Total Eclipse of the Heart ((Everyone))

[Esmeralda Mendez]

((This post takes place on December 23, 1999))


“One down, one to go.” Ezzie said to herself in the mirror as she fastened her small silver necklace onto her neck. She brushed through her long dark hair gingerly as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She sighed and placed the brush down. She looked out the window. It wasn’t very bright outside, but Ezzie could still see what was going on outside. A huge crowd of people were gathered on the Jacobs’ front lawn with cameras and signs. Paparazzi were around every corner, and Ezzie swore she saw a news truck parked outside. Ezzie let out a long, heavy sigh. It had been like this non-stop for the past four days. It seemed as if a wide depression had spread over London. Teenage girls gathered around The Jacobs’ doorstep, hoping to say one final word to their teen idol. But they couldn’t. The funeral would only be open to students and staff of Hogwarts, their families, and certain others that knew Ethan and his family. Some paparazzi were allowed to come, but they were not allowed to interview the guests. The event would be televised on national television, and soon the story would go worldwide. She had already endured the wake, but that had been murder. She just sat there and cried on Casey’s shoulder; while Carson sat in a corner looking like he was going to punch the next person to come along. It was odd how Carson showed emotion. He didn’t cry, or express grief in any way, but he did express great anger. Ezzie was somewhat glad though, because none of this anger was ever geared towards Ezzie or Casey, but to outsiders. He was still the thoughtful, kind and caring young man he was before Ethan died; only now he would punch the next Slytherin who said he was glad Ethan was dead.

Ezzie didn’t blame him for his anger. People came up to Ezzie and said the most awful things. Some people didn’t even know they were hurting Ezzie, but others had the intention of hurting her. Some people, like Casey, would offer her sympathy, telling her ‘Ethan was in a better place now’. But that only made Ezzie angry. She didn’t want Ethan to be in a better place, she wanted him to be here, with Ezzie. Why did God chose Ethan? Why not some other fifteen year old? Besides, Ezzie’s mom had always told her that God took people from earth because he needed their help in heaven. What use did God have of a fifteen year old? Ezzie could see Ethan now, working hard to polish the golden paved streets of heaven. It just didn’t seem fair. She sighed as she walked out of the room, and into the foyer, where Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs were waiting with their children. Ezzie’s mom and Septimus would meet Ezzie in the park, if they were even going at all. Ezzie and the Jacobs’ had chosen the park as the place where Ethan would be buried. It was where he grew up. It was where he met Ezzie, it was where he spent the majority of his summers, and it was where he was shot. It would be just stupid to bury him anywhere else.

“C’mon, Ezzie.” Mr. Jacobs said, heading for the door. It was clear that they had been waiting for her. “We don’t want to be late.” He said solemnly, opening the door. Ezzie followed him out the door, and Mrs. Jacobs followed Ezzie silently, her two newborn babies in her hands. They were born on December 17, and they were the most adorable little children in the world. One had been named Gwendolyn, (Gwen for short) after her late big sister, Jessie, whose middle name was Gwendolyn. The other was a boy, named Alexander. Alex was named after his late big brother, Ethan. Before he died, (Ezzie cringed just thinking about it) Ethan’s middle name was Alexander. Since the babies were premature, they had to be handled with even more care than normal newborns. She sheltered the two sleeping babies as she walked the path to the limo. Normally, the Jacobs’s didn’t believe security was necessary. But, after Ethan’s death, no one left the house without a crowd of security guards. As people saw the small broken family, they tried to crowd around, but were stopped by the large men. Everyone walked silently into the limo and the car sped off. A moment later, they were there. Ezzie opened the door and looked outside.

Everyone knew what today was. Not only was today the day of Ethan’s funeral, but today, the world stopped to mourn Ethan’s death. A total solar eclipse hung in the air, as if God was giving the world a sign of some sort. She sighed as she exited the limo quietly. The park was pretty much right across the street, and they could have very easily walked. But, a limo was safer, so that was their means of transportation to the funeral.

Ezzie waited for the door to open patiently, and when it did, she was almost blinded by flashing camera lights. Security made them back away though, and Ezzie took her seat in the front row, in clear view of the marble casket that was graciously placed on top of a small pedestal, surrounded by beautiful flowers. Two very strong looking body guards sat on either side of Ezzie. She looked around. All she saw was a great big mob of darkness. She did not dare look up at the sun, in fear it would damage her eyes. She wondered who she would see today. To be truthful, Ezzie wasn’t in much of a mood to see anyone, but she knew she had to. She’d have to keep a strong and positive attitude. She would have to sing Amazing Grace like she promised she would, and she would have to deal with whatever came her way. Ezzie was sure she could do it. It couldn’t be that hard, could it?

[Carey Brighton H5]

Carey's hands trembled slightly as she read over the invitation. The ornate invitation that was done so nicely and could only have been done by magic that stated the place and time of Ethan's funeral. Everyone had heard about the death of Ethan Jacobs and a lot of the school was in shambles because of it. Carey had been sickened because no one really knew Ethan. Ezzie Mendez did, obviously, and Carey had known him to an extent – but most of the other people were just sad because he was popular, well-known, and they felt they should be sad. Carey looked over at Loki and kissed his cheek before slipping the invitation into her black leather bag and slipping that onto her shoulder. She looked down at her black skirt and black top to make sure there wasn't any lint or hair on them before looping her arm around Loki's and slipping her hand into his, linking their fingers. They left her house and headed outside. Carey looked up at the sky and shook her head slightly at the sight of the moon nearly covering the sun entirely. The eclipse wasn't complete yet, but it was only a matter of time. "I've always wanted to see a solar eclipse, a total one," Carey mused quietly as the door for the small limo that her father had ordered be brought around for them was opened by Loki instead of the driver. She looked up at the sky a moment longer before looking at her boyfriend, "Just not on such a day." Carey sighed and slid inside, followed by Loki, and then they were off to Ethan's funeral. Ethan and Carey weren't terribly close friends, actually they weren't even best friends. They were friends because of their parents and business, but other than that they hardly talked to each other and they didn't have much in common. Still, Carey was saddened by Ethan's death and she felt she should do the respectful thing and attend his funeral. She had decided to ask Loki to join her because, honestly, if he didn't go with her she probably wouldn't have gone.

About twenty minutes later the limo pulled up to the park where the funeral was held, and the door opened. Carey stepped out of the car, immediately reaching for Loki's hand when he had gotten out as well, and looked up at the sky again, but not directly at the sun because she wasn't that dumb. The sun was completely covered by the moon now and Carey looked at Loki before heading in the direction where the service was supposed to take place. There was a mass of people and it was hard to find a place to stand, but they eventually did and Carey leaned against Loki gently. She didn't know what to do, where to go, what to say or who to say it to. Carey had never been to a funeral before, much less to someone in her year's funeral. Carey ran her fingers through her hair and looked around, silent, completely silent because she didn't know what to say, how to say it, or who to say it to; as I said before.

(( I know it's dreadfully short, but I wasn't sure what to do. Alex, you can join if you want – but I just g-moded Loki in here for Carey…it's up to you, hon.))

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora glanced at herself in the mirror. A smart black suit jacket overlapped a similar silk shirt, with dark tights and a matching skirt that reached just above her knees. She wanted to avert her eyes from the blackened sight, yet her own gaze kept itself firmly in her reflection. Her dark orbs were filled with sadness and pity, and Aurora didn’t want that to show; not too much anyway. She wondered how Ethan Jacobs would’ve preferred her, but it wasn’t like he was around to ask anymore. Aurora felt pained to have to wear all black to such a young boy’s funeral, because Ethan struck her as someone who liked the colour of life, but this was what the invitation had expected of her, and she couldn’t have gone against its wishes. Anyway, it wasn’t as if she knew Ethan better than his own family. In fact, Aurora had rarely spoken on a close level to him. Why was she going then? Well, in Aurora’s eyes, you didn’t have to be intimate with someone to mourn their passing. Ethan was a fellow Hogwarts student, and Aurora wanted to commemorate him too.

Aurora smoothed her skirt subconsciously one last time, before reaching to her dressing table and picking up a thin silver necklace. She attached it round her neck and her eyes skid across the mirror again. “Where is the colour?” Aurora whispered to herself. A long pause stretched, before Aurora shook her head in denial; she opened a drawer in the small table and retrieved a long red ribbon amongst several different colours. Then she began to tie it around her hair. The front bangs of her ebony locks had been drawn up behind her head, with the longer strands slung over her shoulders. Aurora tied the ribbon gracefully into the bobble that held her hair up, surveyed her image again, and nodded. To add a final touch, Aurora picked up the bright red lipstick she never used and applied it. It completed her attire. With one last glance at her quavering reflection, Aurora swiped the invitation off the table and exited her bedroom.

Aurora joined Ariane and Harmony in the entrance hall. The two girls gave their cousin a brief glance, and Aurora nodded in reply. “Let’s go.” Dressed in all black also, though she had chosen to wear a pair of trousers rather than a skirt like the other two, Ariane’s observant, emotionless eyes lingered on Aurora’s hair for a second, before she caught her gaze. Aurora merely stared back without explanation, and Ariane looked away. George approached Aurora, and she took her father’s hand calmly; opposite, Leo, also dressed suitably, held onto his mother, Harmony on Jenny’s other side. Ariane would be apparating herself, having just recently passed her test and becoming a fully-fledged witch at the age of seventeen. Aurora shut her eyes as her father apparated, hating the sensation, but before she knew it, the journey was over, and they stood outside the church. The crowds upon crowds surprised Aurora, until she remembered Ethan’s status. Her face closing up from emotion, mirroring Ariane’s visage, Aurora bid her parents goodbye, before ushering Ariane, Harmony and Leo into the church and past the numerous reporters and cameras.

Finally the four of them crushed their way into the church, already filling with people. Aurora breathed out momentarily, before her eyes scanned the room for a seat. Her gaze landed on familiar figures, such as Gryffindor Loki Fen’Rolphus in her year with his girlfriend, Carey Brighton, a Hufflepuff in the year below. Finally, Aurora noticed Esmeralda Mendez, the Gryffindor fourth year girl she had met the summer before, an unknown entity really until she shot to fame as a singer. According to rumours, she was extremely close to Ethan. Aurora’s lips twitched downwards for a second, before leading the other three to a seat in the middle of the church. Leo entered first, Aurora following, then Ariane and Harmony. The four sat in silence, Aurora cradling her fingers nervously, waiting for the funeral to begin.

Aurora’s eyes could only stare at the casket at the top of the church. There was so much activity and noise surrounding her, but her attention was only drawn to that one object in the entire room. Aurora felt that familiar sensation of sadness curl round her stomach again. She had already experienced this a couple of months ago in the form of her aunt and her aunt’s sister’s deaths. She didn’t want to be here… or rather, she wished she didn’t have to be here. Ethan’s early death was shocking… so shocking. He had his entire life stretched in front of him, and then he was gone. Snuffed out like a burning candle in the darkness. Aurora was regretful she didn’t know the younger Gryffindor better, and looked back to the incident on the train just this summer where she, Loki and Ethan had had an amusing conversation returning to London. The memory made Aurora smile sadly. She would never hear Ethan’s flirtatious voice again, be sent one of his cheeky winks. The reality was that yes; Ethan Jacobs really was gone forever.

[Ariane Chan]

Ariane sighed. Her eyes ran over the print of the invitation again in somewhat disbelief. She had never liked Ethan Jacobs; he had once tried to hit on her a while back, being the flirtatious womaniser that he was, and had obviously come to regret ever attempting to communicate with Ariane ever again. However… he was dead now. Dead. Like her mother, like her aunt. Suddenly, Ariane wanted to see him again. She wanted to knock on Death’s door and scream at it. How could he do this? How could lives be taken away so cruelly? Ethan was so young, so… Ariane shook her head and stuffed the invitation into her pocket. Everyone had received one; Aurora, Harmony, Leo, herself. They were all going, Aurora had requested it specifically, and Ariane had no plans to argue with her. She was glad she was not the one who had to suggest they attend either, for fear of looking like she was weakening in her resolve. Ariane didn’t wish to fall down in the face of another death… she wanted to become stronger.

Harmony and Leo had also wanted to attend. Harmony because, although she didn’t know Ethan, she knew Esmeralda, Ethan’s friend, and Harmony had always been a kind child. Leo because he had spoken to Ethan on a few occasions, since they were in the same house. Ariane ran her eyes over her family as they joined her in the entrance hall of the house; everyone was in black, save of course for George and Jenny, who were merely their transport to the funeral. Ariane herself would be apparating, rather than using her aunt and uncle’s help, as she had recently passed her test since hitting the age of seventeen. Ariane was fond of her new power, and also content that since now she was a legal witch, she could use magic outside of school. Ariane didn’t have any plans to do anything stupid with her new powers; she merely was comforted by the thought that she could defend herself without worry if something did occur.

Aurora was the last to descend the stairs to join the small ensemble. Ariane ran her eyes over her cousin’s dark attire. The four of them were all dressed similarly; black suit jackets with a matching shirt, and either a pair of trousers or a skirt with tights. Ariane had always hated tights and skirts, or anything too revealing, and had chosen the trousers route, unlike Aurora and Harmony. Ariane watched as her best friend slipped her ebony heels on, and then noticed the flash of bright crimson red in her hair. It was a ribbon tied into her bobble. Ariane’s eyes lingered there momentarily, before they caught Aurora’s. Silence reigned for seconds, until Aurora nodded the go ahead, and Ariane apparated without a seconds thought to the church.

Once there, the reporters were many and noisy. Refraining a frown, Ariane followed Aurora inside without a word, her eyes continually trained on Harmony and Leo, making sure they didn’t lose them. Inside the church it was much quieter and less chaotic, for which Ariane was thankful for. The three of them continued to follow Aurora to a seat, and they sat quietly, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Ariane’s eyes emotionlessly scoured the church, trying not to let this place bring memories of her mother and aunt’s joint funeral to her mind. Tears pricked Ariane’s eyes if only for a second, before she blinked them forcibly away again. No… no more tears. Not for Death, anyway.

[Harmony Chan H6]

Harmony failed to muster even a slight grin. Another death, this time in the form of young, fellow student Ethan Jacobs. The shock was still settling in. Harmony lay on her bed in thought as in front of the mirror, Ari finished off her hair. Her older sister had her long black hair curled at the ends, giving her a more sophisticated look. It was pretty, Harmony thought as she twirled a strand of black in between her fingers. Her own locks were pin-straight as usual, and it was longer than it had been a few months ago; before it had reached past her chin, just tickling her shoulders; now it was past them and even nearing her chest. However, Harmony didn’t plan on allowing it to grow longer than that; she liked long hair, but it could be an annoyance to care for. Anyway, people said Harmony suited shorter hairstyles.

“Ready?” Ari finally broke the silence as she turned to Harmony. Harmony looked up and nodded, crawling off her bed and approaching the door with her sister. This caused a chill of déjà vu to tingle her spine, and Harmony froze for a moment. Only a few months ago she and Ari had been in this precise position, just about to leave their new bedroom which they shared. They had dressed in exactly the same black clothes, had been heading for a similar destination: the church. What for? A funeral. A confused glance from Ari knocked Harmony out of her dazed reverie, and she tried her hardest not to think back to her mother again when they reached the front door. Harmony felt she had coped well these last few weeks, hadn’t really thought too much of her mother in a sad light. She didn’t want a relapse.

Aurora was the last to meet them. Harmony proceeded to take her aunt’s hand, and in seconds they were outside the church, their destination. Harmony’s face showed her obvious surprise at the amount of reporters and cameras surrounding the place, and felt herself grow angry. Could Ethan not be allowed to rest in peace? Did they have to harass him even on the day his life was to be remembered. Harmony wanted so much to stalk up to them and tell them this, but her timidity drove her back, as well as Ari’s guiding hand on her shoulder as they pushed through the crowds to enter the church. Finally, they had arrived.

The four of the Chans made their way silently in respect to their seats. A few people had already arrived, mingling or sitting, also waiting for the funeral to begin. Harmony sat down on the end, beside Ari, and immediately noticed a familiar head of dark hair near the front. Ezzie. Harmony’s eyes softened. She had heard, though not necessarily always believed, the rumours concerning Ethan and Ezzie. They had been dating for a while, then Ezzie had rose to fame as a singer, and since the summer incident, Harmony hadn’t really had chance to talk to her fellow fourth year. Sympathetic towards Ezzie, Harmony wondered distractedly where Ethan’s parents were, and what they looked like. It must be a painful day for them too; just as the funeral of Lorraine Chan had been painful for Harmony herself.

[Casey Allen G5]

Cancelled.

The Concert Hall looked deserted as Casey took her bag and left it. It would feel that way for a while. Casey had no desire to perform anytime soon. She couldn’t. She just couldn’t. Bradley looked down at Casey sympathetically but he couldn’t look her straight in the eye. He didn’t want to see the pain on her face. Casey stared at the ground as she left the hall. Paparazzi stood flashing cameras. Of course they had no idea who Casey or Bradley were. “Hey. Do you know Eden? Do you know why she has cancelled her next five concerts?” Camera lights flashed all around her face. Casey didn’t want to say anything. She simply shook her head. “Have you heard anything about Ethan Jacobs? Is that why she cancelled her concerts?” Casey stopped dead in her tracks, turned, and stared the man down. “Have some respect.” She said curtly. Bradley looked at his daughter with an amazed expression on her face. She was taking this hard. Casey kept walking and kept staring at the ground. She didn’t want to talk about it. She just wanted it to be over. The only person she would talk about Ethan was Ezzie. Casey hadn’t talked to Carson yet. She didn’t know what to say.

Casey barely took the time to look at herself in the mirror. Still, it didn’t matter. Casey always looked the best when she tried the least. She wore the little new black dress that flared at the bottom and had light pink trim. Bradley had the saleslady pick out for his little girl Casey also wore black and silver flats that Casey had from her Eden clothes stash. Casey sat in her closet in their London apartment. Yes, her closet. Casey had a room-sized closest to stash Eden’s clothes in. Casey had her eyes glued to a book that she had gotten for Christmas. Joel had done something nice for once and got Casey a beautiful copy of the Bestseller, The Lovley Bones. But, when Ethan died, he decided to give her the book early to cheer her up. Then he went out and bought her a new purse with the help of his new girlfriend, “Casey?” Bradley called. “It’s time bud.” Casey sighed. She stood up, leaving her book on the floor. She glanced at herself in the mirror briefly. She wore a dash of make-up and some blush colored lip gloss. Her hair was wavy and perfect but none of that really mattered to Casey.

Casey had been by Ezzie’s side since Ethan’s death only leaving briefly for a trip to the concert hall and then home but she couldn’t bare to talk to Carson. She couldn’t even look at him. She didn’t know what to say. Casey eyed the sky as she and Bradley walked toward the funeral sight. Joel was standing by Bradley’s side even though Joel didn’t know Ethan very well. He didn’t care. For once, he actually wanted to be there for his sister. Casey sighed as she walked further towards the chairs. She eyed Bradley for a moment. He sighed as Casey looked to Ezzie in the front row. “Go ahead.” He told her gingerly. Casey nodded. She walked to the front row quietly and slipped into the seat next to her best-friend. “Hi.” She offered sweetly. Casey looked around for a moment searching the crowd. She looked back to Ezzie. She wasn’t going to ask if Ezzie was okay because she already knew the answer. Besides, Casey was sure that Ezzie was tired of that question. “Where’s Carson?” She asked looking around.

[Esmeralda Mendez]

Ezzie sighed heavily, looking around the make-shift church (a large elegant looking tent had been set up in the middle of the park and stuffed with pews and altars) for anyone she knew. She was especially looking for Casey, Carson, or their families. They had been the only people Ezzie had agreed to see. Tons of people she knew from school had approached the Jacobs’ household after hearing of Ethan’s death, in hopes of consoling her. She had sent every one of them back, refusing to talk to anyone but those few people. She had given one small interview the day after it happened. A reporter had bombarded her while she was heading towards Diagon Alley with her mother. Her new team of bodyguards had been sent on their twenty minute lunch break, and the reporters pounced. “Miss Mendez, please tell us. Is it true you actually saw it happen? Do you know anything about the shooter?” Ezzie remembered staring at the man as if he had four heads. “ I have no idea who shot Ethan. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m in mourning right now, so have a bit of respect and leave me the hell alone.” She told the man bitterly, walking away seconds later. Her mother glared at the reporter and they walked off, leaving the sleezy reporter in the dust.

After that day, Ezzie had not set foot outside her home. She had used floo to travel to Casey’s every now and then, but other than that, Ezzie had isolated herself from everyone. Looking around, Ezzie saw a few familiar faces. She saw Carey Brighton and her boyfriend Loki, who were forced to stand in the back of the room without a seat. She also saw the Chan family. Ezzie shuddered remembering the day. Ezzie was grateful to Harmony for rescuing her from the kidnapper, but sometimes, Ezzie wished she hadn’t. If the kidnapper had done his job right and taken Ezzie in the first place, she wouldn’t be in this hell. Ethan wouldn’t be dead, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs would have a whole lot more money and space in their home, and Casey wouldn’t have had to suffer for Ezzie’s mistakes. Casey was Ezzie’s best friend. She was normally a happy, bubbly person. But, after Ethan’s death, Ezzie’s depression had started to rub off on Casey. She just wasn’t the same person anymore.

Ezzie looked around, and was grateful that Amber hadn’t arrived yet. However, she was a bit upset that Casey wasn’t here either. Ezzie looked on either side of her. There were two large serious looking men who were armed with all kinds of weapons-both magical and muggle. She sighed. Suddenly, she spotted Casey. She watched as she walked up to the front row, and attempted to take a seat next to Ezzie. “I’m sorry miss, but I can’t let you do that.” He said officially. Ezzie stood up from her seat. “Jim, it’s all right. She’s my friend.” Ezzie said. The man frowned and allowed Casey to sit. However, he glared at her as she spoke to Ezzie. Of course, the first thing Casey asked was where her boyfriend was. Wait-was he even her boyfriend? Ezzie had lost track of whether they were only friends, or dating after all. She sighed.

“I have no idea. I don’t think he’s arrived yet. But, I’m sure he’ll come soon. You know how he is. Always running late. I saved him a seat. She said, glancing at the two seats directly behind her. One was marked “Julia Paige McGreggor” and the other was marked “Carson Daniel McGreggor”. Ezzie let her eyes stray toward Ethan’s casket. Suddenly, she felt tears brimming in her eyes. She tried to blink them away, but one escaped. Ezzie let one small tear trickle down her tanned face. She spoke to Casey, unable to take her eyes off the beautiful marble casket up front. A picture of Ethan was propped right in front of it. “This is just so unbelievable. I keep going to bed every night, hoping I’ll wake up and see him walk through the door.” Ezzie sighed heavily and turned away from the front of the tent. She glanced at the clock. It was almost two thirty. The funeral would begin soon. Was Ezzie ready to say goodbye to Ethan?

((I’ll post Carson when I get back. Anyone can post the start of the funeral. See you all when I get back!))

[Zara Phoenix]

Zara smartened herself up, smoothing her trousers down and straightening her shirt. She caught her own eyes in the mirror, before reaching for her brush and running it through her straight long mass of reddy-brown locks. It was straight today, falling in sleek waves over her shoulder. Letting her gaze run across the contrast of the bright colour against the pure black of her top, Zara eventually put her brush down and grabbed her bag from the table. It was time to go.

Zara met Sapp in the living room. Her twin was dressed accordingly too. Zara sent her a small smile and briefed Sapp on where they were heading to again, before closing her eyes and apparating near the church where the funeral for Ethan Jacobs would be held. Sapp appeared beside her several seconds later, to Zara’s relief, and together they rounded the corner of the street to approach the loud buzz of reporters that were following Ethan’s remembrance ceremony. Zara was glad Sapp was next to her; she wasn’t scared, but having that physical reassurance was much appreciated. This was the first funeral Zara had ever attended, and she was curious, but dubious too, about what it held in store. She was wary rather than fearful, and the reporters only heightened that anxiety. Zara suddenly questioned why she was here, why she had bothered to come, but soon remembered that she was here to say goodbye to a fellow Gryffindor and Hogwarts student. Zara didn’t want to let Ethan down, even though she didn’t even know the younger boy. Still, she felt connected to him in a way; they had shared the same school for five years, had the same teachers in the same lessons. He was part of the small and close-knit community that was Hogwarts, despite the divides that split the houses and the blood of some individuals. He was also a Gryffindor, and they had shared the same Common Room. The other reason was because Esmeralda Mendez, a good friend of Ethan's, was sure to be there, and Zara supposed, although she and Ezzie had only spoken once since being paired up in BBBS, she was worried about the fourth year girl.

Zara approached the crowds with a cold face she normally could not muster and asked them to part way. They did slowly, and Zara and Sapp pushed their way through until they entered the church. Zara was so thankful once that door was closed behind them; relief came with the dimming of such loud noise to almost utter silence. She stared around the large room of the church, her eyes first landing on a casket at the top. She realised what that casket held, and turned away. Zara caught the familiar faces of several Hogwarts students, quietly seated and waiting, and followed their example, choosing a seat near the back. Hands folded neatly on her lap, Zara waited patiently for the ceremony to begin. Her eyes never stopped roaming the church though, captivated by the etherealness of it. Zara was not a religious person; she was a Christian, she thought, but never a devout, orthodox one. Still, Zara held within herself a great sense of peace and equality, and morals that were similar to that of good Christians. She didn’t pray, didn’t actively celebrate the festivals, but that didn’t stop her from believing. The funeral today was really a cross between sorrow and fascination for her. A loss of a mutual friend, and learning of new things.

Zara remembered the moment she had received her invitation, as did Sapp. Both had separate ones in separate envelopes, and Zara hadn’t expected anything of the like when she had opened it. The shock that had settled on her face had remained there for a long time; someone from their school – from her house – had died. Zara had barely believed it at first, until she had noticed the Daily Prophet with a report that Ethan Jacobs, a fifth year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had died in a tragic incident. At first, Zara had decided against going, even though she knew everyone was welcome to attend; most likely, a lot of Hogwarts students, especially friends of Ethan, would be there to commemorate him. However, Zara changed her mind nearing the funeral date. She had mulled it over, and had finally decided that she wanted to be there too; to join the throng of students that mourned Ethan’s loss having not really known him. Zara wanted to join her sadness with everyone else, and feel a sense of being one.

Zara turned and flashed Sapp a small, but encouraging smile. Once again, she felt gratefulness rise in her chest. Zara had been willing to go alone, but Sapp had insisted on joining her for moral support. Zara had protested that she didn’t need it, but at the end of the day, she had been wary about coming to her first funeral, and the moral support was more than appreciated. Grateful that she had such a supportive twin that would help her and be there for her whenever she needed, Zara made a mental note to thank Sapp later when they left the church and got home. Right now, she could only sit in silence and await the beginning of the ceremony. Her eyes were very aware of a familiar head of brown up front, one that belonged to an Esmeralda Mendez.

[Julie Paige McGreggor]

“Carson! Hurry up! We’re already late enough as it is!” Julie called out to her little brother from her studio. She was wearing an elegant but conservative black dress that was covered by a large oversized art smock. A red paintbrush was poised in her hand. She had been ready for hours (for once) so she had decided to kill some time by working on her painting. She was working on painting of a lake. Julie, much like her brother Carson, enjoyed painting landscapes. Julie preferred water, while Carson liked to paint sunsets. Her favorite scene of all to paint was the lake near her aunt and uncle’s house. Julie used to spend hours out there by the lake. It brought her the peace, quiet, and solitude she had always yearned. Julie had a dozen different paintings of that same scene. The beauty of it all was that they all looked different. She sighed and stepped back to look at her painting. She was almost done, but she couldn’t stay and finish it. The funeral started in five minutes, and Carson wasn’t even ready yet. Julie walked over to a nearby sink and cleaned out her brushes. She threw her smock onto the desk and walked up to Carson’s room. The door was wide open, and Carson was inside fumbling with a black tie. She gave her brother a small sigh.

“Let me help you with that.” She said, walking up to Carson, who looked extremely angry. She didn’t blame him. Anger was how Carson coped with his issues. It wasn’t the healthiest way to deal with something as big as a death, but it had worked for Julie all those years ago. After her parents died in Azkaban, all Julie did was snarl and pitch fights. But hat was all in the past. Julie was a new person now. Julie expertly tied the tie loosely around his neck. “There. Now c’mon. Trust me, the sooner it’s over with, the better you’ll feel.” She told him, giving him a comforting hug. “I doubt that.” He mumbled angrily. She gave him a small sigh and held out her hand. They would be apparating to the church. Carson held it tightly. His hands felt cold and clammy. Within seconds, they were staring at a large white tent that was supposed to be the church. After the ceremony was over, Ethan would be buried in front of a national audience. Sighing, Julie and Carson walked inside.

Carson immediately walked to the very front row to meet up with his friends. The one on the end with the black hair had to be Ezzie. Julie had heard all about her from the media and of course, Carson. Julie had no idea who the brunette girl was, but she had a feeling she was the girl Ethan had been telling her about a few weeks earlier. Julie shuddered. Just a few weeks earlier, Ethan Jacobs was a happy, healthy, basically normal teenage boy. Now he was dead. Things like death didn’t happen to kids like Ethan. Ethan was a good kid, he didn’t deserve such a fate. People like Julie’s aunt and uncle on the other hand, did. They were old. They lived their life. Plus they were cruel, cold hearted people. They deserved Ethan’s fate, not this innocent little boy. Julie sighed as she took a seat behind Carson. She could hear every word of his conversation.

“Hey, guys.” Carson said, taking a seat next to the brunette girl. She was pretty. This was probably the girl Ethan was talking about. Julie looked knowingly from Carson to the girl. They would make a cute couple. Julie pondered whether they were dating yet or not, but didn’t have much time to think on it, as the funeral was about to begin. The large room fell into a hushed silence and a priest dressed in mostly black walked up to the front of the room. He gave the crowd a small welcoming speech, and then he began talking about Ethan and god. It all sounded so forced. It had nothing to do with Ethan as a person. It was almost as if the priest had a script prepared for every funeral he spoke at, and all he had to do was fill in the blanks. After what seemed like hours of useless words, the priest asked everyone to proceed outside for the burial. Julie looked around. People everywhere were crying. Julie wiped a tear from her own face and met up with Carson and his friends. “Care to introduce me to your friends, Car?” She said, glancing at the brunette girl with a small smile. Carson looked especially angry, and once Julie glanced at the girl, he started to blush a bit. Julie stifled a laugh and waited for someone to speak as thousands of people crowded outside.

[Casey Allen G5]

Casey smiled slightly as she tried to walk over to Ezzie. “Huh?” She exclaimed when the security guard tried to stop her. Usually, Casey was used to them, but they usually followed her around. Actually, Eden. She had never actually been stopped by a body guard. Nope they just defended her. Casey looked at the guy and then at Ezzie. “Sorry I..” But Ezzie spoke up thankfully. Casey knew that Ezzie would talk to her. After all, Casey had been trying to cheer Ezzie up for days. But Casey knew that she just needed to get her anger out and that would take awhile. Casey was angry too, but she knew how to handle it pretty well. Maybe that was because her mother left so unexpectedly. Casey was used to pain and anger even though few people thought that she was. After all, she was Casey. She was bubbly and bright. A lot of people only knew that side of her, but she was more than just a happy face. Casey sighed and looked at Ezzie. She wondered how long it would take for her friend to get over this, probably a while. Ezzie really cared for Ethan. Casey thought they could have gotten married one day. One day when they both settled down and realized that they didn’t need to fight and they didn’t need anyone else. But, that couldn’t happen anymore. This thought almost made Casey want to cry.

“Thanks.” Casey said to Ezzie as she sat down next to her friend. Casey nodded when Ezzie replied to her question about Carson. “Yep, that’s Carson alright.” She smiled very slightly. “I hope he’s okay.” She said looking at Ezzie. Really, Casey was more concerned with Ezzie’ well-being for the moment. Casey well, she was doing fine. After all, she hadn’t dated Ethan and she was his best-friend. But he was still her friend and Casey still wished that he was still with them. She wished that they were the four again, but they weren’t. Now there were only three. Casey’s eyes drifted to Ethan’s casket as Ezzie’s did. She then looked at Ezzie to see the tears in her eyes. Casey almost felt like crying at Ezzie’s word. Actually, she did, but only a tear or two. If she cried anymore, she wouldn’t be able to stop. Casey nodded at what Ezzie said. “I know.” She told her friend. This was hard. This was crazy and unbelievable. But this was real. “The feeling will go away. You just have to give it time.” She nodded. Ethan was the first person in her life Casey had really ever lost. Well at least the first to die. Casey’s mum didn’t die, but it felt like she did. Casey used to wait for her to tuck her in at night. But she never came home to do it and Casey would fall asleep waiting for her. So one day after a year of waiting, Casey gave up and went to bed on her own. That had been the day she started resenting her mother.

Casey smiled as Carson finally arrived. He took a seat next to her. “Hi.” She said smiling softly. Moments later, the funeral began. A priest got up and said some words about Ethan. Casey grimaced. This guy didn’t know Ethan at all. Who was he to say that Ethan had a good life and he was a good kid? Ethan did have a good life, but it had been ended far too early. So was it really that good? Ethan was missing so much. He was going to miss so much. Thinking about this is what hurt Casey the most. Finally. Casey thought when the priest finished and they were all to walk outside for the burial. Casey cried a tear or so as she realized that this was it, this was really goodbye. But she decided to save her tears. There would be plenty of other times to cry. Casey stood up and looked to Ezzie and then Carson. She turned when she heard a voice. Casey smiled slightly. This must be Carson’s sister, Julie. Casey looked to Carson who was blushing. This led Casey to blush a bit herself. She then looked to Julie. “Casey Allen.” She introduced herself. “You’re the artist, right. Carson’s told me a little about you.” She offered. Casey then looked to Ezzie for a moment. Really, Casey was just ready for this long day to be over with.

[Julie Paige McGreggor]

Julie smiled a bit as the girl introduced herself. Casey Allen. What an adorable name. It definitely fit her look. Julie mulled it over in her head. Casey and Carson. It sounded cute. Everything about this girl was just adorable. There was no other way to describe her. She reminded Julie a bit of a kitten. She noticed many people walking out the door into the park outside. She sighed. She saw dozens of people she barely knew, and even more she didn’t know at all. Her big round eyes swept over the small group of kids in front of her. There was Carson, who looked both angry and nervous at the same time. He was blushing. Standing next to him was that Casey girl, who seemed sweet enough. She was blushing a bit too. She didn’t know why.

Carson knew by now to consider Julie a sister, and Casey should too if she was going to be dating Carson. This guardian stuff was nonsense. Carson was fifteen years old. He had sense enough to stay away from trouble, and he knew when to draw the line. He was strong and he had his magic. He had good morals and a kind heart. What else did he need other than a little love? He sure wasn’t going to get any love at his aunt and uncle’s house, so Julie made sure he got plenty of love when he was at her house. Carson did tend to drift a lot from time to time. Sometimes he was at Julie’s, and sometimes he was in Whales with Julie. Regrettably though, Carson did spent a lot of time in London with his aunt and uncle. She didn’t blame him. All his friends were all in London, and as much as Julie hated to admit it, Erick and Rachel were much better cooks than Julie was. Julie hated cooking. Every time Carson was over, she’d order takeout or pizza. Whenever he wasn’t around (which was the majority of the year) she would just eat cereal for dinner or something. Julie never had a big appetite.

“Yes, I’m the artist. But I’m not the only one out there. Have you seen Carson’s work yet?” Julie remembered watching Carson struggle with wrapping paper a few nights ago as he tried to wrap an enormous canvas with bright red paper. She saw him sign the card. He still didn’t know Julie was watching him that night. He signed the card. It was so unemotional that Julie wanted to go walk over to him and personally show him how to sign a Christmas card. He simply wrote To: Casey, From: Carson. There was no love in that small label on the gift. Julie repressed the urge to roll her eyes at Carson’s complete lack of emotion. She saw the painting that was wrapped inside though, and all the emotion in the world was painted onto that canvas. The gift itself would surely make up for the terrible card. Julie smiled slightly. Suddenly, Julie noticed that they were one of the only ones left in the makeshift church.

“I guess we’d better head out.” Julie said to the group, which consisted of Carson, Casey, Ezzie, and a few very large and scary looking bodyguards surrounding Ezzie. She couldn’t see Ezzie behind all the men, but she was sure she was absolutely depressed. She sighed, feeling sorry for the little girl. She was only fourteen, and yet she had been through so much. Julie knew the feeling. By fourteen, Both Julie’s parents were dead, and Julie was struggling to keep peace between herself and her aunt and uncle. She sighed again as she walked out. She figured she’d leave Carson be with his friends. It was their moment, and Julie felt like an intruder in their moment of grief. She stood in a large crowd of people. She completely lost sight of Carson and his friends, but she was sure they were near the front somewhere. They were all very close to Ethan, so of course they would be given the special tretement of being right there when Ethan was buried. Julie felt for Carson. Ethan was his best friend. He would never be the same again, and Julie knew this.

Julie shed many tears on Ethan’s behalf that day. She listened and cried some more when Ezzie Mendez’s face could be seen on a podium littered with bouquets of flowers around it. The podium was right in front of Ethan’s soon-to-be grave. She listened as Ezzie sang Amazing Grace (shereally was an amazing singer for only fourteen years old) and she saw many tears run down the young girl’s face as well as she sang. Julie swallowed hard as people lined up to place flowers into his grave before Ethan Alexander Jacobs disappeared into the ground one last time. She placed one single innocent loking white daisy into his grave. “Goodbye, Ethan. You were a good kid.” Julie walked away from the grave as the daisy fell into a pile amongst other flowers. The daisy had always reminded Julie of innocence and childhood. It was the flower that represented Ethan perfectly. Although, Julie wasn’t sure how innocent he really was. Julie smiled slightly as she went to find Carson. When she did find him, he was still with Casey and Ezzie. “You ready to go, Car?” Julie asked him in a soft voice. “Actually, Jules, I was thinking maybe I’d spend the night at Aunt Rachel and Uncle Erick’s place. I’ll come by tomorrow.” Julie smiled sadly. She understood that he’d want to spend time with his friends in a time like this, but she couldn’t help but feel a bit forgotten. She used to be Carson’s number one when he was little. Now all he cared about were his friends. Julie sighed heavily, and the second she knew no one was looking, she disappeared with a loud crack that was barely even heard over the chatter of the scattering people headed for their homes. The second Julie arrived home, she collapsed into her bed for a nap. Today had been a long day.

((Whoa. Long one. This isn’t necessarily the last post for this thread; it’s just Julie’s last post. She wanted to leave early.))