, Fabian was back in the room with tea and toasts.

"Tilly made them," he pointed at the toasts and she smiled. Daphne loved Tilly's food. "Are you feeling any better?"

She shrugged, stuffing the toast in her mouth, "I don't know."

She met his eyes and noticed he was already dressed, all in black and she sighed. Daphne moved through the motions, her steps heavy as she grabbed her attire. Her fingers trembled as she buttonned it up, her reflection in the mirror was a mere shadow now and she turned on her heels to avoid looking at her too much.

"I love you," Fabian whispered in her hair as he hugged her tightly.

The funeral made her feel numb. The numbness enveloped her, the world around her becoming a blur of muted colours and distant voices. A few of them were familiar, others were not. Daphne didn't try to look for her father, knowing she would be capable of the worst if she ever crossed paths with him. The funeral unfolded in a haze as she stood between her mother and Fabian.

Taking a few steps closer, she stared at Evan's casket and her heart stopped once again. Her thoughts turned to their unspoken words and the conversations they would never share. Despite trying to hold her head high, tears started streaming down her face and she cursed at herself for looking so weak. Someone took her hand and she immediately recognised her mother's scent. One that was somehow reassuring. She laid her head on her shoulder as her mother's lips ghosted her forehead.

Both of them were saying goodbye.

...

"Pads?" James asked quietly as they stood in the living room. "Are you alright?"

He put the newspaper down, clearing his throat, "Yeah...er, Evan's funeral is today."

"Evan as in Evan Rosier?" Lily queried. Obviously, she hadn't read the newspaper since the battle because she couldn't bear to read familiar names of those who had died. "Daphne's brother?" She added, seeing she wasn't getting any answers. "Sirius, give me that."

"I fear that I cannot, my dear Lils."

"Give it to me!"

James sighed, taking the newspaper from his best friend and handing it to his girlfriend, "There."

It was quiet as she read it, multiple times considering the time she was taking. Sirius and James exchanged unsure glances as the red-hair's face went from confusion to sadness. James feared she would cry as soon as she would put the newspaper down, one of the reasons she wasn't letting it go. Sirius hadn't heard from Daphne after the battle, he just assumed she had gone home with Fabian but it was quite the shock when Fabian showed up to announce Evan's death.

"It is awful," she finally commented, her voice slightly shaky. "Have any of you tried to contact her? Send her something? At least, you did, didn't you?" She asked, looking at Sirius.

Sirius gulped, shaking his head, "I haven't."

"Sirius!" She shouted. "She is your cousin and so was he! How could you not send flowers or a bloody card?"

Sirius looked at James, "I don't think I have already seen her that angry," he commented as Lily held her gaze on him.

James shrugged, wearing a small smirk, "It is the hormones, Pads."

"Listen, Lils...I couldn't, alright? She is staying with her mother and may I remind you that they are not very fond of me anymore."

"Bullocks," she spat, pointing at him. "Her mum asked James's mum if you could go see them during last summer and you refused. Maybe your parents don't like you but your aunt clearly does."

"It was nothing, alright?"

"Sirius Orion Black," she warned as his eyes widened. "You better put one of your fancy suits on and go see Daphne or I'll have your head. Am I clear?"

It would be a lie to say she was not bloody terrifying.

"But, Lils..."

Lily shook her head, refusing to let him argue, "There is no but, Sirius. You are going," she insisted firmly as he stood up and mumbled something under his breath. "Oh and do not forget to buy her flowers, you bloody idiot."

Soon enough, Sirius was saying goodbye and left them alone in their flat. Lily released a breath, sitting down on the sofa. She ran a hand through her hair, looking at James.

"What is it, Lils?"

She shrugged, "It is awful, is it not?" Lily said as James shrugged. "Do not act like you two are strangers...All I am saying is that she is going through much. First, Regulus then Evan. I was close enough to know that she loved them both dearly."

"I know, love but we can't do anything," he said softly. "It's war and–"

"I know but it is not fair."

James exhaled gently, running a hand through his hair as his eyes fell on Lily and then her bump. It was a slight shock to know Lily was pregnant–he wasn't really expecting it but he loved the idea anyway. He adored the idea of becoming a father and teaching that baby all he knew. Maybe Sirius was right, maybe he cared too much about others but he could not help it.

As the couple was starting to drown into their thoughts, their old Headmaster stepped out of the floo and James groaned, reminding himself to ask Frank how to close his floo. Lily gasped lightly at the appearance.

"Sorry for disturbing your peace," he started, his tone wise and there was something in the way his eyes travelled between Lily and him that made James sit on the edge of his seat. "Mister Potter, Miss Evans," he then greeted.

"Sir," Lily greeted back quietly. "What is it?"

"Nothing too alarming or concerning your friends, Miss Evans," Dumbledore reassured.

Lily frowned, "Then is it about us?"

His lips curled up, "You always have been parts of the clever ones, Miss Evans," Dumbledore complimented. "Yes, it is concerning you, Mister Potter and your unborn child," a beat then he went on. "This prophecy speaks of a child, born as the seventh month dies."

"But that means Frank and Alice are in danger as well?" James queried.

Dumbledore nodded, "It appears so, Mister Potter."

"But–but that prophecy, what does it say?" Lily questioned.

"This child would have the power to vanquish the Dark Lord," Lily gasped, a hand instinctively reaching for James's, their fingers intertwining in shared apprehension and love. "I do have an idea on how to ensure your safety, I believe it is important for you both to consider the use of the Fidelius Charm."

"Is that the safest option? To close ourselves in a flat or house?"

He gave them a little shrug, "I believe, yes. This charm will allow you to choose a Secret Keeper, someone who will hold the key to your whereabouts. Choose wisely."

"Sir, how are we supposed to know which one of our best friends to choose?" James asked, out of curiosity. "Is it truly safe?"

"It is entirely up to you, Mister Potter," he replied. "I must go warn the Longbottoms but we will meet in a few days."

"Alright."

Dumbledore bowed his head and went through their floo again. James bit his lower lip, sinking in the prophecy. It could be them or Frank and Alice. Truly, he didn't want any of them to lose their child to the Dark Lord. Lily seemed speechless as well as she rose on her feet and headed to the nearest phone.

"What are you doing, Lils?" He asked as she opened the little notebook with all the numbers.

She sighed, "I am calling our closest friends, James. We have to act fast, love," she mumbled, dialling a first number. "Reckon Remus is home?"

He grimaced, "I doubt it."

"Then, Peter?"

"Why not Sirius?"

"He is with Daphne, I can't reach out to him yet," she explained.

James frowned, "Don't be ridiculous, Lily. He will come here as soon as he can," he told her as she sighed. "There," he reached for a pendant in his pocket. "Sirius gifted this to me while we were still at Hogwarts. We used to communicate through it."

"That's...actually brilliant," Lily replied, contemplating the pendant. "Okay, you reach out to him. Yes?"

"Right."

James rubbed the pendant with the pad of his thumb, waiting for Sirius's face to appear in it. Normally, it was supposed to lightly burn the other person so they could know someone was trying to communicate.

"Prongs?" Sirius queried after a minute and James released a breath of relief. "What is it?"

"I need you to come back," he explained. "It is urgent. Reckon you could be here in ten minutes?"

"Sure," Sirius answered. "Is it alright if I bring Daphne along? Aunt Amalthea and Fabian have gone somewhere and asked me to...kind of...babysit."

"You are not babysitting me, you tosser!" James could hear Daphne shouting behind his best mate. "He is not babysitting me. He is merely looking after me like the good cousin he is!"

Sirius rolled his eyes, "It does sound the same to me, Daph," he exclaimed as she groaned in frustration. "We will be here in five."

"Thank you!" James closed the pendant, making his way to Lily who was frantically looking for something in the bedroom. "Sirius is coming..."

"Perfect!"

"...With Daphne," he added. "He has to look after her."

Lily shrugged, "It is fine. Just make her take Veriseratum or an unbreakable vow so we know we can trust her."

James's eyes widened, "Merlin...Are you sure?"

"Yes, James! We—I need to know if I can fully trust her," she replied, turning on her heels to look at him. "If you are able to trust her blindly then good for you but I can't."

"Relax, Lils. I agree with you," he replied. "I was just asking if you were sure, alright?"

She ran a hand through her hair, pulling at them lightly, "I'm sorry...It's just a lot," she told him, rubbing her hands on her bump.

James kissed her forehead, humming against it as her arms wrapped around his frame, "I know, Lils. I know."

Sirius was there under five minutes with a rather exhausted and grieving Daphne. Her arms were wrapped around herself and she looked around the flat, not feeling welcome in it. If she could have, she would have probably held onto Sirius like a small child.

"Sorry I didn't ask Sirius to bring me along," was the first thing she said to James.

"I'm sorry for Evan, Daphne," James said quietly as she looked up, giving him a tight smile.

"I—thank you," she whispered.

Before any of them could talk, Lily appeared in the living room, holding a vial of Veriseratum. She put it down on the table and headed to Daphne.

Lily gave her a small pout, "I'm sorry, Daphne," she told her, taking a step closer so she could give her a hug. "Is it alright if I give you a hug?"

"Salazar, yes," Daphne breathed out, wrapping her arms around the red-head.

For a moment, James thought he was back at that Quidditch game during their seventh year, where he discovered that Lily Evans and Daphne Rosier were actually great friends. He had then watched how Daphne melted into Lily's embrace, just as she was doing now.

Pulling away, Lily grabbed the vial and gave it to Daphne, "I would like you to take this so we can know if we can trust you with the information we are about to tell Sirius."

"Alright, of course."

Daphne didn't even question Lily, she took the vial from her hand and drank it all. Grimacing, she handed it back to Lily and patiently waited for someone to ask a question.

"Can we trust you?" Lily queried.

"Yes, you can."

"Alright, just to be sure," she mumbled. "What was the first thing I said during our last sleepover?"

Daphne snorted, "You were pissed," she commented, reminding Lily. "You told me you would miss me and that anyone would be a fool not to want me."

Lily blushed lightly, "That is right. Thank you."

Sirius arched an eyebrow, "Daph, what happened after?"

"Sir–"

Before Lily could shut Daphne, the words fell down her mouth, "We kissed."

James's head snapped towards his girlfriend who was blushing and hiding her face in the palm of her hands, "Okay, that is enough," Lily said, clearing her throat.

Sirius smirked, "Ay, didn't know you had it in you, Lils," he teased as she nudged him, making him laugh loudly. "Did you know, Prongs?"

"Bloody no!"

Lily shrugged, "Well, sometimes keeping a secret doesn't hurt, Sirius," she muttered. "Now, sit down," she waited a moment before looking at Sirius. "Dumbledore came earlier and told us that a prophecy was going around–it says that our child or the Longbottom's could be the key to win this war."

Sirius had stopped laughing and was now frowning, "How?"

"We don't really know," James mumbled. "But Dumbledore told us to use a Fidelius Charm and choose a secret keeper."

"That is mental," Daphne commented from the side. "You can't trust someone from the outside to hold your whereabouts," she continued. "I am not saying that Sirius is not worthy but it is not safe."

"They don't have a choice," Sirius replied. "I will do it, James."

Daphne shook her head in disagreement but didn't argue because she knew that she didn't have a word to say in this. At least, they weren't thinking of Peter, which was a good thing. Daphne noticed how careful Lily already was as they discussed the matter. Surely, Daphne made sure to not eavesdrop too much because even she didn't want to know their future whereabouts–it would be too risky.

By the end of the day, everything was settled and Daphne was asleep on the sofa. None of them bothered to wake her up due to the funeral being this morning and how exhausted she seemed when she arrived. Fabian ended up picking her up later on, he thanked Sirius for watching her and fled.

—————
authors note, finally feel better since the surgery so i finished the chapter! the ending is bit meh but i hope you liked it :))))

also it is insane that the book is like 9k away from 100k reads *_*