Father's Little Deatheater

Its the Little Things

I don't know how long we sat in silence morning for. The fire popping behind us, as we all sit together with our significant others. Even Regina had her hand in Neville's. I couldn't cry anymore, my tears had all dried up. I just sat in George's embrace as I watched him draw hearts every so often with his finger as he was holding my hand. Until shuffling steps headed our way. I looked up saw my brother. He stood awkwardly in place looking at us. None of his friends, just himself and a bloodied sleeve. I could tell he was struggling to figure out what to say.

"I—" he started, and stopped. His voice cracked. His eyes reach mine and I smile. "I don't know how to say this, not really. I don't expect forgiveness." He finally said, turning to me again Then the others. "But I need to say it anyway." He swallowed, looking sincere. "I'm sorry. For everything. For standing back when I should've stood up. For letting it all get this far. For what I did. And what I didn't do." He blurted sounding just like me. No one moved. No one interrupted. "I was scared," he added. "That's not an excuse. Just the truth." He continues.

The silence was thick. No one acknowledged what he had just said. I was soo proud of him for finally apologizing for the things he did over the years. I know he was under a lot of pressure form bad people. But I'm happy he's finally come around.

As Draco turns to leave, Atti stood his hand catches his his arm. He stilled and for a moment, they just stared at each other. "I forgive you," Atti quietly says. His expression stern and meaningful. "But we're not the ones you should be apologizing to." Atti adds. My brothers face fell. The thoughts swimming in his mind. He gave a shallow nod, lowering his eyes. Atti let go of his arm and my brother turned away again. Stella tugs on her brothers arm, looking him in the eyes then glancing over to Draco. She had it bad for my brother. I hope they get together though. I reckon she will be a good influence for him.

"You know..." Atti started. Draco heard and turned his head. "You're welcome to wait with us. So you can apologize to him properly." Draco didn't speak. But he didn't leave either. With a small smile he slipped his hands into his pockets, before moving closer. Sitting down beside Atti. And of course just like magic he pulls out a green apple. I finally smile, looking up at George who is also watching this interaction, with a grin on his face. Draco just looked at the apple then at Atti. Then my brother chuckled. Not just his usual snarky laugh but a genuine one. "Still your favourite?" Atti muttered. He bit straight into the apple with a crunch. "Always will be," he said with his mouth and heart full. Knowing that he has realised all the people that care for him are right here.