THE HEIRESS

Closure And All

My grandmother had apparated us back to China and I hadn't left my room in a week. Servants would bring me food but I'd deny it and just sat in the dark, shutting the world out. I had an old record player going, playing the same songs over and over again.

A knock interrupted the melody and I furrowed my brows, telling whoever it was to go away. The door opened nonetheless and I put my covers closer around me.

Someone stepped in and I saw a flick of a wand, causing all the blinds I had shut to go up and the windows to fly open.

As light came into the room I recognized my brother standing there. He looked as well as I felt.

"It stinks in here," he deadpanned.

I sighed, letting my head fall back into my pillow.

"That's the smell of grief. Get used to it," I simply said. My voice was hoarse from all the crying and I craved a glass of water.

"Drink something," Johnny ordered as he sat down on my bed next to me. He rang the bell on my bedside table and then he ordered someone to get me something. I was hiding my face in my pillow and eventually he tugged at a strand of my hair.

"I need to talk to you," he said. I huffed and hid my face further.

"Your water is here,"

I sighed and got up, feeling lightheaded from the dehydration.

Johnny watched me carefully as I sipped on my water.

"Have you eaten?" he asked. I put the glass back down and shook my head.

"Here," he said as he pulled out something from the pocket of his cardigan. It was my favorite candy and I reluctantly took it, unwrapping it before putting it in my mouth.

"What's up?" I asked, looking at my hands while I spoke.

"It's his funeral tomorrow," Johnny said after a while. My head snapped up to him and my eyes widened.

"Wh-"

"In Hogwarts. The whole school will be there," Johnny explained.

He was holding himself together for me, I could tell. I felt a sudden wave of guilt wash over me. Cedric had always been Johnny's best friend over being my boyfriend, no matter how much we loved each other. He shouldn't have to endure his sadness in silence for my sake.

I reached out for him and he quickly hugged me back, hiding his face in the crook of my neck.

"This really sucks," Johnny eventually laughed. Then I felt wet drops soaking through my shirt and I held him tighter.

"Do we have to go?" I asked in a small voice. I didn't want my brother to cry anymore. I didn't want to cry anymore.

"I think It'll be good. Closure and all," Johnny mumbled. I sniffled,

"I don't want closure. I want him back," I said as I felt tears escaping my eyes. Johnny squeezed me tightly, his hand running through my tangled locks.

"Me too," he whispered.