Marauders - Always - Part One

(...Sometime in the future...)

I looked up from the tape of Cedric Diggory, his young face so full of life and hope and faith in the days to come. He had no idea what was coming up.

"What made you decide to tape this? To ask him these questions?" I asked, looking over to where Declan lay, staring at the ceiling from his spot on the couch. He seemed far off in thought, and I had to call his name twice and repose the question once before he understood the question.

"Amos Diggory deserved to know how his son felt about his Dad after losing him," Declan answered.

I watched Cedric's smile spread to his eyes.

"Have you ever considered doing something like this for your dad?" I asked.

Declan chuckled, "I'm not brave enough to look my Dad in the eyes," he said.

I frowned. "Well what would you say if you were brave enough?" I asked.

Declan was quiet, and he grabbed a throw pillow shaped like a wedge of watermelon that sat on the back of my couch and hugged it to his chest. I thought he might be refusing to answer, he stayed quiet so long, before finally he mumbled, "I'm sorry."

"For what?" I asked, "If you don't want to tell me it's alright."

"No," Declan said, "I meant that's what I'd say to him. If I was brave enough."