August 12th, 1981.
Two of them were in the Potters' backyard. The rest stayed inside for qualified medical care from Madam Pomfrey.
They were lying right on the damp ground under one of the trees and were silent. After what they did, words were superfluous. Everyone was thinking about their own. They have done almost the impossible. Not for themselves, but for their loved ones.
There is a creak of floorboards and a light slam of the door. Sirius joins them. He literally falls to the ground and throws his arms out.
“Reggie...” Sirius raises his hand and points somewhere in the sky. “I can't even believe it's over.”
Regulus' star shone especially brightly today as if he had seen everything. It was as if Regulus was proud of them and was giving a sign. He could be twenty years old today.
“And now what? I've never thought so far ahead...” Sirius swallows hard.
"Retire. Go on a trip, probably. Sirius, you've always wanted to travel with Remus! Like a sweet couple!" James picks up, his gaze still blank, but for a moment a sincere smile flashes on his face.
“I would like to travel...” Sirius thinks for a second, and then raises himself on his elbows and looks at James, “Where would you like to go, James?”
He looks up at Sirius and seriously thinks, “Traveling...?" James glances at the sky “France, maybe. Regulus… It doesn't matter, France just sounds like something good.”
“What about you, Barty?” James redirects the question.
“What?” Barty, who was not expecting the question, blinks in bewilderment.
"Where are you going now?" Barty doesn't answer for a couple of minutes, lost in his thoughts.
Sirius and James are in no hurry. The last few years have been too difficult for them, especially for Barty. He was just a kid. Ordinary thoughts are difficult to formulate when you have been fixated on survival and building plans within plans for many years. It is difficult to think about simple things when you have recently lost all your loved ones, your family.
Sirius and James are well aware of this.
"Get my reward." Barty nervously fiddles with the rings on the chain, but a warm smile blooms on his face. Sincere.
James doesn't understand what Barty means. Or he pretends that he doesn't understand. He stands up heavily and slaps Barty on the shoulder as a sign of support, and then goes into the house. Casting a sad glance at Barty before closing the door.
But Sirius understands. Clearly and plainly. He knows that feeling. He can only smile sadly in response.
They lie on the ground until dawn, just silent and smiling, watching the starry sky.
After that day, no one saw or heard from Barty.
The Daily Prophet. Dated August 14th, 1981.
"Son Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement – Bartemius Crouch Jr. found dead!"
Sirius, Remus, James.
You may be surprised that I am writing you a letter. It was a habit of Regulus, but... By the time you read this letter, I will no longer be alive. I'm sorry.
We're used to talking. To shout on emotions or to talk quietly about something.
However, before we get into all the emotional nonsense, I have something to say.
Sirius, don't be an idiot. Finally, make an offer to Remus. You'll make a great couple. You are already constantly fighting like an old married couple so why delay?
Remus. We didn't talk that much, but still. Take care of Sirius, okay? He is the main drama queen, but even he has a pain that he will never show to this world. Stay the way you are, little wolf.
James. You're not alone. Remember that. I understand everything you feel. But you still have a family that loves you. You show up earlier than you're supposed to, and I'll kick your ghost ass. I'm sure Reggie won't mind.
That evening, in the garden, I said I would go for my reward, which I did. Evan has been waiting for me on the other side for too long. Ma raison d'être. You can't keep your love waiting. L’amour ne fait pas d’erreur.
I seem to be setting a bad example, don't I? James, don't even think about it.
So, the reward. So that you will not feel so bad without the magnificent and unique me, I share with you the reward. A very bitter reward.
There's something in the envelope. Please be careful with it. It is one of a kind.
!drum roll!
The resurrection stone.
Remus, don't be a skeptic, and don't you dare roll your eyes. Your friend has the Cloak of Invisibility!
I ask you not to use it often to amuse yourself by communicating with someone. Do not disturb the dead. But I think you all need one conversation with those you've lost.
I talked to Evan. Shortly before the final battle. So now that everything is over, I decided to connect with him in his world, the world of the dead.
I would say I'm sorry, but that would be a lie.
Take care of yourself. Don't be fools.
We are waiting for you. Old. And with a bunch of fascinating stories!
Barty "Snakie" Crouch Jr.