I'm sorry I couldn't get to you -- December 2018

I heard my twin come and tore my eyes away from my aunt and uncle to look at him.  He looked exactly how I felt.  I jumped slightly when I heard Quinn speak for the first time since I arrived here -- adn what she said chilled me to teh bone.

I heard Jake ask the question and I looked at the group.  "Just because my mum was related to Uncle Remus," I said, my voice hoarse with emotion.  "Because he killed Bellatrix Lestrange... the Dark Star -- Riddle -- wants to take away everything that the Lupins took away from him... and more.  To never forget what happens when the Dark Star seeks revenge..." My voice caught and I did not try to fight back the tears that were coming.  I wiped them away from my eyes and removed myself from Leo's arm.  I looked up at the Dark Mark that people were starting to raise their wands to get rid of it.  I rubbed my hands against my arms, realizing that Uncle Bill's cloak was still around me.  I moved back towards my parents' bodies, wanting to be with just them and to not have this aching emptiness in my heart.

I could not believe what I was hearing.  My niece sounded so much worse than she looked; it was as if she was hollow.  I went to move towards her to comfort her, but she moved away from everybody.  Bill still had Mum and I had no idea what to do.

I leaned against Ayden when she spoke.  I was shaking with anger and grief.  I was losing everyone in my family... all because of the Dark Star?  That would not do well for him to continue -- he would get all of my rage and hurt thrown his way.  I took a deep breath and looked at Quinn.  "Quinn... honey... please, come here," I said to her, not wanting her to be off by herself like that.

I shook my head and rubbed my hands on my arms.  "Can we just.... get them inside...?" I asked, wanting to get them out of the cold even if... even if they were gone.  It just did not seem right to have them just laying out here.

I looked towards Bill, the eldest and hopefully knowing what he would know what to do.  "I think that is probably best..." I said, thinking we needed to get Desi and Charlie to St. Mungo's or somewhere to keep them preserved until we were to say our final goodbyes.  And we all knew that Quinn would not be able to handle being anywhere near here for a few days, thouogh I was sure that Bill and Tonks would offer for her to stay with them.

I nodded, though I knew everyone was waiting for Bill to speak.  Even though Molly and Arthur were there, they were in no state to be making decisions.  Bill was the eldest and the rest of the Weasleys were looking to him for guidance.

I realized that everyone was looking towards me for guidance and to be the leader.  I sighed and nodded at them.  "Yes... I will wait here with... them.  Until authorities get here to take the bodies away -- for proper keeping -- so that way we can figure out arrangements," I said, my voice disconnected from my body.  How could I be speaking of my littel brother and his wife this way?  It was just hard.  I knew I had to do it, though; it was the only way I could get through this.

I was so glad that my eldest son was taking charge; I just could not do that.  I nodded and straightened myself up.  "L-Let's go to Shell Cottage," I said, thinking that the best option... and only thing I could even manage to say to everyone.

THey were wanting me to leave them?  I moved and stood next to my Uncle Bill.  "I'll stay here with Uncle Bill for as long as possible," I said simply.  I did not -- could not -- leave my parents.

I looked over at Ally.  I was glad she was there with me.  We all started to turn and go up the lane to Shell cottage.

I headed towards Shell Cottage.  My wife's hand in my own.  I put my other arm around my mum's shoulder.  She leaned her head on my shoulder and I squeezed Lenni's hand.  I needed strength... and I just did not think that I had it at all.

We were among the first to get to Shell cottage.  I knew that the others might try to convince Quinn to come along, but I thought that it may be best for her to stay with her parents.  It might help her in the long run.  I went to the kitchen and started to make tea and coffee.  I was used to making coffee because Charlie enjoyed it... but he was not one who would be joining us.  I felt tears come to my eyes again.

I walked with George and Elena -- mainly because George had grabbed me.  I wanted to be back with Bill and Quinn, to stay with Charlie and Desi, but that was not a good thing for me either.  I heard some clattering in the kitchen and figured that may be best where my efforts would be put to use.  It was my favorite room of the house.  I saw Penny in there trying to whip up some drink sto soothe everyone and she was standing at the county crying.  I went to her and put my arms around her.  "Oh, Penny... shh," I said to her softly.

I had been going from Sleepy Hollow to Shell cottage. I couldn't believe my brother in law and his wife were gone. My best friend and his wife. I had gotten a room ready for Quinn with things she may want to look at and things I wasn't sure she would want to look at. I found one of Charlie's old sweaters and I folded it up on the dresser. The kids were around the house doing what they needed or wanted to do. Tears clouding my vision as I was trying to act like myself. I walked into the kitchen to find Molly and Penny. To which my tears fell freely. I have not seen my husband yet to see how he was holding up. I knew he wouldn't let anyone see him hurting. It was as if on instinct, taking three strides to hug Molly and Penny as I let my tears fall.