Kreacher had been waiting here for a long time.
It stood in the corner, gazing from afar at a black stone coffin.
Sirius Black led everyone toward the coffin.
The coffin was uncovered. Inside lay Regulus, dressed in an elegant black robe.
He lay atop white lilies, symbols of purity, with the fake locket that had replaced the Horcrux resting on his chest.
Sirius Black stood before the coffin in silence for a long while before reaching for a white lily placed nearby.
He kissed the petals, then gently set the flower beside the locket on Regulus's chest.
Harry came next, placing a white lily on the other side of the locket.
Then came Dumbledore, followed by Vincent.
After Lupin, Arthur, Molly, Moody, and several other members of the Order of the Phoenix came those who knew about the Horcruxes: Hermione, Cedric, Rolf, Daphne, Ron, Fred, and George.
Kreacher timidly approached. "Master Sirius, can Kreacher..."
Sirius Black considered it, then finally nodded in agreement.
Kreacher had been deeply loyal to Regulus. It had arranged this funeral as well, and there was no need to keep following the Black Family's rules.
When the last white lily had been offered, the stone coffin slowly sank into the ground, and a gravestone rose in its place.
"A truly brave hero rests here.
Regulus Arcturus Black
1961–1979"
The quiet funeral came to an end. Sirius Black told everyone to return first; he wanted to stay here a little longer.
Kreacher did not leave either, standing quietly at his side.
Back at the church, the usually talkative twins could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The grief and suffocating atmosphere of the funeral had made them uncomfortable. Hopefully, there would be no more occasions like this in the future.
The few who had stayed up