Evan Rosier (Harry Potter Fanfic/ Prequel)

89 | Platform Six

March 29

I bounce you in my arms, but neither of us are in the mood to play.

When it's time, Evan's father leaves the podium to guide a line of his family members and friends to Evan's body.

"Come, Bella," Pierre murmurs, inviting me to be the first to give Evan my love. As a response, I hand you to my dear friend Severus and obey my almost father-in-law, your grandfather. I don't say a word to him, but I say many quiet, hushed words to your father. My love. My fiance. The apple of my eye.

He was too young, and so am I.

The last thing I tell him is "I love you." The only thing I could come up with as a goodbye. I want him back already.

I told myself I wasn't going to cry, but I can't handle the pressure of others' eyes on me. I cover my face in my arms and silently sob, letting all of it out as I did the night before, and the night before that. Cassia wraps a strong arm around me, and Cynthia helps by whispering encouraging words to me. Severus, bless this man, holds you with one arm and lays the other one on me. I've never felt such a bony hand feel comforting.

"They're going to bury him," Cassia murmurs in my ear. "I'll Aparate you, but you have to be strong." Apparation can be quite dangerous to someone so emotional like me, who may or may not be suffering through a terrible loss. I'll let you decide.

"Okay," I agree, letting her grab and my hand and squeeze tight. I force myself to think of the graveyard, only the graveyard. Nothing else.

When we arrive, I keep my chin up and wait for Severus to arrive with you. He's no Apparating, it's dangerous to Apparate with infants. Instead, he's Flooing in, and I know he's making sure to cover your face. Severus is so generous, really one of the best friends one can have.

Mulciber, Wilkes, and Avery, with grim faces, give me a nod and I realize they have finally accepted me as someone Evan loves. I know he loves me. Loved, I mean.

They, using magic, lift Evan's body and gently set him in his grave. I can't bear to watch them cover him. He's just too powerful and too clean-cut to be smothered in dirt, and I'm afraid I might try to stop them from suffocating him, even though he left his body days ago.

When they all finish, staring at the tombstone, I turn to Severus. "I'm leaving." He can't help but stare back, so I continue. "I mean, I'm going to America, where he said we'd be going."

"He's-"

"Severus, please help us load onto the train. We'll have to be there in two hours." My lip trembles, but Severus nods.

"I will aide you."

"I knew I could count on you." I look over at Cynthia and Cassia, who gawk at me after hearing that I'm leaving England. "Please don't try to convince me to stay." They make no move. "I love you both... Maybe I will see you again. My little one will miss you all terribly, but this is something I have to do."

"Arabelle..." Cynthia wraps her arms around my shoulders and sobs. "Really- you're going? Forever?"

"I don't know if it will be forever... But until He's defeated, I want no part of this place."

"We understand."

"Arabelle?"

"Cassia?"

"Be safe."

~ * ~ *

Severus and I Floo into separate Muggle bathrooms, each carrying some of my luggage. I have you in my arms, and I try not to openly cough as I jump from the toilet. Heart racing, I open the stall door but it seems as if no one is in here.

We meet in the middle of the hall, where there are Muggles drinking from a faucet. I almost let myself look disgusted, but can't they use a cup? They're just putting their mouths on it, yuck.

Severus, looking slightly amused, grabs my arm and leads me out of the building and into the train station right next to it. I look at my ticket, and feel slightly disappointed. Of course it's not Platform Nine and Three Quarters, but... No, I'm being foolish. I'm on Platform Six, where a small group have already gathered. It seems as if they are all waiting for the train, but I am the only witch in the crowd, unfortunately.

Severus waits for me until the train comes, and helps me load up, but he hasn't a ticket. You reach for Sev one more time, and I can see your lip tremble. You're a smart girl, you know this is good-bye for now. Severus pats your head and awkwardly hugs me one last time. I kiss him on the cheek, letting him know that we will remain good friends even if we are oceans apart. I'm just glad I have all my tickets ready, one for the very edge of London where you and I will catch a boat.

Isn't this exciting? You'll be on a boat for the very first time.

"Severus, don't forget about me," I tell him while the conductor of the train is yelling at us late folks to get on the train.

"I would never."

"I'll come back someday." I smile. "I'll come visit."

"Or perhaps you'll stay?" A sly smirk forms on his lips and I realize how much I'm going to miss my friends.

"All aboard!" The conductor says. Severus and I are the last ones standing.

"When you get the chance, tell Heather and Pierre they've been beautiful parents," I say, stepping towards the train. The conductor yells at me to get on or he's leaving without me, ticket or not.

"I promise." Severus waves at you, and your chubby hands try to wave back.

"Going once!"

"Good-bye, Sev!" I hop on the train before the conductor can close the doors on me. Through the window, I see Severus still standing there. We share a solemn smile, one that promises my return.

"He your hubby, or boyfriend?" An old female Muggle asks.

For once, I don't feel disgusted. I mean, we're all human. "Neither," I respond. "But a very good friend since childhood." She doesn't look convinced, but I don't have the guts to tell her that he attended my actual fiance's funeral with me. Several and I are purely good friends.

And I am sad that I'm leaving, but I can't stay. Although, I'll still miss my friends. I didn't even get to say good-bye to Timothy or Terence.

I feel myself smile as I bounce you in my lap. This is a new beginning, and I need to keep an open mind.

I'm just happy that you're beginning your story as well.

~ * ~ *

Published 9-23-20

This is not the last chapter... although, maybe it's your first chapter.