Family Remains
Chapter 34
The students of Hogwarts were marched straight from the cemetery to the platform, silence following the crowd like a hymn. Their things had already been loaded and now the castle was bare. The Ministry was to hold an investigation, but promised to be finished in time for the next school year. It was decided that Amelia Prang could attend Hogwarts that term and Vampire rights were in serious negotiation. The remaining members of The Advancement of Vampire Rights scattered around the world, constantly peering over their shoulders for the Aurors and the inevitable repercussions of their actions.
Siobhan numbly sat on the train next to Vincent, across from Phillip and John. None of them said anything to each other as the train lurched away from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The trolley came around and the woman didn't bother asking if they cared for anything. She simply dumped a handful of sweets in each compartment and moved on to the next.
Finally, as the train neared King's Cross Station, Vincent spoke up.
"I can't go home."
The other three residents of the compartment slowly turned to look at him. "What do you mean?" John asked.
"My parents." He said quietly. "Terry was Muggle-born. They'll never understand why I'm so," Vincent struggled to find the right words to fit the emptiness he felt. "Sad."
Phillip shook his head. "He was our friend. They'll understand-"
"I found something when I was a first year. I was looking for one of my robes in the wash and they had a cabinet I was never allowed to go into. I looked in there and," Vincent looked down at the floor in shame. "I found masks. Like the ones in our history book." He paused, then quietly added, "Like the ones the Death Eaters wore."
"Your parents…" John's voice trailed off.
"You aren't them." Siobhan said gently to her best friend. "You were never like them."
"You'll stay with me." Phillip decided. "My parents won't care. And we're closer to the Weasleys," He nodded to Siobhan. "Than your parents."
"Are you sure?" Vincent asked, his voice uncertain. "I don't want to be a problem."
"Have you met my mother? She adopts characters on the telly." Phillip joked, making them laugh. The silence that followed was no longer as tense. It was settled; Vincent would stay with Phillip, where he could visit Siobhan as much as he wanted. He knew Mrs. Weasley would greet him with a hug and a smile, a peck on the cheek, and a plate full of food. Siobhan would be well taken care of there and she would help George with the joke shop.
All was well.