HOUSE OF BLACK

CHAPTER 19

"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." — Sirius Black

THIRD POV:

Melania Black's funeral was a somber affair for everyone close to her. Friends and family said their last goodbyes as she was lowered into the Black Family graveyard.

The children were upset, especially Sirius who refused to talk to anyone. Clinging onto his father's leg as hot tears raced down his face.

Regulus not really understanding but understood enough to know his grandmother wasn't going to wake up anymore, quietly cried in his uncle Cygnus arms.

Astraea was left home with a nanny house-elf for the sad affair.

Orion, Lucretia, and Arcturus quietly watched; refusing to cry as they watched their mum, wife, and loved one get buried in her final resting place.

Once the ceremony was over, everyone left feeling a bit heartbroken until Walburga spoke words of wisdom that paused everyone for a moment. That sparked a bit of hope in each and every one of them.

"You think the dead we loved ever truly leave us? You think that we don't recall them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble? Melania is alive in us, and shows herself plainly when we have need of her."

She held Orion's hand tightly as he stared down at her in wonder, as if he was just staring at her truly for the first time.

She smiled reminiscing, "After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."

Arcturus and Lucretia stared at her in slight disbelief but also in quiet awe.

"Yes, Melania would want us to move on but we will always remember her. It will be difficult, it will hurt, but we will move on with open hearts." Arcturus wisely said as a single tear finally slid down his face.

Arcturus pulled his two children into an embrace as his heart ached, before noticing Walburga standing a bit away and noticed a slight shimmer around her.

He blinked. It was gone. Shrugging it off he pulled her into the group hug.

They would eventually move on but for now, it hurt.

It hurt so much.

But in the end, they moved forward.

***

/A Week Later /

WALBURGA POV:

I slid onto the floor gasping for air clenching my chest. I panted and winced feeling a sharp pain near my heart.

Fucking locket.

I almost died–

— by being dragged into a body of water –which might I add– was infested with water-zombie crazed beasts with a penchant for drowning people, but it was totally worth it.

Not only did I have to tear down Voldie-boy's ridiculous protection wards but I had to deal with being harassed by a bunch of snakes that I gladly told to—

"Piss off."

And what do you know?

I was reminded once again that I still have my parseltongue ability even in Walburga's body. Great.

I took great pleasure stabbing the stupid Slytherin Locket horcrux.

I may or may not have repeatedly stabbed the horcrux multiple times while cackling like a madwoman.