Leah Riddle: Riddle me This (Book 2)

Chapter 35

After Alex's mother stood and said a few words, it was time for the funeral to come to an end. 

"I wish to conclude this ceremony by burying his casket," Dumbledore said, and I watched as Draco, Montague, Blaise, and Nott stood up. I realized they all had on the same outfit and then understood; they were the pallbearers. They raised their wands and lifted Alex's coffin, the silver shining brightly as it grew darker. Dumbledore flicked his wand, and the center of the lake began to glow, making it look mysterious and beautiful. The four boys moved to the edge of the lake and lowered the coffin right where the glowing was. You could see the coffin as they lowered it down to the bottom, where Alex would rest in peace. Then, Pansy, Lacey, Amortentia, and Astoria raised their wands so that white water lilies floated down onto the lake where the coffin was. It was a gorgeous display, and when the glow in the lake dimmed out, so did all the lights around us.

***

"What time is it?" I asked Pansy as she walked over and hugged me.

"Six o clock," she sniffed, rocking back and forth slightly as we hugged.

"Alex's ceremony is at eight and Barty's is right after. Do you want to wear something more formal?" I asked and she smirked.

"What, this isn't formal?" she asked.

"Well, it's more casual if you consider the people that will be there," I pointed out.

"Okay, we'll change, but all my fancy stuff is at the Malfoy's. You wanna go now?" she asked, and we started walking back up to the castle.

"Yeah, but Dumbledore knows where we have to go this time because of Severus and he still thinks I'm his spy. We can go to him instead of sneaking around. Where's Draco?" I sighed, looking around.

"He's over there," Pansy nodded in his direction. I walked over and smiled slightly to the other guys before facing Draco.

"We're going now, are you coming?" I asked and Draco smiled softly.

"Why so early?" he asked, taking my hands and pulling me closer.

"We've got to get ready, I have to prepare the speech, I have to help set up, your mother wants me for moral support, father wants to talk to me," I rambled on and Draco gave my hands a squeeze.

"Okay, don't get yourself too worked up," he soothed me.

"Alright, I'll shut up. Anyway, are you coming?" I sighed.

"I have to finish up a few things here, but then I'll be right over."

"Sounds good," I nodded.

"I'll come with you, Leah," Blaise offered.

"Come on then, let's get going."

***

We walked into the Manor living room and I ran my fingers through my hair.

"Something is bothering you," Pansy noticed.

"I'm so affected by all of this..."

"Maybe you cared more than you thought you did?" Blaise said.

"No, I didn't. I- I blame myself," I whispered.

"For what?" Blaise asked.

"His death," I said quietly. Pansy realized what I meant and instantly moved over to hug me.