Chapter 118 Funeral
Regulus's funeral?
The four people present looked at each other.
Tom looked at their expressions and guessed a few things, which even made him somewhat incredulous.
"No way, none of you even considered Regulus's funeral, to let him rest in peace?"
"…"
A strange silence fell within the Headmaster's Office.
Harry was fine, after all, he had only learned of Regulus's death today.
Dumbledore was also fine; after all, their relationship was a bit distant, and it wasn't his turn to arrange the funeral.
But Sirius and Lupin were so embarrassed they nearly dug a Hogwarts out of the floor.
One, as the older brother, and the other, as the older brother's good friend, for the past few days, one was immersed in grief, and the other's attention was focused on comforting his old friend, and they genuinely hadn't thought of arranging a funeral for Regulus.
Today, after getting the locket, they had rushed to find Dumbledore, but unexpectedly, they had glimpsed another corner of the magic world's dark side.
As for Regulus, after his coffin was brought back to the Black Old Residence, it still lay alone in his room, with only Kreacher looking after him.
Fortunately, Phineas Black, after learning of Regulus's death, had returned to his portrait in the Black Old Residence to comfort his family, otherwise, he would have surely started scolding them on the spot.
"I truly feel that Regulus's sacrifice was in vain. How about I provide the money and effort to arrange this funeral, to ensure his soul finds peace as soon as possible?"
Tom's words made Sirius and Lupin even more ashamed and embarrassed. They repeatedly waved their hands, declining Tom's kind offer: "No, no, we'll handle it. We'll arrange Regulus's funeral as soon as possible."
With that, the two fled in disarray.
… … …
"Have you heard? The Dark Lord was a puppet controlled by Principal Dumbledore back then. It's said that all the crimes he committed were instigated by Principal Dumbledore."
"Is that true or false?"
"Most likely true, I heard it came from Harry."
"I never thought Dumbledore was this kind of person. Is Hogwarts still safe?"
"Who knows? If the situation isn't right, I'll transfer to Durmstrang."
Tom emerged from the restroom stall, looking at the two walking away, a smile playing on his lips. Dumbledore had, in the end, miscalculated.
He probably never imagined that after Harry stumbled back to the common room that day, he quietly told his good friend Ron about what had happened in the Headmaster's Office.
Then, Ron, the little loudspeaker, couldn't help but exclaim, although he covered his mouth after just one sentence, for the little lions of Gryffindor, it was already enough.
Never underestimate the rich imagination of the little animals at Hogwarts. After being propagated by Gryffindor, guided by Slytherin, embellished by Hufflepuff, and integrated by Ravenclaw, Chapter N of the Dumbledore Legend Quest was newly launched.
After the 'truth' spread around the Hogwarts campus, the little animals, upholding the excellent virtue of selfless sharing, naturally wanted to inform more people about this extraordinary event. So, these past two days, the workload of the owls skyrocketed, carrying countless family letters flying across the entire British Isles.
Parents who received the family letters had more material for their afternoon tea conversations.
As the popularity grew, Rita Skeeter opportunely sent Professor Dumbledore an interview request.
All of this was so logical and reasonable.
"Professor Dumbledore, please allow me to mourn for you!"
Tom silently lit a candle for Dumbledore in his heart.
In this strange atmosphere, Tom finally received the invitation to Regulus's funeral.
… … …
Weekend, House of Black Cemetery, clear weather, light breeze.
"Thank you all for coming."
"Today, I will hold the funeral for my brother, Regulus Black, here."
Sirius, dressed in solemn black Wizard robes, stood before Regulus's coffin and spoke in a low voice.
The benches below were already filled with guests, their expressions solemn.
Narcissa's family, Andromeda's family, the Weasleys, Madam Longbottom, Dumbledore, Harry, Lupin, and other acquaintances of Regulus had all gathered here to attend his funeral.
There were even quite a few Death Eater members who came uninvited. Originally, they were ashamed of their former colleague Regulus's cowardly escape and didn't want to attend, but because a certain someone was afraid that the number of attendees at the funeral would be insufficient and too desolate, they grudgingly came under duress.
But when they saw a certain person at the scene, their behavior became extremely proper, and the expressions on their faces were even more mournful than Regulus's own relatives, as if the protagonist of today's funeral was the most beloved person in their lives.
Sirius, though displeased by this, said nothing. He didn't want to ruin Regulus's funeral for his own preferences.
In this sorrowful and heavy atmosphere, Sirius's speech continued: "Regulus was different from me; he was a quiet and gentle person, always willing to give others the utmost care and respect, whether to his parents and relatives, his friends, or even a House-elf."
In an unnoticed corner, Kreacher collapsed to the ground as Sirius's words fell, sobbing silently.
"From the age of one and a half when I first knew him, I considered myself to understand Regulus well. Born into a pure-blood family, educated in pure-blood supremacy, he entered Slytherin, and then joined the Death Eaters… Such a Regulus would definitely become one of the executioners who harm innocent people… I always believed that."
Sirius's words caused dissatisfaction among some of those present, who almost couldn't help but want to say something. However, under the indifferent gaze of a certain person, they quickly swallowed their words, maintaining a sorrowful expression. Some even secretly wiped tears from the corners of their eyes, seemingly deeply moved by Sirius's words, though they didn't know what was so touching about them.
"But I was wrong!"
"Regulus wasn't like that. He awakened after witnessing a series of atrocities by the Death Eaters… He resisted alone without informing anyone… He even paid the price of his life when he had just come of age, dying in a quiet, unnoticed corner…"
"It wasn't until his body was found a while ago that I truly realized what he had done… His courage and compassion were far beyond anything I could compare to… He…"
At this point, Sirius's throat constricted, and he could barely make a sound, unable to continue speaking.
Below the stage, a commotion broke out. While they understood Sirius's state, they were more shocked by the true cause of Regulus's death.
Although Sirius's words were vague, they still learned that Regulus had actually died resisting Lord Voldemort.
The Death Eaters' gazes instantly turned to a certain person, wanting to see that person's furious expression.
Unfortunately, they were destined to be disappointed.
Tom not only immediately stepped forward to pat Sirius's back caringly and offered him a handkerchief as comfort, but he also continued speaking for Sirius, who was too overcome with grief to talk.
As soon as Tom spoke, the Death Eaters present were stunned in place.
They heard him say...